Mr Baird was a guest at the Kangaroo March commemorative service in Bundanoon yesterday.

Ms Goward said the Goulburn facility was in line for a “significant” upgrade, including the installation of mobile phone jammers (thus creating a black spot around the prison) and detection devices.

“We conducted a security review after the escape from maximum security a few weeks ago which is nearly complete and we will be announcing the results of that early next week,” Ms Goward said.

“It will involve a significant security upgrade for Goulburn Jail because I have made it very clear that this City welcomes having a jail but the community has to feel safe and particularly the staff who work there have to feel safe.

“Goulburn is the next cab off the rank for the mobile phone jammers, so they will be installed and we will also be bringing in equipment that will detect miniature mobile phones hidden in people’s bodies.”

Mayor Geoff Kettle echoed Ms Goward’s comments. He said in his meetings with Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin it was clear that the prison was set to receive a boost.

“In my regular meetings with the Commissioner he has kept me updated with what is happening right throughout NSW. Goulburn has been identified as one of the correctional facilities that is rock solid in the community, and is looking to be expanded in the future.”

On the escape, Ms Goward said the situation was “unusual”.

“In my understanding, minimum security prisoners are prisoners approaching the end of their terms and it is extremely unusual for one to escape. This guy will get caught and he will spend a long time in there and it won’t be in minimum security.

“He and his girlfriend will be very sorry.”

When asked whether staffing was an issue investigated as part of the security review, Ms Goward said she was at this stage “not sure”.

Results of the review will be announced early next week.