Western Plains Correctional Centre stands as one of the most significant correctional infrastructure projects undertaken in Victoria in recent decades. Developed to respond to increasing demand within the state’s prison system, the facility represents a major shift in how maximum-security prisons are designed, staffed and operated. Located at Lara near Geelong, Western Plains Correctional Centre has been purpose-built to manage high-risk and complex prisoners while supporting safety, order and long-term system capacity.
Since commencing operations in mid-2025, the prison has become a central part of Victoria’s adult corrections network. Its scale, layout and operational model reflect lessons learned from older facilities and changing approaches to custodial management. Operated by Corrections Victoria under the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the centre houses both sentenced prisoners and individuals on remand within a strictly controlled environment.
Location and regional setting
Western Plains Correctional Centre is located at 1150 Bacchus Marsh Road, Lara VIC 3212, within the Greater Geelong region of Victoria. The prison sits alongside existing correctional facilities, including Barwon Prison and Marngoneet Correctional Centre, forming part of a long-established prison precinct that has served Victoria for decades. This clustering of facilities allows for shared infrastructure, coordinated emergency response and efficient deployment of correctional resources.
The Lara location provides a balance between accessibility and isolation. It is close enough to Geelong and Melbourne’s western corridor to support daily staff commuting, professional visits and service delivery, while remaining sufficiently removed from densely populated residential areas. Access to the prison is primarily by road via Bacchus Marsh Road, which links Lara to surrounding regional centres and metropolitan routes. This road-based access is essential for secure prisoner transport, emergency services and logistical operations.
The surrounding landscape is semi-rural in character, reinforcing the separation required for a maximum-security institution while allowing sufficient space for a large, self-contained correctional complex.
Project development, cost and construction timeline
The development of Western Plains Correctional Centre was driven by growing pressure on Victoria’s prison system. Population growth, increased remand numbers and the ageing condition of some older facilities highlighted the need for additional high-security capacity. Rather than relying solely on expansions to existing prisons, the state committed to constructing a new, purpose-built facility capable of supporting long-term corrections planning.
Construction commenced in February 2020, with main works beginning in October of the same year. The project was delivered by the state’s prison infrastructure authority, with John Holland appointed as head contractor. Despite challenges associated with the scale of the project and broader construction conditions during that period, the build was completed in November 2022.
The total reported cost of the project was approximately $1.119 billion. More than 4.5 million work hours were recorded during construction, reflecting the size and complexity of the facility. Around 92 per cent of materials and services were sourced locally, and approximately 300,000 hours were attributed to apprentices, trainees and cadets. These figures highlight the project’s economic footprint as well as its role in workforce development during the construction phase.
Although construction was completed in 2022, the prison did not immediately begin operations. A significant period followed in which systems were tested, staff were recruited and trained, and operational readiness was assessed. This extended preparation phase was intended to ensure the facility could operate safely and effectively from the moment prisoners were introduced.
Opening and commencement of operations
Western Plains Correctional Centre officially opened on 26 June 2025. This marked the first opening of a new adult prison in Victoria in almost ten years. Rather than commencing full operations immediately, prisoner intake was staged to reduce risk and allow staff to manage the transition in a controlled manner.
Initial transfers were carefully planned and executed, with a substantial number of prisoners arriving from Port Phillip Prison as part of broader changes to Victoria’s prison network. These transfers were conducted incrementally to ensure accommodation areas, staffing levels and operational systems were able to adapt as the population increased.
By late 2025, Western Plains Correctional Centre was operating as an active maximum-security facility, supporting high-security prisoner management and large-scale transfers while continuing to build toward full operational capacity.
Capacity and internal structure
When fully operational, Western Plains Correctional Centre is designed to accommodate approximately 1,248 prisoners. Rather than housing all prisoners within a single large structure, the prison is divided into eight separate accommodation communities. Each community functions as a semi-independent unit within the broader secure perimeter, allowing for more controlled management of daily activities and movement.
This community-based structure allows prison management to separate prisoners according to classification, risk profile and operational needs. It also reduces the scale of interactions within each area, which can assist in maintaining order and reducing tension.
In addition to the main accommodation communities, the prison includes a 44-bed close supervision and support unit. This unit is designed for prisoners who require increased supervision due to behavioural concerns, security risks or safety issues. Movement within this unit is more restricted, and staffing levels are higher to ensure close monitoring.
Architecturally, the prison uses central internal corridors, sometimes referred to as internal main streets, to connect accommodation areas with shared services such as health facilities, prison industries and visit spaces. Dual-entry connections allow staff to move different prisoner cohorts without unnecessary contact, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
Design approach and sustainability
Western Plains Correctional Centre reflects a contemporary approach to prison design in Victoria. While maintaining strict security standards, the facility incorporates features intended to support more stable environments and effective daily management. Natural light, access to outdoor views and improved airflow are integrated where possible, recognising the impact of physical environments on behaviour and wellbeing.
The project was assessed under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia rating framework. Sustainability considerations influenced aspects of material selection, energy efficiency and long-term operational planning. These measures were intended to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and security required of a maximum-security prison.
The design also prioritises clear sightlines, controlled intersections and efficient movement pathways. These features support staff supervision and reduce the need for unnecessary prisoner movement across the site.
Security systems and operational controls
As a maximum-security facility, Western Plains Correctional Centre operates with advanced security infrastructure across the entire site. Extensive closed-circuit television coverage monitors internal and external areas, while secure perimeter fencing and controlled access points protect the boundary of the prison.
Facial recognition technology forms part of the identification and monitoring framework, supporting accurate prisoner tracking and access control. Integrated movement systems allow staff to monitor prisoner locations in real time, improving response capability and reducing risk during daily operations.
Prior to opening, staff completed more than one hundred emergency incident response drills. These drills tested lockdown procedures, medical response coordination, evacuations and incident containment under a wide range of scenarios. This preparation was essential given the scale of the facility and the complexity of the prisoner population.
Staffing and operational readiness
At the time of opening, Western Plains Correctional Centre employed more than 400 custodial officers, including 141 newly recruited staff members. These officers completed training specific to the facility’s layout, technology and operational model.
Custodial officers are supported by healthcare professionals, program facilitators, operational staff and administrative teams. Training places strong emphasis on emergency response, communication, prisoner supervision and safety procedures. Given the size of the prison and the range of prisoner classifications housed there, staffing levels and preparedness are critical to maintaining order and safety.
Operational readiness also involved establishing clear procedures for daily routines, incident management and coordination with external agencies such as police and emergency services.
Prisoner intake and transfers
Prisoner intake at Western Plains Correctional Centre began following the official opening in June 2025. Transfers were conducted in stages to ensure accommodation areas and staffing levels could adapt safely to the growing population.
A large proportion of prisoners transferred to the centre came from Port Phillip Prison, reflecting broader changes within Victoria’s corrections system. The facility has also been used to temporarily house prisoners from other prisons during maintenance works or operational disruptions.
All transfers are subject to assessment to ensure prisoners are placed within appropriate accommodation communities based on classification, behaviour and security requirements.
Health and medical services
Western Plains Correctional Centre includes a dedicated health precinct designed to provide comprehensive medical care within the secure environment of the prison. Outpatient facilities include multiple consultation rooms, program rooms, a dental suite, X-ray capability, physiotherapy and occupational therapy spaces, and treatment rooms for minor procedures.
Inpatient care is available through several multi-bed wards, a single-bed ward and a bariatric ward. An observation wing includes dedicated observation cells, indoor communal areas and a secure outdoor courtyard. These spaces allow monitored access to fresh air and natural light while maintaining safety.
Mental health services are integrated into Victoria’s broader correctional health system, supporting prisoners experiencing acute or ongoing mental health issues.
Prison industries and daily routines
Daily routines at Western Plains Correctional Centre are structured to maintain order and support rehabilitation. The prison operates several on-site work areas, including food services, snap-frozen food production, metal fabrication, powder coating and grounds maintenance.
Participation in work programs is supervised and scheduled, supporting routine, responsibility and skill development. Education and behavioural programs are also offered, subject to sentence type, classification and operational capacity.
These activities form a central part of daily life within the prison and are intended to contribute to stability and long-term reintegration outcomes.
Visiting arrangements and contact details
Visits to Western Plains Correctional Centre are managed under Corrections Victoria policies. All visitors must be approved and included on a prisoner’s visitor list before attending. Identification checks and security screening apply to all visits.
The Visits Centre operates daily between 11:30 am and 4:30 pm, subject to operational requirements and security conditions. Visiting arrangements may be adjusted during lockdowns, incidents or other operational needs.
The prison’s general contact number is 1300 598 808. Professional visits, including legal consultations, are coordinated through the designated professional visits email address, WPCC.professionalvisits@justice.vic.gov.au.
Incidents and operational challenges
Since commencing operations, Western Plains Correctional Centre has experienced incidents that highlight the challenges inherent in managing a large maximum-security prison. In late November 2025, a serious stabbing incident involving inmates resulted in hospitalisation and a police investigation.
In early December 2025, an emergency response was activated following a liquid oxygen tank leak near the prison industries area. The affected area was evacuated as a precaution, and the incident was resolved without reported injuries.
These events underline the importance of robust emergency planning, staff training and effective coordination in high-security custodial environments.
Role within Victoria’s correctional system
Western Plains Correctional Centre now plays a central role within Victoria’s adult corrections network. Its size and modern infrastructure provide flexibility in managing high-security prisoners and responding to changes in demand across the system.
The facility has eased pressure on older prisons and improved the state’s capacity to manage complex prisoner populations. Its design supports both security and structured rehabilitation through controlled routines, work programs and integrated health services.
Conclusion
Western Plains Correctional Centre represents one of the most significant investments in Victoria’s correctional infrastructure. As the state’s newest maximum-security prison, it combines advanced security systems, modern design principles and structured operational practices to manage high-risk prisoners safely and effectively. While still progressing toward full capacity, the centre has already become a critical component of Victoria’s prison system and reflects the evolving approach to correctional management in the state.
FAQs
Where is the Western Plains Correctional Centre?
Western Plains Correctional Centre is located at 1150 Bacchus Marsh Road, Lara VIC 3212, in the Greater Geelong region of Victoria. It sits within an established prison precinct alongside Barwon Prison and Marngoneet Correctional Centre.
Which prisons in Victoria allow conjugal visits?
Victorian prisons do not offer conjugal visits. All visits are supervised and managed under Corrections Victoria policies, including at Western Plains Correctional Centre.
Do you still get Centrelink while in jail?
In most cases, Centrelink payments stop once a person enters prison. Some limited payments may continue for a short period, depending on individual circumstances, but long-term incarceration generally results in payments being suspended.
What is daily life like for inmates?
Daily life for inmates typically follows a structured routine that includes lock-in and lock-out times, meals, work or program participation, health appointments and supervised recreation. Routines are designed to maintain order, safety and consistent supervision.
Is a detention centre the same as a jail?
No. A detention centre usually holds people on remand or immigration detention, while a jail or prison houses people serving criminal sentences. The legal purpose and management of each facility are different.
What is the difference between a federal jail and a local jail?
In Australia, most prisons are operated by state or territory governments. There is no separate federal jail system like in some other countries. People convicted of federal offences are usually held in state prisons.
How can you find out if someone is in jail in Western Australia?
To find out if someone is in custody in Western Australia, enquiries can be made through Corrective Services WA. Due to privacy laws, information is limited and usually requires contacting the department directly or being an approved contact.
