The safety and security of Queensland’s prisons will be further enhanced in the 2020-2021 financial year with a range of significant infrastructure investments to boost capacity.
Corrective Services Minister, Mark Ryan MP said budget allocation for the department reinforced the Government’s commitment to the safety of Queenslanders and reducing the rate of crime in the community.
“We are making historic changes to our Corrections network of facilities, including continuing the work to have all Correctional facilities under public operation.
“Evidence points to publicly operated corrections facilities delivering superior outcomes, especially in relation to the safety of prison staff and prisoners.
“At the end of this financial year the transition will be complete, with all Queensland Correctional facilities under public operation.
“In addition, the State Budget will continue to deliver modern, sustainable and evidence-based corrective services to rehabilitate prisoners and offenders and reduce recidivism.
“In 2020-21 more than $100 million will be spent to begin the construction of Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct Stage 2 project.
“This project is the second largest Queensland Government building and construction project after Cross River Rail.
“Building works will begin early next year.
“On completion, the $654 million piece of infrastructure will be a world class, therapeutic-focused prison that will support over 400 jobs during construction.
“This project will deliver enormous economic benefits to the Lockyer Valley region, creating extra demand for the goods and services provided by local businesses.
“The budget is also supporting continued construction work on the $241 million expansion of Capricornia Correctional Centre.
“A further $48.5 million is allocated this financial year to deliver a project that will result in an extra 398 beds at the centre and more than 200 extra permanent jobs once complete.
“Our Government continues our commitment to the safety of Queenslanders by investing in Queensland Corrective Services, and these infrastructure projects will have economic flow on effects to the regions for years to come.”
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