Mount Gambier Prison

Mount Gambier Prison is an Australian prison located in Moorak immediately south of Mount Gambier.Mount Gambier Prison is the only privately managed prison in South Australia. It is currently managed and operated by G4S Custodial Services Pty Ltd (previously Group 4 Corrections Services).AccommodationThe prison accommodates medium and low security male sentenced and remand prisoners. Short-term high security male and female prisoners can also be accommodated when required.Accommodation includes: a traditional cell block arrangement shared living cottages semi-independent living cottages an induction area that houses new prisoners a small allocation of high security cells.Prison lifeConsistent with other prisons in South Australia, prisoners are placed on incentive based regimes that provide varying levels of privileges based on behaviour.Prisoners are engaged in a range of work programs including grounds and building maintenance, cleaning, laundry and kitchen work. The prison also has a large timber furniture manufacturing workshop that produces bedroom and living room furniture for dispatch directly to retail outlets in South Australia.Education and program activities focus on numeracy and literacy skills and cognitive skills programs are aimed at high risk offenders.Increase in capacity and security improvementsIn March 2009, an expansion of the prison was announced. With a project budget of $22.9m, it will be the first South Australian prison to employ the cheaper and faster modular construction method using shipping containers. The cell block is constructed as a single storey facility designed around two wings of 54 beds (total of 108 beds) with a central officers station to supervise both wings. Each wing has a central external exercise yard. A new kitchen will also be built and the prison perimeter will be extended.