Prisoners to build cabins

An artist’s impression of a new cabin to be built this year at the Otago Corrections Facility,...
An artist’s impression of a new cabin to be built this year at the Otago Corrections Facility, for Taylor Park Motor Camp, in Milton. IMAGE: SUPPLIED
Otago Corrections Facility (OCF) inmates will build new cabins for a Clutha campground during the next two years, as part of a council initiative to boost accommodation in the district.

A report detailing the initiative was presented to Clutha district councillors in Balclutha yesterday, and it met broad support.

However, some councillors voiced concerns about promotion of the new accommodation — at Taylor Park Motor Camp in Milton — to single male occupants.

Inmates seeking NZQA carpentry accreditations will take part in the programme, which aims to manufacture up to six 15sqm cabins with kitchenettes and bathrooms in its first 12 months.

OCF carpentry instructor Mark O’Kane said the units would be built at the facility and moved to Taylor Park, where they would remain relocatable for future requirements in the district; each would cost about $25,000 to build.

Senior project engineer Evelyn Guiguet presented the report.

She said the project arose as Clutha struggled to attract workers due to accommodation deficits; the council was committed to medium- to long-term housing, but also wished to provide affordable short-term units.

She said the units would serve a twofold purpose, providing "warm, comfortable and affordable" housing to attract workers in the short-term, and additional options for tourists.

Cr Lloyd McCall asked if camp neighbours had been consulted.

"Single man accommodation may not always end well."

Cr John Herbert said any suggestion the units were not for single workers was "economical with the truth".

Mrs Guiguet said the cabins would be suitable for up to two people.

Council chief executive Steve Hill said they were multipurpose.

"We’re not saying we’re setting up a worker camp; it’s an addition to the campground suitable for all camp users, including workers, many of whom commonly use campgrounds nowadays."

Work on the cabins is expected to begin next month.

 

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