General Manager of Oberon Council Bruce Fitzpatrick and Mayor Keith Sullivan, together with Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin, attended a meeting with Minister for Corrective Services John Robertson last week to discuss the possibility of marrying the new facility up with the already established correctional facility at Shooters Hill, or possibly building a new facility at Burraga.

Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin said that the Government have been seeking out locations for the new facility where there is already a correctional facility to link it with, as well as a location where there is good community support for the facility.

“I think Oberon has undeniable claims for the facility,” said Mr Martin.

Mr Martin said that the facility would create good stable jobs, and also that Oberon has already had success in interacting inmates with the community through assisting with council works around the district.

“There is a whole host of good things coming with it,” he said.

General Manager Bruce Fitzpatrick said that Oberon Council is very supportive of the new facility being built in the Oberon Council Area.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the upgrading being done to the Shooters Hill Road has also made it ideal for prisoner transportation, but also that Burraga would receive a real boost by the facility being built there.

Mr Martin said that the Minister took note of their support, and is considering the Oberon area for the facility.