Published Monday, 03 December, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Unique chance for public to see life behind the razor wire: Spence
The community will have a unique chance to see what life is like behind the razor wire, when the new Brisbane Correctional Centre (BCC) opens its gates to the public this month.
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said the $110 million refurbishment and expansion of the Brisbane Correctional Centre is almost complete and is expected to receive its first prisoners in January 2008.
“We are opening the gates to the community on December 15 and 16, so they will have an opportunity to see what a modern correctional facility is really like,” she said.
“This new state-of-the-art facility includes a $3 Million water conservation system with an industrial laundry meeting worlds-best practice standards on water saving measures; upgraded perimeter security; a special unit for 17 year old offenders; and an ultra-modern maximum security unit for housing some of Queensland’s most dangerous offenders.
“Correctional staff will be on hand to answer questions from the public and displays will show what an average day is like for prisoners in Queensland.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for members of the public to tour inside a Queensland Correctional Centre, and catch a glimpse of life behind the prison gates.”
Ms Spence said the former Sir David Longlands prison has been closed since late 2005, and the first sheets of metal were peeled from the roof of B-block on June 19 last year, marking the beginning of the demolition of the 84-cell block and the removal of the detention unit and programs building.
“This demolition work paved the way for three, new 100-bed cell blocks, while a further eight cell-blocks and the industries workshops have been gutted and fully refurbished,” Ms Spence said.
“The redevelopment also includes new prisoner reception, processing and programs areas and an upgrade of the existing administration and kitchen facilities.
“It will be commissioned with a capacity of 540 prisoners - an expansion of 216 beds.
“300 staff, including 150 custodial officers, will work at the centre, with the team moving on site this month.
“As the primary reception centre for south-east Queensland, the centre will conduct a range of assessments, develop offender managements plans and act as the transfer hub to placement centres in south east Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the centre has state-of-the-art security including computerised security management systems, surveillance cameras, perimeter intrusion detection systems, x-ray machines and drug detection scanners.
“We have also implemented a range of water and energy saving initiatives, including eight 22,000 litre rainwater tanks, water saving fixtures, new toilets with flush valves that control the number of flushes in a 24-hour period, timed shower controls and push button basin taps in cells that automatically turn off.
“All of these measures ensure this is a world-class facility, which will not only deliver secure housing of prisoners, but will operate in an efficient manner for the benefit of the whole community.
During the Open Days, there will be a gold coin donation upon entry to the centre, with money raised going to local organisations. Rotary will also be raising money for their valuable work through the sale of drinks and food.
The centre will open its gates from 10am to 4pm each day. There is limited parking on site but visitors are encouraged to avoid long parking delays by catching the train to Wacol station. A free shuttle bus will run the short distance between the station and the centre.
Much of the tour route at the centre is under cover, however visitors are encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen.
As this is a secure correctional centre, visitors are asked to leave cameras at home.
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said the $110 million refurbishment and expansion of the Brisbane Correctional Centre is almost complete and is expected to receive its first prisoners in January 2008.
“We are opening the gates to the community on December 15 and 16, so they will have an opportunity to see what a modern correctional facility is really like,” she said.
“This new state-of-the-art facility includes a $3 Million water conservation system with an industrial laundry meeting worlds-best practice standards on water saving measures; upgraded perimeter security; a special unit for 17 year old offenders; and an ultra-modern maximum security unit for housing some of Queensland’s most dangerous offenders.
“Correctional staff will be on hand to answer questions from the public and displays will show what an average day is like for prisoners in Queensland.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for members of the public to tour inside a Queensland Correctional Centre, and catch a glimpse of life behind the prison gates.”
Ms Spence said the former Sir David Longlands prison has been closed since late 2005, and the first sheets of metal were peeled from the roof of B-block on June 19 last year, marking the beginning of the demolition of the 84-cell block and the removal of the detention unit and programs building.
“This demolition work paved the way for three, new 100-bed cell blocks, while a further eight cell-blocks and the industries workshops have been gutted and fully refurbished,” Ms Spence said.
“The redevelopment also includes new prisoner reception, processing and programs areas and an upgrade of the existing administration and kitchen facilities.
“It will be commissioned with a capacity of 540 prisoners - an expansion of 216 beds.
“300 staff, including 150 custodial officers, will work at the centre, with the team moving on site this month.
“As the primary reception centre for south-east Queensland, the centre will conduct a range of assessments, develop offender managements plans and act as the transfer hub to placement centres in south east Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the centre has state-of-the-art security including computerised security management systems, surveillance cameras, perimeter intrusion detection systems, x-ray machines and drug detection scanners.
“We have also implemented a range of water and energy saving initiatives, including eight 22,000 litre rainwater tanks, water saving fixtures, new toilets with flush valves that control the number of flushes in a 24-hour period, timed shower controls and push button basin taps in cells that automatically turn off.
“All of these measures ensure this is a world-class facility, which will not only deliver secure housing of prisoners, but will operate in an efficient manner for the benefit of the whole community.
During the Open Days, there will be a gold coin donation upon entry to the centre, with money raised going to local organisations. Rotary will also be raising money for their valuable work through the sale of drinks and food.
The centre will open its gates from 10am to 4pm each day. There is limited parking on site but visitors are encouraged to avoid long parking delays by catching the train to Wacol station. A free shuttle bus will run the short distance between the station and the centre.
Much of the tour route at the centre is under cover, however visitors are encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen.
As this is a secure correctional centre, visitors are asked to leave cameras at home.
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 0439 673 287