The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has called for greater transparency when it comes to the future of Dhurringile Prison after receiving disappointing responses to recent questions.
Despite being answered weeks after the prison had already closed and begun its decommissioning process, responses from the Minister for Correction failed to mention the future plans for the prison site and only referred to the closure as an upcoming event.
“After calling for more information about the future of the site, the responses from the Minister only referred to the upcoming decommissioning of the site – despite this already having begun,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The closure of this prison is an important issue that is set to have a far-reaching impact on hundreds of local residents, as well as the broader region’s economy, the least the Minister can do is provide up-to-date information about the decommissioning process.
“The lack of transparency and consultation with the community so far has left many in the town feeling uncertain about the future of the Dhurringile Prison site and this must improve.”
Ms Cleeland said she was pleased to hear that an open day would be held in the coming weeks, providing concerned locals with another opportunity to raise their thoughts about the future of the prison site.
“One of the excellent ideas proposed by the local steering committee was to hold a community open day, in which the future opportunities of the prison site can be shared and discussed with locals,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Now that this open day has been announced, locals will have a chance to have their voices heard.
“Community consultation is critical to ensuring the prison site is used for something that will benefit residents of Dhurringile and the surrounding community.”
Ms Cleeland has also created a survey on her website that allows locals to express what they want to replace the prison, as well as share how the closure has impacted them.
https://www.annabellecleeland.com.au/whats-next-for-dhurringile-prison/