Capricornia Correctional Centre Expansion

Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan today turned the sod on a major expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre, a project that will create 172 construction jobs across four years.

For the central Queensland region it means ongoing opportunities for local suppliers.

“The $41 million expansion announced in the 2018/19 state budget will create jobs and add much needed capacity to Queensland’s prisons system,” Minister Ryan said.

“The added capacity will also provide a safer working environment for Correctional Centre staff.

“The high-security centre currently includes 410 cells.

“An initial $200 million funding package was allocated to Queensland Corrective Services in 2017 to expand Capricornia, with 264 cells to be delivered in 2020.

“The $41 million funding boost will help to deliver a further 84 cells and beds.

“The combined $241 million investment will deliver a total of 348 new cells and 396 new beds,” the Minister said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the expansion was a jobs winner.

“Once all new sections of the centre are in operation there will be 130 extra full-time permanent jobs created at the prison,” Ms Lauga said. 

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke welcomed the initiative and the opportunities it offered local businesses.

“Once construction is completed, local businesses help keep the centre running by providing food and other services.

“Correctional centres provide significant flow-on employment and business opportunities in regional Queensland,” Mr O’Rourke said.

ENDS

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Phil Willmington 0411 535 180