The NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing, the Hon. Melinda Pavey released a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) today – 18 October 2021 – for the freehold purchase of the former Berrima Correctional Centre. The deadline for lodging EOI is Friday 26 November 2021.

This announcement took the community and Council completely by surprise as Council and the community had been in consultation with the Government about developing an orderly and transparent process for the future use of the historic Gaol in historic Berrima and was unaware of any imminent announcement.
The EOI document is available at the following link:
Just days prior to the Minister’s announcement, the BRA issued the following Press Release on 14 October 2021, foreshadowing a community meeting (subject to covid-19 restrictions) to further develop ideas for the future use of the Gaol.
However, in light of the tight deadline for responding to the EOI, the Association will be discussing its response with members of the Association, other residents and businesses in Berrima, the wider Southern Highlands arts community and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The community response to the Minister’s announcement was immediate.