Howard Sattler's morning program on 6PR in Perth was told by a listener that the centre, just west of Northam would have up to 6000 detainees.

Rumours that the centre would also have a swimming pool were circulating.

One local said she had been told by building staff at the centre that 6000 was now the number.

This has been denied by a Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokeswoman.

“The maximum capacity of the centre is 600 detainees as it has always been,” she said.

She also said a swimming pool was not planned at the centre.

The original detention centre announcement by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen in 2010 was that the Northam facility would house 1500 men and occupation would start in April the following year.

Its operations will be about 12 months late.

It appears that with about 300 workers at the site, some are breaching a confidentiality agreement all must sign.

However the information being circulated is not correct.