By ALAN PERROTT
Franklin District looks the most likely home for two new prisons to be built between Manukau City and Huntly.
Corrections Minister Matt Robson is searching for sites for a 650-bed men's prison and 150-bed women's prison.
Both are expected to open by 2003.
The men's jail needs a 90ha site, up from the original requirement for 30ha. The large site is aimed at preventing any of the institution bordering neighbours' properties directly.
The Papakura and Franklin Mayors agree the size of the land required makes Franklin District the most likely host.
"A site that big would be hard to find in Manukau or Papakura," said Franklin Mayor Heather Maloney. "But there is very little we can do to stop it - we won't be consulted."
She said her community remained strongly divided over the prospect and she expected vigorous action to oppose resource consents for construction.
While some relish the job opportunities the jails will bring, she said, others were worried about the affect on property values and the people likely to visit the jails.
Department of Corrections staff have asked Franklin for help in setting up public meetings and a consultation process.
Papakura Mayor David Hawkins said his district had no suitable sites but he expected problems wherever the Government decided to build.
"Nobody wants a prison is their backyard ... "but the New Zealand community demands longer and harder sentences so it is the price to be paid."
Mr Robson has called on both communities to put aside parochial interests and view the issue as New Zealand citizens.
"If we only look at it from the point of view of self-interest then we have an enormous problem."
He said South Aucklanders made up 11 per cent of the national prison population but the region had no penal facilities.
Research indicates that prisoners reoffend less if they are kept in contact with their families and communities.
Mrs Maloney expects a shortlist of two or three favoured sites to be announced in six weeks and a final decision next February.
Franklin District Council has asked to be given the shortlist at least an hour before it is made public.
Resident and business groups are also objecting to the siting of a youth justice residential centre in a predominantly industrial area of Manurewa.
The centre, which includes a secure care unit, is to built on the site of an old drive-in movie park and will house up to 46 people aged up to 17 years.
The Manukau City Council planning hearing on the project is currently adjourned.
Franklin measures up in search for large jail sites
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