Unity Jackson-Muir, Real estate reporter
First published 28 Oct 2026, 4:41pm
The NSW Coalition have unveiled a reimagined proposal to convert Long Bay jail into 12,000 new homes. Picture: Richard Dobson
The NSW Coalition has renewed calls to turn land used by a Sydney jail into 12,000 new homes but has already received condemnation from the public sector union.
The Coalition unveiled a proposal on Wednesday to establish the Long Bay Delivery Authority, charged with repurposing land currently used by the Long Bay Correctional Complex in southeast Sydney.
NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said the precinct could unlock homes in a highly sought after area of Eastern Sydney and would be a “once in a generation opportunity”.
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NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane said it is a “once in a generation opportunity” to deliver homes. Photo: Tom Parrish
“Long Bay is one of the biggest urban renewal opportunities in NSW, why should prisoners have a coastal home, when this land could be made available for more affordable homes, close to the city?”
“The Authority will have a clear job: bring the agencies together, work through the barriers and get this land ready for new homes,” she said.
The Public Service Association representing NSW prison officers was quick to condemn the move with assistant secretary Troy Wright saying it was an “irresponsible” proposal.
“With our prison population at 14,200 and rising, and every jail across NSW bulging at the seams, it is irresponsible, if not reckless, to propose closing a major metropolitan jail without an identified alternative,” Mr Wright said.
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Assistant secretary for the PSA union, Troy Wright condemned the Coalition’s proposal as reckless. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
“Long Bay jail is actually three separate jails in one with 1,275 prisoners and 600 staff, it also includes the state’s major violent offender treatment program and sex offender treatment program.
“You cannot sell off a working jail on the promise that somewhere else will find room,” he said.
The median home value in the surrounding suburb of Matraville is $2.44m but Liberal planning spokesperson Chris Rath said the proposal will also deliver social and affordable housing.
“We know there is interest in building here and our commitment to 30 per cent affordable and social housing ensures this won’t just be luxury housing, but homes for young families and essential workers,” Mr Rath said.
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Redeveloping the Long Bay jail into housing was last proposed by the Coalition in 2025. Picture: Jeremy Piper
The Coalition said it would establish the Delivery Authority within 100 days of the March election and promises to work with Correctional Services to relocate prisoners.
They made the same proposal in September 2025 and suggested at the time that they would build a replacement facility outside the city.
The Long Bay jail sits 14km south of the Sydney CBD and Mr Wright said correctional facilities need to be close to where people are arrested, with most coming from Sydney.
Mr Wright said the Liberals need to release a fully-costed replacement plan and could risk the safety of prison staff at a time when the prison system is already struggling with more arrests.
“Overcrowding makes an already difficult and dangerous job harder,” Mr Wright said.
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The prison watchdog released a report last year called for parts of the Long Bay jail to permanently close due to dilapidated conditions. Picture: Richard Dobson
“Our members should not be left carrying the risk of an election promise.
“The Liberals need to explain exactly where these inmates will go and who will safely supervise them.
“Show us the replacement before you put up the for-sale sign,” he said.
It follows similar concerns in Queensland where the prison guard union warned earlier this month that stricter bail laws will promote overcrowding, riots and assaults on correctional staff.
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