NEW ROLES AND FUNCTIONS FOR QUEENSLAND PRISONS
Published Thursday, 30 November, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has announced plans for the future roles and functions of prisons in south-east Queensland.
It follows yesterday’s announcement that the Gatton shire is a preferred site for a future prison precinct to be built in Queensland.
Today Ms Spence tabled a review of the roles and functions of correctional centres in State Parliament and announced a series of changes designed to keep pace with rising prisoner numbers, to increase security and to better deliver rehabilitation and treatment services.
“The reality is that prisoner numbers are increasing and we have to plan now for future infrastructure,” Ms Spence said.
“On any given day there are 5,400 prisoners in Queensland, and prisoner numbers are forecast to grow by a further 90 percent by 2015.
“This review makes a number of recommendations which we will adopt, such as future jails being co-located within a secure prison precinct, and accommodating prisoners with similar needs together to enable us to better deliver services.”
Ms Spence said the recommendations included:
• The Arthur Gorrie prison becoming the primary remand centre for SEQ;
• The Sir David Longland prison reopening after redevelopment to become a reception prison for sentenced male prisoners;
• The Borallon correctional centre accommodating high security prisoners requiring treatment for sexual offending; and
• Prison farms being replaced by secure facilities or work camps.
“The review recommends any future jails should be co-located within a secure prison precinct, in line with contemporary practice overseas,” Ms Spence said.
“We have already done this at Wacol, where the current correctional precinct has had up to six correctional facilities and accommodation approaching 3000 beds for male and female prisoners. Gatton shire is a preferred location for the next prison precinct.
“In addition to looking at how we can best use our existing resources, we are also continuing to plan ahead for the forecast increase in prisoner numbers with $509 million in redevelopment works at the Sir David Longland, Arthur Gorrie, Townsville mens and womens prisons.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287
It follows yesterday’s announcement that the Gatton shire is a preferred site for a future prison precinct to be built in Queensland.
Today Ms Spence tabled a review of the roles and functions of correctional centres in State Parliament and announced a series of changes designed to keep pace with rising prisoner numbers, to increase security and to better deliver rehabilitation and treatment services.
“The reality is that prisoner numbers are increasing and we have to plan now for future infrastructure,” Ms Spence said.
“On any given day there are 5,400 prisoners in Queensland, and prisoner numbers are forecast to grow by a further 90 percent by 2015.
“This review makes a number of recommendations which we will adopt, such as future jails being co-located within a secure prison precinct, and accommodating prisoners with similar needs together to enable us to better deliver services.”
Ms Spence said the recommendations included:
• The Arthur Gorrie prison becoming the primary remand centre for SEQ;
• The Sir David Longland prison reopening after redevelopment to become a reception prison for sentenced male prisoners;
• The Borallon correctional centre accommodating high security prisoners requiring treatment for sexual offending; and
• Prison farms being replaced by secure facilities or work camps.
“The review recommends any future jails should be co-located within a secure prison precinct, in line with contemporary practice overseas,” Ms Spence said.
“We have already done this at Wacol, where the current correctional precinct has had up to six correctional facilities and accommodation approaching 3000 beds for male and female prisoners. Gatton shire is a preferred location for the next prison precinct.
“In addition to looking at how we can best use our existing resources, we are also continuing to plan ahead for the forecast increase in prisoner numbers with $509 million in redevelopment works at the Sir David Longland, Arthur Gorrie, Townsville mens and womens prisons.”
Media contact: Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287