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Council welcomes support to retain Won Wron PrisonWellington Shire Council welcomes the state opposition’s public announcement that it supports the retention of Won Wron Prison and would commit up to $7 million to retain and upgrade the facility. By Wellington Shire Council - 23rd February 2004 - Back to News The council itself has been pressing for almost three years for a reversal of the State Government’s decision to close Won Wron – not least because of the job losses threatened and the detrimental impact on the local economy of Yarram district.
Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "Despite repeated representations by the council to the existing State Government, there will be a loss of over 40 jobs when the facility closes. While there has been some assistance provided by the government to McDonnell’s Timber Industry to convert about 20 part time jobs to permanent, the Yarram community remains seriously concerned that no new jobs are being created to replace those that will be lost from Won Wron.
"One obvious area to focus on would be jobs connected with the environment. There is a need to increase the attention being paid to environmental issues, and a pool of skilled resources available in Yarram as a legacy of the Department of Conservation and Environment offices previously located there.
"The fact that the prison has been earmarked for closure at all remains very surprising, given that it’s one of the most cost effective and efficient prisons in Victoria, and taking account of continuing overcrowding in the prison system.
"It’s reassuring to see that the council’s representations have been taken up by the opposition in recognition of the value of Won Wron to the Yarram community. We welcome the public stand they have taken over the issue and their announced commitment to not only keep Won Wron open, but also to enhance the facility."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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