Sydney’s housing crisis has reached a new low, literally, as fresh images reveal the stomach-churning state of cells inside Long Bay jail – a grim reality so appalling it’s fuelling calls for its demolition and transformation into desperately needed homes.
The debate intensified back in October when NSW Premier Chris Minns weighed in, declaring he’d unlock the site for housing, but only if a Metro line is built to the southern Sydney location, throwing the gauntlet down to the Opposition to fund the multibillion-dollar infrastructure.
The shocking exposé of “mouldy walls, rusted beds and suspected vermin” has prompted the prison watchdog to demand parts of the institution be permanently closed, citing “unsafe” and “dilapidated” conditions.
Long Bay Prison could be redeveloped into housing. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
The aged facility has been scrutinised by the NSW prison watchdog. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
This sheer dilapidation, it seems, is fast becoming the most potent argument yet for turning a decaying correctional facility into a vibrant new community, bringing Premier Minns’ earlier conditional commitment back into sharp focus.
Premier’s metro ultimatum for housing hope
In his partial commitment made in October, Premier Minns stated, “I would (build homes) if a Metro went to Long Bay jail. I mean, that’s the only way to do it.”
He highlighted the already “clogged” Anzac Parade and the 45-minute Light Rail journey from Kingsford, arguing that a $26 billion Metro line is essential for any significant housing development.
The NSW prison watchdog has tabled a scathing report to parliament on conditions inside Sydney’s Long Bay Jail. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
The report indicated there was evidence of stray cats around the premises. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
“If the Opposition’s serious about it, they’ve got to put their money where their mouth is,” he challenged.
His statement came over a month after Opposition Leader Mark Speakman announced his “Plan B”: to shut Long Bay and redevelop it for 12,000 homes if the Coalition wins the next election.
It is hoped the redevelopment would include a number of affordable homes with Sydney’s home price set to eclipse $1.7m by 2027.
Inside Long Bay: A glimpse into “unsafe” conditions
The political wrangling pales in comparison to the horrifying details emerging from within the jail’s walls.
Custodial services inspector Fiona Rafter’s report, tabled in state parliament, paints a grim picture of the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC), an older section housing inmates with special needs, including those who are aged, have mental and physical disabilities, or cognitive impairments.
Ms Rafter observed a dirty and dangerous space, noting potential hanging points in cells “across all area”.
Furniture was described as dirty and mouldy in some wings, according to the report. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
Showers reportedly had no privacy barriers with ineffective drainage causing flooding. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
Her report, according to the ABC, also detailed mouldy walls, rusted furniture, and evidence of vermin.
The cells, described as “rundown and small, with little natural light or ventilation,” are so inadequate they cannot accommodate people with walking frames or wheelchairs, forcing inmates to leave them outside.
Even more disturbing were the conditions in the showers: “no privacy barriers, the drainage is ineffective, causing flooding. The damaged and broken tiles in 7 wing were particularly concerning as these showers are used by inmates at risk of self-harm.”
Ms Rafter concluded that “the age and condition of MSPC means it simply cannot provide a safe environment for people in custody, particularly those with needs arising from disability, age and frailty and mental illness.”
Cells were described as being rundown and small, with little natural light or ventilation. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
Prison advocates are calling for improvements to be made to the jail. (Supplied: Inspector of Custodial Services)
The report further revealed that two “mothballed” wings, temporarily closed, were found to be “filthy” after just three months.
“There was evidence of one or more stray cats residing in the Kevin Waller Unit, including faeces and fur. In both wings we observed dead cockroaches and rubbish,” Ms Rafter wrote. She also recommended the permanent closure of a section of Long Bay Jail’s hospital facilities, which “bore no resemblance to a hospital” and was being used to house remand inmates.
Minister pledges “careful consideration” of recommendations
Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong acknowledged the report’s importance for “maintaining transparency, accountability and trust,” stating the government was “carefully considering” the 45 recommendations.
However, the photographic evidence of such profound neglect raises a pertinent question: is the lack of upkeep at Long Bay a deliberate strategy, an early sign that authorities are letting the site deteriorate in anticipation of its eventual demolition for housing? After all, why maintain something you plan to knock down?
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