Image: Jude Myers

A contract worth around $20 million has been awarded for temporary plumbing and electrical works at the new Grafton Correctional Centre to Laser Plumbing and Electrical Lismore in partnership with other local businesses. Northern Pathways consortium builder, John Holland, signed off the contract that will deliver jobs to the Northern Rivers region. The consortium will design, construct, operate and maintain the new 1700-bed facility on behalf of the NSW Government for the next 20 years. Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis met representatives from John Holland, Laser Plumbing and Electrical and local businesses last Friday in Grafton. Clarence Valley Council Mayor, Jim Simmons and representatives from the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry were also there to welcome the announcement as were representatives from local Grafton employment agency, DMAC Personnel who have partnered with the successful contractor to assist with the employment for this contract. “The NSW Government is delivering more jobs in regional NSW and we are committed to putting local businesses first for the new Grafton Correctional Centre to make sure the benefits stay local,” Mr Gulaptis said. The contract was awarded to Laser Plumbing and Electrical Lismore in partnership with some of the Clarence Valley’s key businesses. These businesses include, Valley Earthworks, Tradelink Grafton, Clarence Earthmoving and Laser Electrical Coffs Harbour. Mr Gulaptis said the new facility will create long term economic opportunities locally through the procurement of a range of goods and services, as well as jobs during both construction and operation. “This is a massive win for the local area, with the project set to inject more than $560 million into the local economy over the next 20 years and many construction materials and resources to be sourced from the area,” he said. Minister for Corrections David Elliott said the new Grafton Correctional Centre was designed to prioritised inmate rehabilitation to reduce recidivism in NSW. “This centre will be a state of the art facility which will not only accommodate more inmates, but will have a greater focus on rehabilitation without compromising staff security,” Mr Elliott said. Subject to planning approvals, the new Grafton Correctional Centre will commence operations mid-2020.