Mrs Massetti apologised to council on behalf of Robertson residents regarding the "appalling behaviour" of last week's meeting at the Robertson School of Arts Hall.

"It left us little opportunity to show our position, ask for information or stand up and ask questions," she said.

"Most of the long-time residents of Robertson had to stand out the back in the rain and could not hear the speakers for the booing of those inside."

Mrs Massetti said many of the 470 people who signed the Take No Prisoners (TNP) petition at the meeting did so before the meeting because they were told "If you're not for us, you're against us."

"The one speaker prepared to speak (in favour of the jail) was heckled and slapped inside the meeting," she said.

Mrs Massetti said there were "more than a handful" of people in favour of the jail.

"It may surprise you to hear that many of the older people of Robertson are for progress," she said.

"They hope that (the jail) will fast-track sewerage, bring natural gas to Robertson and provide employment for our children.

"We do not want to go the way of Burrawang, with only two viable businesses left."

Mrs Massetti said one older resident had come to her in tears as a result of the jail debate.

"This is a small town," Mrs Massetti told listening TNP members. "You have hurt and angered... more people than you know."