- Minister Nikki Boyd inspected construction at the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre
- A number of enhancements to improve safety of the community and frontline workers have been announced
- Recruitment is underway to fill variety of positions
Queensland's newest prison – under construction in the Lockyer Valley right now – is set to receive a number of improvements in a boost for staff and community safety.
Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd MP toured the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre site today (Saturday 6 April) to inspect construction which is expected to be complete before the end of the year.
The Government has boosted investment in the facility by $25 million to improve the safety and security of the facility, implement drone detection technology and develop industry spaces to maximise the rehabilitation of prisoners and reduce the risk of reoffending.
The new investment in improved safety brings the total cost to $885 million.
$4.6 million, or 0.5% of the expected total project cost, has been allocated to allow for potential rises in building and supply costs over the course of construction.
The 1536-bed-centre's 40 buildings are now all in place with internal fit-outs underway.
The centre will operate under the rehabilitation-focused model with health services and programs delivered on site.
This will give prisoners the best chance at leading a productive life when they leave.
Recruiting for the wide variety of roles needed to operate the centre is in full swing.
As previously announced in February, commissioning is expected to commence later this year.
The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is a core part of the State Labor Government's Big Build, and is at risk of being sold or privatised under an LNP government.
The centre will also be a key pillar of the governments ongoing push to ensure Queenslanders are safe and feel safe – backed by tougher laws, more police on the beat and more resources for frontline police.
Quotes attributable to Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd:
"Any investment that boosts community safety and the safety of our frontline workers is a worthwhile investment.
"It's also sensible to allow for potential cost increases in materials and labour.
"A cut-price correctional centre just isn't an option.
"I expect to meet with project managers John Holland shortly to make it clear we want this facility safe and secure and ready to open as quickly as possible.
"We will not compromise on safety and security during this process, but we anticipate at this stage that prisoners will be received into the centre in late 2024 or early 2025."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM
"Recruitment and training was well underway for Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.
"This week we saw another 39 custodial officers graduate from the 10-week paid training program in a ceremony at the Gatton Shire Hall, and we have a pipeline of officers going through this training," Commissioner Stewart said.
"More than 800 people will be needed to run the centre, including psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, as well as education and administration officers.
"I'd encourage anyone with an interest in community safety and who want to help people change their lives, go visit our LVCC website about the opportunities on offer."
Fast Facts:
- About 30,000m3 of concrete has been used onsite, equivalent to 12 Olympic size swimming pools.
- More than 11km of fencing will secure the site, with 34km of razor wire and 1830 secure doors.
