Fast-track fears for northern prison

OPPONENTS of a proposed prison at Westbury have sought a guarantee that the proposed Major Projects Bill will not be used to fast-track the contentious project.

Public comment is about to close for the draft laws, which would replace Projects of Regional Significance rules, which have never been used.

The Westbury Region Against the Prison group has written to the State Government in an attempt to confirm the legislation, if it passes into law, would not be used to speed up the development of the Northern Regional Prison.

The Westbury community has held rallies and public demonstrations against the divisive $270 million, 270-bed prison.

“WRAP is deeply concerned that the Major Projects legislation could be invoked at some future point if the standard planning process becomes more problematic or too drawn out for the State Government,’’ WRAP president Linda Poulton said.

“The standard rezoning application process has so far proven itself to be a prickly path for the Government.”

Ms Poulton said WRAP had written to the Government to ask it to rule out using the legislation for the prison.

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the project was proceeding under the usual planning process, but would not say if the Government would rule out using the proposed new legislation.

Ms Archer said a social and economic impact study was being prepared by a consultant.

It will be released publicly and will include the results of surveys of Westbury residents about the project.