Published Thursday, 13 December, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Goondi Mill determined most suitable location for permanent Innisfail Work Camp: Spence
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence, today announced that the Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters has been selected as the permanent site for the Innisfail Work Camp.
“The Innisfail work camp was initially established in the wake of Cyclone Larry, in March 2006, to assist with cleaning up in the area,” Ms Spence said.
“The local community and Johnstone Shire Council told us they were keen to have this valuable community work continue. So in November 2006, the Premier and I announced the establishment of a permanent work camp in Innisfail.
“Over the past 12 months, low security prisoners at the work camp have provided 3,250 hours of community work, which has included maintenance at the showgrounds and cleaning local beaches of debris after flooding.”
Member for Mulgrave and Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Warren Pitt, has welcomed the decision on a permanent site.
“The location of a permanent Work Camp in Innisfail provides this town and the surrounding district with access to ready labour for important community projects,” Mr Pitt said.
“This kind of work also provides low-risk inmates with important opportunities to make reparation to the community and to develop skills and work ethic, prior to their release.”
Ms Spence said low security prisoners from the work camp have been housed in temporary accommodation at the Goondi Sports Ground, while a permanent site was being sought.
“The Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters was initially selected earlier this year, as a preferred site for the permanent work camp and negotiations commenced for the purchase of this property,” Ms Spence said.
“Negotiations were then placed on hold in May, following concerns raised by some local residents about the process used to select the site. Consequently, Queensland Corrective Services assisted the shire in a community engagement process.
“Six potential sites were nominated by the community through this process. These sites were inspected by officers of Corrective Services and evaluated for their suitability as a permanent work camp.
“Queensland Corrective Services has worked closely with the council to identify possible sites. Three sites were located within an industrial estate, another site at the showgrounds, and a further site at a park on the southern side of Innisfail.
“The Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters was identified as the preferred, most suitable location for a permanent work camp, as it was supported by council, provides ideal accommodation, was available for purchase and is a reasonable distance from the town centre.”
Ms Spence said Queensland Corrective Services purchased the Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters at 129 Goondi Mill Rd, Goondi, on 31 October 2007.
Queensland Corrective Services has also purchased the most immediate neighbouring property.
“The land will now be subject to a rezoning process. It is expected this will take approximately six months. In the meantime, the Work Camp will continue to operate from the temporary site at the Goondi Sports grounds.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – 3239 6218
Minister Pitt’s Office – 3227 8851
“The Innisfail work camp was initially established in the wake of Cyclone Larry, in March 2006, to assist with cleaning up in the area,” Ms Spence said.
“The local community and Johnstone Shire Council told us they were keen to have this valuable community work continue. So in November 2006, the Premier and I announced the establishment of a permanent work camp in Innisfail.
“Over the past 12 months, low security prisoners at the work camp have provided 3,250 hours of community work, which has included maintenance at the showgrounds and cleaning local beaches of debris after flooding.”
Member for Mulgrave and Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Warren Pitt, has welcomed the decision on a permanent site.
“The location of a permanent Work Camp in Innisfail provides this town and the surrounding district with access to ready labour for important community projects,” Mr Pitt said.
“This kind of work also provides low-risk inmates with important opportunities to make reparation to the community and to develop skills and work ethic, prior to their release.”
Ms Spence said low security prisoners from the work camp have been housed in temporary accommodation at the Goondi Sports Ground, while a permanent site was being sought.
“The Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters was initially selected earlier this year, as a preferred site for the permanent work camp and negotiations commenced for the purchase of this property,” Ms Spence said.
“Negotiations were then placed on hold in May, following concerns raised by some local residents about the process used to select the site. Consequently, Queensland Corrective Services assisted the shire in a community engagement process.
“Six potential sites were nominated by the community through this process. These sites were inspected by officers of Corrective Services and evaluated for their suitability as a permanent work camp.
“Queensland Corrective Services has worked closely with the council to identify possible sites. Three sites were located within an industrial estate, another site at the showgrounds, and a further site at a park on the southern side of Innisfail.
“The Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters was identified as the preferred, most suitable location for a permanent work camp, as it was supported by council, provides ideal accommodation, was available for purchase and is a reasonable distance from the town centre.”
Ms Spence said Queensland Corrective Services purchased the Goondi Mill Single Men’s Quarters at 129 Goondi Mill Rd, Goondi, on 31 October 2007.
Queensland Corrective Services has also purchased the most immediate neighbouring property.
“The land will now be subject to a rezoning process. It is expected this will take approximately six months. In the meantime, the Work Camp will continue to operate from the temporary site at the Goondi Sports grounds.”
Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office – 3239 6218
Minister Pitt’s Office – 3227 8851