Prisoners help Beaudesert flood clean up

Darling Downs Correctional Centre Work Camp prisoners have been sent to Beaudesert in the wake of severe flooding in the area.

Acting Corrective Services Minister Robert Schwarten said the team of 12 low-risk prisoners and one supervisor will assist in the clean-up after a State of Emergency was declared in the area.

“The crew will work in partnership with the Department of Communities’ Community Recovery Team to help repair infrastructure and clear debris and will be in the area as long as required.

“They will also assist with “mud scraping”, providing assistance to local residents whose homes have been inundated by floodwaters,” Mr Schwarten said.

The prisoners have been redirected from their usual duties at the Charleville Work Camp and will be accommodated at the nearby Palen Creek Correctional Centre during their time in the region.

Mr Schwarten said: “This type of assistance has been running for more than 15 years, when prisoner labour was used in the clean up after the Charleville floods.

“The use of prisoner labour by prison work camps contributes around $1 million per year in labour costs to rural and regional towns,” he said.

“Prisoners usually work on a rotational basis at camps across Queensland, however in instances of natural disaster and extreme weather conditions, their duties can be suspended and crews quickly deployed to provide manpower during clean-up efforts.

“In early 2006, after Cyclone Larry devastated the Innisfail region, a crew of Darling Downs Work Camp prisoners were the first Queensland Corrective Services team on site to assist rebuilding the area.

“In March last year the centre’s work crew headed to Tara to help remove debris, fallen trees and clean up after a freak storm hit the area.

“In August last year, low-risk female prisoners at the Warwick Work Camp also stepped in to provide valuable assistance to horse owners affected by the Equine Flu quarantine at the Morgan Park Equestrian Centre.

“The work completed by the crews gives low-risk prisoners important opportunities to give something back to communities and develop skills and a work ethic.”

Prisoners with sexual offending backgrounds are not eligible to participate in the program.

Minister Schwarten’s office contact Scott Chandler 3227 1184

Corrective Services: Ross Mc Swain 0407 657 614