With the Victorian Government staying tight-lipped about the future of the Dhurringile Prison site and refusing to disclose what form of community consultation will take place to help it decide that future, the critical closure date draws closer.
The prison will close in just over a month, on August 31, leaving 170 on-site staff without employment locally.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland say it is essential locals are given the support they need and deserve.
The Nationals MPs attended a briefing by Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan about the closure of the low-security prison and are calling on the government to ensure the community is properly supported during the transition.
“There was an intentional decision to keep staff in the dark about the closure of the prison, meaning employees now have just eight weeks to make life-altering decisions about their future before the doors are closed,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is simply not enough time for staff to make a transition that will have a major impact on their careers and the livelihoods of their families.”
Mrs O’Keeffe said the impact on the local community must be minimised.
“This was a rushed decision that failed to incorporate the local community and staff at the prison,” she said.
“Dhurringile Prison is a major employer for the local area, and the sudden closure of the prison has left several people distressed and disillusioned.
“They are unsure about what this means for job prospects, the local economy and the mental health and wellbeing of the staff and their families.”
The MPs are planning a community meeting after discussions with residents to give those affected a platform to raise their concerns and share their thoughts about what the site could be used for in future.
“There is a big question remaining about what the site will be used for now that the prison will be shut down,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I think it is best to put the question to the community and hear their thoughts about something that will be such a major factor for their town.”
The Nationals have accused the government of not being able to manage money or the justice system and said Victorians were paying the price.
Their sentiment was echoed by a government employee who wanted to remain anonymous.
“This closure is an absolute disgrace by the Allan Government and Corrections Victoria,” he said.
“No thought was put into the effect this will have on the Shepparton-Tatura area and beyond, especially as we are still recovering economically from the October 2022 floods.
“With 260-odd jobs on the line and the flow-on effects that this will have on local businesses that not only rely on providing goods and services to the prison, this takes around $40 million to $50 million out of our local community.
“If you accept that every dollar multiplies by six as they do with tourism, that is in the order of $250 million to $300 million.”
News readers have suggested various uses for the site, which has around 450 beds, including converting it to a homeless shelter, accommodation for people escaping family violence or emergency temporary housing.
Others believed the site would make a great historic tourist attraction or entertainment venue, while some proposed it should continue as a training facility with its working farm already established on the grounds.