The prison regulator has called for the closure of parts of a notorious Australian prison, citing “dilapidated” and “unsafe” conditions that pose significant risks.

During an inspection of Sydney’s 116-year-old Long Bay Correctional Complex, located in the city’s south, the NSW Inspector of Custodial Services, Fiona Rafter, uncovered troubling evidence including vermin infestations, mouldy walls, and rusting beds.

The findings are detailed in Rafter’s report, which summarizes inspections conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the facility, home to 1,200 inmates, and was presented to the state parliament this week.

The report reveals a bleak reality within the prison’s Metropolitan Special Programs Centre, which dates back to around 1900.

Rafter emphasized the dangerous and unsanitary environment, noting the presence of numerous hanging points throughout the complex.

She described the cells as “rundown and small” and noted they offered little natural light.

Their size meant they were unable to house wheelchairs and other mobility aids for prisoners with special needs.

Rafter was also scathing about the state of the showers in the centre, which had no privacy barriers and poor drainage.

“The damaged and broken tiles in 7-wing were particularly concerning as these showers are used by inmates at-risk of self-harm.”

The condition and age of the centre meant authorities could not provide a safe environment for prisoners who have mental illness, disability, age and frailty, she said.

Rafter also brought to attention the poor conditions in two “mothballed” parts of the prison.

The wings were temporarily closed but were supposed to be left in a state that enabled them to be reopened at short notice.

But the report found after only three months they were “filthy”, with fur and faeces pointing to stray cats living in them.

Inspectors also scrutinised Long Bay’s two hospital facilities.

They described one as “modern, secure, fit for purpose”, but the other housed remand prisoners and “bore no resemblance to a hospital”.

In September, the NSW Opposition called for Long Bay jail to be sold off to make room for thousands of new homes.

Under the plan, the site would be bulldozed to build up to 12,000 homes if the Coalition is elected in 2027.

NSW Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the government was considering the recommendations of the report and would issue a formal response at a later date.

“The government has invested $16 million into its anti-ligature program and is prioritising cells that house inmates most at risk,” he said.

“The government has also commissioned a Rapid Review into Unnatural Deaths in Custody to systemic issues and recommend reforms to improve safety and wellbeing in custody.

“We are actively working to reduce all preventable deaths in custody including by improving design and safety across correctional centres.”