Published Wednesday, 09 January, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
PRISON UPGRADES TO TAKE LONGER
Contractors involved in the upgrading of the Brisbane and Arthur Gorrie correctional centres have advised that the completion of these projects will be delayed due to difficulties being experienced in the commission of sophisticated electronic security systems, Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said today.
Mr Schwarten said that while he was unhappy with the delays it would be irresponsible to try to open the centres without ensuring that the state-of-the-art security systems were fully operational.
“Public safety is paramount and there is no way we would open these centres until such time as the security systems are working at optimum levels,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The $110 million redevelopment of the Brisbane Correctional Centre was due to be completed by January but the contractors have advised that this date will have to be revised until April.”
“Arthur Gorrie’s $55 million upgrade has also been revised from mid February until April.”
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said that while he was unhappy with the delays it would be irresponsible to try to open the centres without ensuring that the state-of-the-art security systems were fully operational.
“Public safety is paramount and there is no way we would open these centres until such time as the security systems are working at optimum levels,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The $110 million redevelopment of the Brisbane Correctional Centre was due to be completed by January but the contractors have advised that this date will have to be revised until April.”
“Arthur Gorrie’s $55 million upgrade has also been revised from mid February until April.”
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832