Western Plains Correctional Centre is Victoria’s newest maximum-security correctional facility, developed to meet long-term demand within the state’s justice system and to replace ageing prison infrastructure. Located in Lara, within the established Barwon Prison Precinct, the centre represents one of the largest public safety infrastructure projects ever delivered in regional Victoria.
The prison has been designed to support secure custody, improve staff safety, and deliver structured education, work, and rehabilitation programs intended to reduce reoffending and support reintegration into the community.
Location and Regional Context
Western Plains Correctional Centre is located at:
1150 Bacchus Marsh Road, Lara VIC 3212
The facility sits within the Barwon Prison Precinct in Victoria’s Barwon South West region, an area that already hosts multiple correctional institutions. This location allows for secure access to transport networks while maintaining appropriate separation from nearby residential areas.
Positioning the prison within an established corrections precinct supports shared emergency planning, coordinated workforce development, and long-term operational efficiency across the region.
Project Background and Construction
Western Plains Correctional Centre was delivered as a $1.119 billion Victorian Government project. Construction commenced in February 2020, with main works beginning in October 2020. Despite major challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget in November 2022.
The construction phase recorded approximately 4.5 million on-site work hours, supported by additional off-site production and manufacturing. The project prioritised the use of regional Victorian contractors, suppliers, and services, ensuring strong local economic participation throughout delivery.
Employment, Social Procurement and Community Outcomes
Western Plains Correctional Centre exceeded several Victorian Government workforce and inclusion targets during construction.
Verified outcomes included:
- Exceeding Aboriginal employment targets
- Strong engagement of cadets, apprentices, and trainees
- Extensive use of local and regional suppliers
- Exceeding a $16.3 million social procurement target
Through collaboration with the head contractor, the project created meaningful employment opportunities for disadvantaged Victorians, aligning with the state’s social procurement framework and inclusive employment policies.
Facility Overview and Capacity
Western Plains Correctional Centre is a 1248-bed maximum-security prison designed to accommodate male adult prisoners. Some operational references cite slightly higher figures due to bed classification methods, however the confirmed construction capacity remains 1248 beds.
The facility includes:
- Administration and management buildings
- Secure accommodation units
- A dedicated on-site health precinct
- Prison industry buildings
- Education and program delivery spaces
The layout has been designed to allow controlled movement, effective supervision, and safer daily operations for staff and prisoners.
Accommodation Model and Prisoner Classification
The prison operates using a community-based accommodation model, where prisoners are housed in smaller, separated residential communities rather than one large cell block.
Western Plains Correctional Centre accommodates:
- Remand prisoners
- Sentenced prisoners
- Protection prisoners
- Prisoners requiring higher levels of supervision
This model helps:
- Reduce conflict between incompatible prisoner groups
- Limit unnecessary prisoner movement
- Support targeted supervision and behaviour management
The facility also includes a 44-bed close supervision and support unit, designed for prisoners who require enhanced monitoring, behavioural intervention, or additional support.
Security Design and Infrastructure
Western Plains Correctional Centre incorporates modern, multi-layered security systems consistent with its maximum-security classification.
Key security features include:
- Secure perimeter fencing and controlled entry points
- Vehicle and pedestrian sally ports
- Extensive CCTV monitoring
- Electronic access control systems
- Centralised control room operations
- Zoned internal movement with lockdown capability
These systems are designed to protect staff, maintain secure containment, and allow parts of the facility to operate independently during incidents or emergencies.
Health Services and Mental Health Care
The prison includes a dedicated on-site health precinct, allowing medical and mental health services to be delivered within the secure perimeter.
Services include:
- General medical treatment
- Mental health assessment and ongoing care
- Crisis intervention
- Medication management
- Drug and alcohol support
Where specialist treatment is required, prisoners may be transferred to forensic health facilities. On-site healthcare reduces external transport needs and supports timely access to care.
Aboriginal Cultural Services and Support
Western Plains Correctional Centre provides specific support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners, consistent with Victoria’s Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
Publicly acknowledged supports include:
- Aboriginal wellbeing officers
- Cultural programs and activities
- Engagement with Elders
- Support for maintaining family and community connections
- Assistance with post-release planning
These services aim to improve cultural safety and rehabilitation outcomes for Aboriginal prisoners.
Prison Industries and Work Programs
Purpose-built prison industry facilities allow eligible prisoners to participate in structured work programs.
These programs are intended to:
- Develop practical employment skills
- Support behavioural stability
- Improve job readiness after release
- Contribute to safer prison operations
Participation is assessed and managed through individual case plans under Corrections Victoria oversight.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs
Western Plains Correctional Centre supports programs aimed at reducing reoffending and preparing prisoners for reintegration into the community.
Programs include:
- Education and vocational training
- Behaviour change initiatives
- Structured employment activities
- Case management and transition planning
Program participation is based on assessed risk and individual rehabilitation needs.
Environmental and Sustainability Outcomes
The project was delivered with published sustainability objectives, including:
- Reduced grid energy usage compared with standard benchmarks
- Lower water consumption through efficient systems
- High local content requirements for materials and labour
- Measures to manage lighting, noise, and environmental impact
These outcomes align with Victorian Government infrastructure sustainability standards.
Governance and Operational Management
Western Plains Correctional Centre is operated by Corrections Victoria, within the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).
Following completion, the site was formally handed over from the Community Safety Building Authority (CSBA) to Corrections Victoria, which is responsible for:
- Security and daily operations
- Staffing and workforce management
- Facility maintenance
- Prisoner supervision and program delivery
The prison operates as a state-run facility, ensuring public accountability.
Opening and Commissioning
Although construction was completed in 2022, Western Plains Correctional Centre officially opened to receive prisoners in mid-2025. The staged opening allowed time for:
- Staff recruitment and training
- Operational testing and commissioning
- Gradual prisoner transfers from other facilities
This approach reduced operational risk and ensured systems were fully functional before full occupancy.
Emergency Response Arrangements
The prison operates under established emergency response protocols, with coordination involving:
- Victoria Police
- Ambulance Victoria
- Fire Rescue Victoria
These agencies support responses to medical emergencies, fires, and serious incidents as required.
Contact and Visiting Information
Western Plains Correctional Centre
- Telephone: 1300 598 808
- Email: corrections@justice.vic.gov.au
- Address: 1150 Bacchus Marsh Road, Lara VIC 3212
Visits are managed under Corrections Victoria guidelines. Visitors must be approved by the prisoner and meet identification and security requirements.
Careers at Western Plains Correctional Centre
Western Plains Correctional Centre is a major employer in the Barwon South West region.
Roles include:
- Prison officers
- Health and mental health professionals
- Rehabilitation and program staff
- Administration and operational support roles
- Maintenance and security specialists
Recruitment and training are managed through Corrections Victoria, offering long-term career pathways within the state corrections system.
Project Timeline
- February 2020 – Construction commenced
- October 2020 – Main works commenced
- November 2022 – Construction completed
- Mid-2025 – Prison opened to receive prisoners
Budget
- Total project cost: $1.119 billion (AUD)
Strategic Role in Victoria’s Corrections System
Western Plains Correctional Centre strengthens Victoria’s corrections network by:
- Expanding maximum-security capacity
- Supporting the replacement of ageing facilities
- Improving staff safety through modern design
- Creating long-term regional employment
- Supporting rehabilitation within a secure environment
Conclusion
Western Plains Correctional Centre is a cornerstone of Victoria’s modern corrections infrastructure. Delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, the 1248-bed facility enhances custodial capacity while supporting rehabilitation, cultural inclusion, workforce participation, and regional economic growth.
Its integration within the Barwon Prison Precinct positions it as a central element of Victoria’s justice system for decades to come.
FAQs
Is there an empty prison in Victoria?
There is no operational prison in Victoria that is intentionally kept empty. However, some facilities have been decommissioned or closed over time and are no longer used to house prisoners.
What is Rule 43 in prison?
Rule 43 is a UK prison regulation that allows an inmate to be segregated from the general prison population, usually for safety, security or disciplinary reasons. It is not a punishment on its own but a management measure.
What is the new maximum security prison in Victoria?
The Western Plains Correctional Centre, which opened in recent years, is Victoria’s newest major prison facility and includes maximum-security units alongside other security classifications.
What is Rule 63 in prison?
Rule 63 can mean different things depending on the prison system. In Australian and UK contexts, rules numbered in the 60s often relate to searches, prisoner management, or security procedures, not sentencing or release.
Why is Vegemite banned in Australian prisons?
Vegemite is not universally banned, but it is sometimes restricted or removed in certain prisons because it can be misused to ferment homemade alcohol, which poses safety and security risks.
What is the most high-security prison in England?
HMP Belmarsh is widely regarded as England’s highest-security prison, holding inmates considered extremely high risk, including terrorism offenders.
Can I spend the night with my husband in jail?
In Australia and the UK, overnight conjugal visits are generally not allowed. Some prisons allow extended family visits, but these do not usually involve overnight stays.
What is the largest maximum-security prison in the UK?
HMP Full Sutton is considered one of the largest and highest-security prisons in the UK, housing long-term and high-risk offenders.
