Local workers get priority in Capricornia Correctional Centre expansion

The Queensland Government has called for Expressions of Interest for a managing contractor to oversee work on the $200 million expansion of the Capricornia Correction Centre near Rockhampton.

Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne welcomed progress on the project, and said it was another major milestone for the biggest state government investment in the Central Queensland community for decades.

“This is a project I have worked on for 18 months and championed during my time as Correctional Services Minister,” Mr Byrne said.

“The economic benefits to the Rockhampton region will be substantial and long-lasting and with this call for tenders for the lead contractor we are on track to see work start on site in November.

“There are many communities in Queensland that have lobbied really hard to have a corrections centre built locally because they know it provides a big economic boost in the form of additional wages.

“Local companies will benefit through supply contracts.

“So this is huge news for our community and something for us to celebrate and look forward to as we roll up our sleeves to clean up the mess left behind by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said with construction due to commence toward the end of this year, the jobs boost would be welcome news for Rockhampton families in the lead up to Christmas.

“This project will deliver over 100 jobs to the central Queensland region during the construction phase,” Mrs Lauga said.

“But even better, the expansion of the prison will mean more than 70 new ongoing jobs after it is commissioned, not to mention added benefits for local businesses that will help keep the prison running, including for food and other service providers.”

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said that applicants to the EOI process would need to demonstrate a commitment to employing local workers on the project.

“It’s great to see meaningful infrastructure being built in this region, and it’s even better knowing that this is going to mean jobs for locals,” Mr Pearce said.

“As part of the Expression of Interest process, tenderers will have to show their track record of employing locals on projects, and how they will engage local workers on this project.”

Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan said the correctional centre expansion was another example of the Palaszczuk Government delivering for the people of central Queensland.

“This project is a high priority for this government, and we are committed to delivering these 164 high security cells on schedule,” Mr Ryan said.

“With the opening of the EOI process, construction is on track to commence this year."

Acting Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the scope of work also included expanding the prison car park, and upgrades to the prison’s waste water, mechanical services and electronic security systems.

“This is a big project and we’re looking for a managing contractor that can provide detail on their approach to employing and providing training opportunities for local workers,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Once the EOIs have been assessed, a shortlist of companies will be invited to submit formal tenders for construction, with work starting before the end of the year.”

Expressions of Interest were expected to close on 27 April 2017, with shortlisted candidates invited to tender.

Firms wishing to qualify for Government building and construction work and to identify open tenders, are encouraged to log onto www.qld.gov.au/gov/building-services or speak with Building and Asset Services on 3008 3392.

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Media contacts:

Minister for Housing and Public Works: Cat Milton 0410 644 113

Member for Rockhampton: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172