Jump in NSW prison population

The NSW prison population has jumped 8.6 per cent in the past six months, according to the latest figures.

The NSW government has plans to sell off Long Bay jail and build a new prison in Sydney's southwest. (AAP) Source: AAP

The NSW prison population has jumped nearly 8.6 per cent to a record high of more than 11,300 adult inmates.

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) says the increase is due to an influx of prisoners on remand between September and March.

The bureau says it expects the state's adult prison population to keep growing and may climb as high as 17,600 by 2036.