PRISON EXPANSION ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET
Published Friday, 18 May, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
The Brisbane Correctional Centre (formerly Sir David Longland Correctional Centre) is scheduled to start accepting inmates in December with the redevelopment of the prison running on time and on budget, Acting Minister for Corrective Services Robert Schwarten announced today.
“The centre was closed in December 2005 to allow the $110 million redevelopment program to proceed,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Part of the prison has now been demolished and new units have already been constructed.
“Once complete, the new Brisbane Correctional Centre will house an additional 216 prisoners, taking the total capacity to 540 prisoners.”
“This centre will be a best practice facility, with both new and refurbished cells equipped with water saving tap fittings and dual flush toilets, to comply with the requirements of level four and level five water restrictions,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The design of the new centre incorporates for the first time, rain water harvesting, with eight 22 thousand litre tanks being installed under a new cell block.
“The tanks will supply irrigation water to sports fields within the complex.”
Mr Schwarten said the centre will also include increased security.
“The Beattie Government is proud of its record of no escapes from secure custody and this new centre has been designed to keep that record intact.
“Both new and refurbished cells will have enhanced security measures and have been designed to reduce hanging points internally.”
Mr Schwarten said the expansion of the centre will go a long way toward managing Queensland’s growing prison population.
“Prisoner numbers are rising all around Australia and in Queensland we continue to plan ahead,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In addition to the refurbishment of Sir David Longland, other current projects include a $55 million upgrade at Arthur Gorrie, $272 million for construction and refurbishment at Townsville men’s and women’s correctional centres and the new $500 million prison precinct at Gatton.
“All of these projects are currently on target and will ensure Queensland continues to lead the way in prison management and planning in Australia,” Mr Schwarten said.
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell - 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491
“The centre was closed in December 2005 to allow the $110 million redevelopment program to proceed,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Part of the prison has now been demolished and new units have already been constructed.
“Once complete, the new Brisbane Correctional Centre will house an additional 216 prisoners, taking the total capacity to 540 prisoners.”
“This centre will be a best practice facility, with both new and refurbished cells equipped with water saving tap fittings and dual flush toilets, to comply with the requirements of level four and level five water restrictions,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The design of the new centre incorporates for the first time, rain water harvesting, with eight 22 thousand litre tanks being installed under a new cell block.
“The tanks will supply irrigation water to sports fields within the complex.”
Mr Schwarten said the centre will also include increased security.
“The Beattie Government is proud of its record of no escapes from secure custody and this new centre has been designed to keep that record intact.
“Both new and refurbished cells will have enhanced security measures and have been designed to reduce hanging points internally.”
Mr Schwarten said the expansion of the centre will go a long way toward managing Queensland’s growing prison population.
“Prisoner numbers are rising all around Australia and in Queensland we continue to plan ahead,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In addition to the refurbishment of Sir David Longland, other current projects include a $55 million upgrade at Arthur Gorrie, $272 million for construction and refurbishment at Townsville men’s and women’s correctional centres and the new $500 million prison precinct at Gatton.
“All of these projects are currently on target and will ensure Queensland continues to lead the way in prison management and planning in Australia,” Mr Schwarten said.
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell - 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491