Minor Works Project at Villawood to Begin
Media Release - DPS 5/99
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs today announced that a minor works project to upgrade security facilities at its Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) will commence soon.
The Minister announced in June that, following a revision of the amount of accommodation required on the Villawood-Westbridge site for the Olympics, the Department would not have to vacate Stage One of the Immigration Detention Centre at Villawood.
This, together with the suspension of plans to temporarily locate the Villawood IDC at Ingleburn, now meant the Department did not have to urgently consider the long-term redevelopment of the Centre.
However, some recent escapes from the Villawood IDC did mean that it was now essential to upgrade existing security arrangements.
The minor works project on the Stage One high security facility at Villawood will include:
- placement of a 4.2 metre "palisade" fence around the perimeter of the facility;
- improved electronic surveillance equipment on the new fenceline;
- a vehicle path outside the new fenceline; and
- the addition of a 40 bed demountable accommodation block.
The minor works project on Stage Two low security facility at Villawood will include:
- placement of security wire between the existing fencelines.
It is expected that the minor works project at the Villawood IDC will commence in mid to late July and be completed around November this year.
Friday 9 July 1999
Media Inquiries: DIMA (02) 6264 2244