Regional jobs will be created when work begins on a multi-million dollar dairy complex at Cadell Training Centre (CTC) in the Riverland this financial year.
The development, worth more than $3 million, will be broken down into three stages with project completion expected in late 2022, boosting production and capacity for CTC's dairy operation at the low-security prison farm.
The Department for Correctional Services' annual programs budget will support the build.
Minister for Correctional Services Vincent Tarzia said the project was another example of the Marshall Liberal Government creating jobs and building what matters in South Australia.
"A new dairy complex for Cadell Training Centre represents an economic boost for the Riverland and greater opportunity for prisoners who are dedicated to rehabilitation and integrating back into society," Minister Tarzia said.
"At the current facility, about 25 prisoners are employed to milk cows, process and package milk products. The award-winning dairy is home to about 230 cattle with about 100 cows producing 2,200 litres of raw milk every day.
"Milk products are supplied to other prisons and, in some cases, excess raw product is sold to South Australian businesses for manufacturing cheese."
The current dairy was constructed in the 1960s and plays an integral part in the rehabilitation of prisoners through structured working days. Prisoners are encouraged to display self-discipline by arriving for shifts on time and have responsibilities that require ongoing attention, such as caring for the welfare of animals.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said: "Cadell Training Centre has a large focus on preparing prisoners for successful re-entry into the community when they are released, giving them job skills linked to industry and farming."
"This new dairy complex development will grow more opportunities for a productive experience for prisoners, help build new skills and reinforce good habits,"
"This is about rehabilitation and education with the aim to reduce reoffending, so investment into our region like this creates substantial community benefit."
The new dairy will allow for CTC to increase production and capitalise on other potential industry opportunities. It will also provide further work and training pathways that will help prisoners find employment upon their release. Skills acquired from working at the dairy have real-life application in a number of South Australian employment sectors.
The number of jobs created by the expansion will be confirmed after the tender process is completed next financial year.
Stage 1 – 20/21: Recondition processing equipment, purchase new packaging equipment and initiate design to deliver new dairy complex.
Stage 2 – 21/22: Launch tender process for new dairy complex.
Stage 3 – 22/23: Construction of new dairy complex and decommission of existing facility.
CTC provides an array of different employment and education programs for prisoners to upskill. They are able to earn nationally recognised qualifications in horticulture, dairy, and can train to operate vehicles like trucks and forklifts.
Prisoners are also encouraged to improve regional towns through the Community Work Program (CWP) that allows prisoners to help build small projects throughout the Riverland.
