Facilities supporting service delivery and aiding prison rehabilitation at HM Tarrengower Prison have been expanded with about two million dollars from the Victorian Government.

The $1.9 million expansion includes a prison reception area, a medical centre, additional administration buildings, prison property storage facilities, a canteen, and prisoner reception facilities.

Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh said the upgraded facilities allow the prison to expand on prison programs to prepare prisoners to find employment upon release.

Mr McIntosh said the expansion created local jobs during construction for principal architect, Fooks Matin Sandow Anson, and principal contractor, Resicare Builders Pty Ltd.

“Many female prisoners will end their sentence at Tarrengower and the emphasis is on preparing for their reintegration into the community, with training in agriculture, textile and clothing manufacturing, seed and plant production, and animal care,” Mr McIntosh said.

According to Mr McIntosh, prisoners are offered onsite and distance education, involvement in community work projects, and personal and social development programs to promote reintegration.

The men’s prison system will also receive 108 additional beds as part of the 2011-12 State Budget allocation of $35 million.

The State Budget will also fund $2 million to develop a business case for an additional men’s prison.