- The Crisafulli Government delivers new high security Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre.
- Queensland Corrective Services officers deployed to the new 1,536 bed prison, for the first day of commissioning.
- Delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to restore safety, boost capacity and deliver the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre after a decade of delay under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is restoring safety where you live by delivering the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, with the first day of commissioning kicking off today.
The high security prison will boost Queensland's correctional centre capacity by more than 1,500 beds and reduce pressure across the correctional system, with corrective services officers now deployed to the prison to undergo training and scenario testing.
For a decade, the former Labor Government failed to deliver the critical infrastructure needed to keep the community safe, and Labor's lack of action meant secure prison capacity skyrocket nearly 150 per cent
The LNP first funded the business case for a new facility in Lockyer Valley in 2014, after more than a decade and $267 million in cost blowouts, Labor still failed to deliver the prison.
The Centre will also provide educational and vocational training, mental health support and substance abuse treatment aimed at rehabilitation to reduce reoffending and restore community safety across Queensland.
Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its commitment to build the infrastructure needed to ease pressure on the prison system and keep Queenslanders safe.
"The commissioning of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is a major milestone in addressing the capacity issues in Queensland's prison system," Minister Gerber said.
"The former Labor Government failed to deliver the critical infrastructure needed to manage capacity in our State's correctional system.
"We owe it to our corrections staff to ensure facilities are a safe place to work and a place where effective rehabilitation occurs to reduce offending across Queensland."
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the commissioning of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre was a major milestone for his community and for community safety across the State.
"Labor's record when it comes to prison infrastructure, cost blow-outs and delays is shameful," Mr McDonald said.
"I am proud to be part of the Crisafulli Government that delivers on its promises, and I have been fighting for the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre for a long time."
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said was thrilled to see the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre enter the operational commissioning phase.
"The new correctional centre is quite transformational for our region in size, given it is bigger than 16 Suncorp Stadiums and the first of its kind in Queensland," Ms Milligan said.
"With a focus on rehabilitation, we're proud to be part of a safer Queensland."
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre was designed with the latest security technologies to ensure a safe working environment for officers.
"The handover of Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is a significant milestone for QCS and will play a crucial role in our mission to reduce reoffending and promote community safety," Commissioner Stewart said.
"Our focus is not only on maintaining security but also on providing officers with the opportunity to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce further offending."
