State Government identifies seven sites for controversial new Broome prison ahead of community meeting

Seven potential sites for the new Broome Regional Prison have been identified by the State Government ahead of a community meeting in early February. In April last year, the State Government announced the facility would be built adjacent to a rural estate outside of Broome, 12 Mile, causing outrage among residents who felt “blind-sided” by the decision. The accusations led to a drawn out dialogue between residents, the State Government and the Shire of Broome which saw Corrective Services Minister Bill Johnston promise to investigate two previously unknown sites. Now, in documents sent to the Broome Advertiser ahead of the community meeting, seven sites of the 28 investigated have been deemed ‘potentially suitable’; the two original 12 Mile sites, four sites proposed by the 12 Mile community and one new site proposed by Nyambu Buru Yawuru in November 2021. Among site requirements which saw the other 25 potential sites knocked back were an approximate land size requirement of 30 hectares, a need for the facility to be within 20 minutes drive from the Broome town centre and for the site to be deemed culturally appropriate by the Yawuru people. The facility would replace the century-old Broome Regional Prison and has a planned capacity of 222 adults, including maximum security prisoners. 12 Mile community group spokesman Laurie Preston said he had seen the documents and was heartened to hear the group’s suggestions had been taken onboard. “A number of the sites now being listed as ‘potentially suitable’ were suggested by our group or the Shire of Broome, I think that’s promising, I just hope it’s not paying lip service,” he said. “As we’ve said before, our group is not against a prison being built, we just think there are far more suitable sites — and this list proves there are a few. “We’re looking forward to the meeting and seeing whether the Minister will actually engage with us, or if it’s just them going through the motions to revert to the original site.” A WA Government spokesperson confirmed Mr Johnston would travel to Broome on February 9 to update the 12 Mile community. The community meeting will take place at 5.30pm on February 9 at the Broome Civic Centre.