Secure Units opened at Capricornia Correctional Centre
Published Tuesday, 04 August, 2020 at 09:00 AM
Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan
Two secure units were officially opened by Corrective Services Minister, Mark Ryan MP today as part of the expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre.
As part of the $241 million expansion, the two secure units opened today will add 100 additional cells.
Total capacity of the centre will increase to 758 cells and 945 beds when works are completed mid-2021.
Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan MP said the opening of the two units was a major milestone for the project and reflects the Government’s commitment to build a strong economy by creating jobs.
“The benefit to local industry here in Rockhampton has been $68 million, as a part of the Government’s commitment to creating jobs in regional Queensland and building a strong economy,” Minister Ryan said.
“It’s an important element of Queensland’s plan to unite and recover and support jobs in these unprecedented times.”
Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said this was another important milestone in a development that would create many long-term jobs.
“Once the expansion is complete, an additional 232 full time jobs have been created to staff the centre so the flow on opportunities will see millions injected into local businesses for decades to come,” Mr O’Rourke said.
The Member for Keppel, Brittany Lauga, said the government was committed to supporting regional economies.
“This $241m investment is just the kind of support the Rockhampton regions needs, and I know many businesses will continue to benefit from this massive expansion,” Ms Lauga said.
Commissioner Peter Martin APM said that the expanded capacity at Capricornia Correctional Centre will help address the issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities.
“As we continue to position ourselves as a top tier public safety agency, creating extra capacity at Capricornia Correctional Centre is an important part of improving the safety and security of our centres,” Commissioner Martin said.
“We know from international research that addressing overcrowding will make our centres a safer environment for our officers, prisoners and visitors.”
“The increased capacity will also free up our officers to actively drive behavioural change engaging with prisoners and focusing on their rehabilitation, reducing the risk of reoffending when they return to the community.”
“As a part of the expansion, we are actively recruiting for permanent fulltime positions in a range of roles. There has never been a better time for local workers to ‘take a look inside’ and see if they are up to a career in Corrections,” Commissioner Martin said.
Vision of the new facility can be found at this link:
ENDS
Media contact:
Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300