The 400-bed maximum security Macquarie Correctional Centre has been specifically designed to improve inmate productivity and increase out of cell hours through access to employment, education and programs.

Minister for Corrections David Elliott said the new prison and the refurbished Illawarra Reintegration Centre will both be operational later this year. The state’s second rapid build facility at Cessnock is expected to be complete by late 2017.

“The NSW Government has a plan to cater to the rising prisoner population with about 13 projects across the state at various stages of planning, design or construction," Mr Elliott said.

"These new and expanded facilities will create jobs and investment in many regional economies. It means an additional 200 ongoing jobs in Wellington alone."

Drone footage captured over three months shows the installation of the perimeter fencing, construction of four accommodation blocks and central support building as well roofing of the inmate workshop.

Design work is underway for 250-bed Bathurst, 600-bed Cessnock and the 400 bed Kempsey facilities. Tenders have recently been awarded for the 480-bed Junee, 360-bed South Coast and the 90-bed Lidcombe facilities.

The prison infrastructure plan is complemented by an $237 million investment in reducing reoffending, including targeting persistent and repeat domestic violence offenders and ensuring that inmates serving sentences of six months or less for any crime participate in rehabilitation programs.

An additional 345 psychologists, community corrections officers and other skilled staff will be employed by Corrective Services NSW as part of the record spend on rehabilitation.