The Department of Corrections and Charles Darwin University (CDU) has announced plans to upgrade the Katherine CDU Rural Campus and deliver up to 198 beds in an open-security work camp, focusing on skills and training.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed yesterday confirming the location as the Katherine CDU Rural Campus.
Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro said the investment strengthens local infrastructure, supports jobs and industry, and provides rehabilitation pathways that reduce reoffending.
The Chief Minister visited the site yesterday, saying the project delivers on a key election commitment and forms part of the Government’s Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan.
“The government is undertaking a major expansion of corrections infrastructure aimed at rehabilitation and skills training in order to reducing reoffending,” she said.
“We committed to building two new prison work camps and in October 2024 announced Katherine and Darwin as the locations.
“This is about tackling the root causes of crime and giving prisoners a chance to start a new chapter in their lives, rather than a life of crime,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
She said participating prisoners will face strict selection criteria, which includes demonstrating good behaviour and completing offence-related programs.
Minister for Corrections, Gerard Maley said the investment builds on proven results.
“The Katherine facility will deliver vocational training and rural industries programs, including supervised work activities aligned with local workforce needs across the NT and Big Rivers Region,” he said.
“This builds on the success of regional work camps such as Barkly, where offenders support public works, environmental and land management projects and community services.
“This facility will deliver opportunities for improved work stills and job readiness prior to release,” Mr Maley said.
Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott Bowman said the Charles Darwin University Katherine Rural Campus was a critical enabler of education and training across the Big Rivers region and beyond.
“The operations and training conducted at this campus support national and Territory priorities, including agriculture, livestock, defence and biosecurity,” said Prof Bowman.
“The lease is part of a partnership that includes delivering our proven job-ready training to inmates. The objective is to help reintegrate inmates into our communities and give them the best chance to avoid reoffending.”
Community information sessions will be held in Katherine with work on the Katherine facility to begin in early 2026.
