Published Monday, 30 April, 2007 at 04:38 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
QUEENSLAND PRISONERS TO HELP MEET DEMAND FOR WATER TANKS
Queensland prisoners will help provide homes with water tanks and develop vital work skills under a new initiative approved by Cabinet today, Premier Peter Beattie and Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence announced.
“As part of a pilot project we are looking for a private sector partner to help manufacture water tanks at the Woodford Correctional Centre,” Mr Beattie said.
“Not only will prisoners be able to help the community get through the drought but they will also learn valuable work skills.
“The number of tank manufacturers around the State has increased from approximately 12 to 21 in the past nine months however there is still a significant shortfall between demand and supply.
“The current waiting time for water tanks is already lengthy and that will increase after July 1 when laws requiring all new houses to have a water tank come into force.
“We will have the tender in the market by June this year and expect to be in full production by November.
“This pilot program will manufacture up to 50 water tanks a week in two sizes, 3000 litres and 5000 litres.
“Depending on the success of the pilot project we will look at expanding the project to the Maryborough, Borallon and Darling Downs Correctional Centres.
“We will consult with the tank industry during the pilot project and also develop an exit strategy to cease the initiative once the drought ends or its impact becomes less severe.”
Ms Spence said the program will teach prisoners important manufacturing skills which will assist them in finding employment once they finished their sentences.
“Around half of the inmates in Queensland prisons were unemployed before they were jailed and this program will provide them with skills for employment and allow them the opportunity to give something back to the community,” Ms Spence said.
“Around 70 to 100 prisoners will be employed under this pilot program and many more will gain vital skills when it is expanded,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said the government will call for tenders from the private sector in coming weeks for a partner in the project.
“This is not about competing against private companies but about helping to supply the huge demand for water tanks in Queensland and providing prisoners with important skills,” she said.
Mr Beattie said the demand for water tanks had risen because Queenslanders were keen to play their part in tackling the worst drought on record.
“Everyone wants to do their bit to combat the effects of drought and climate change,” Mr Beattie said.
“Water tanks and water efficient measures around the home are one way that every household can make a real difference.
“Our Government is supporting households in this endeavour by providing cash rebates for the purchase of water saving devices, including water tanks, through our popular Home Water Wise Rebate Scheme.”
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Minister’s Office: 3239 6218
30 April, 2007
“As part of a pilot project we are looking for a private sector partner to help manufacture water tanks at the Woodford Correctional Centre,” Mr Beattie said.
“Not only will prisoners be able to help the community get through the drought but they will also learn valuable work skills.
“The number of tank manufacturers around the State has increased from approximately 12 to 21 in the past nine months however there is still a significant shortfall between demand and supply.
“The current waiting time for water tanks is already lengthy and that will increase after July 1 when laws requiring all new houses to have a water tank come into force.
“We will have the tender in the market by June this year and expect to be in full production by November.
“This pilot program will manufacture up to 50 water tanks a week in two sizes, 3000 litres and 5000 litres.
“Depending on the success of the pilot project we will look at expanding the project to the Maryborough, Borallon and Darling Downs Correctional Centres.
“We will consult with the tank industry during the pilot project and also develop an exit strategy to cease the initiative once the drought ends or its impact becomes less severe.”
Ms Spence said the program will teach prisoners important manufacturing skills which will assist them in finding employment once they finished their sentences.
“Around half of the inmates in Queensland prisons were unemployed before they were jailed and this program will provide them with skills for employment and allow them the opportunity to give something back to the community,” Ms Spence said.
“Around 70 to 100 prisoners will be employed under this pilot program and many more will gain vital skills when it is expanded,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said the government will call for tenders from the private sector in coming weeks for a partner in the project.
“This is not about competing against private companies but about helping to supply the huge demand for water tanks in Queensland and providing prisoners with important skills,” she said.
Mr Beattie said the demand for water tanks had risen because Queenslanders were keen to play their part in tackling the worst drought on record.
“Everyone wants to do their bit to combat the effects of drought and climate change,” Mr Beattie said.
“Water tanks and water efficient measures around the home are one way that every household can make a real difference.
“Our Government is supporting households in this endeavour by providing cash rebates for the purchase of water saving devices, including water tanks, through our popular Home Water Wise Rebate Scheme.”
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Minister’s Office: 3239 6218
30 April, 2007