Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Record budget to build Queensland’s prisons of the future
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has announced a record $511 Million Budget for Queensland Corrective Services, up $24 Million (or 5%) on last year’s budget, to ensure the future of our prison system.
Ms Spence said the budget delivers big spending on prison infrastructure, with $378 Million to help build Queensland’s prisons of the future.
“This funding injection into prison projects is almost 65% more than last year’s budget for prison infrastructure of $231 Million.
“As prisoner numbers continue to grow, we must continue to increase our prison capacities.
“The Bligh Government is ensuring we can continue to lead the way in delivering a state-of-the-art prison system.
“We are proud of our record of no escapes from secure custody. This budget maintains the government’s focus on community safety with $9 Million being spent on upgrading perimeter security at existing prisons, with cutting-edge technology.”
Ms Spence said the major capital works projects funded in this year’s budget include:
• $196.7 Million to start construction of the first stage of the $485 Million new south-east Queensland correctional precinct in the Lockyer Valley.
• $118.3 Million for the $445 million expansion and redevelopment of Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, just outside Mareeba in North Queensland.
• $37.3 Million for the completion of the refurbishment and expansion of Townsville Correctional Centre.
• $12 Million for the completion of the new Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre. The 154-bed centre, which is located adjacent to the men’s centre, will include special facilities for prisoners with disabilities and units for mothers and babies.
“We are also spending $1.9 million for the continued upgrade program of Probation and Parole offices across Queensland. This funding will see the delivery of two new Probation and Parole offices, to replace existing ones in Cairns and Rockhampton. It will also fund the refurbishment of the Mt Isa office.
“A further $1.2 million is being provided to continue the roll-out of permanent Probation and Parole offices in Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland. This is part of our ongoing strategy to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous offenders in our prisons.
“By delivering a first-rate Probation and Parole system in Queensland we can continue to reduce recidivism rates and stop offenders from returning to a life of crime.”
Media Contact: 3239 6218
Ms Spence said the budget delivers big spending on prison infrastructure, with $378 Million to help build Queensland’s prisons of the future.
“This funding injection into prison projects is almost 65% more than last year’s budget for prison infrastructure of $231 Million.
“As prisoner numbers continue to grow, we must continue to increase our prison capacities.
“The Bligh Government is ensuring we can continue to lead the way in delivering a state-of-the-art prison system.
“We are proud of our record of no escapes from secure custody. This budget maintains the government’s focus on community safety with $9 Million being spent on upgrading perimeter security at existing prisons, with cutting-edge technology.”
Ms Spence said the major capital works projects funded in this year’s budget include:
• $196.7 Million to start construction of the first stage of the $485 Million new south-east Queensland correctional precinct in the Lockyer Valley.
• $118.3 Million for the $445 million expansion and redevelopment of Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, just outside Mareeba in North Queensland.
• $37.3 Million for the completion of the refurbishment and expansion of Townsville Correctional Centre.
• $12 Million for the completion of the new Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre. The 154-bed centre, which is located adjacent to the men’s centre, will include special facilities for prisoners with disabilities and units for mothers and babies.
“We are also spending $1.9 million for the continued upgrade program of Probation and Parole offices across Queensland. This funding will see the delivery of two new Probation and Parole offices, to replace existing ones in Cairns and Rockhampton. It will also fund the refurbishment of the Mt Isa office.
“A further $1.2 million is being provided to continue the roll-out of permanent Probation and Parole offices in Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland. This is part of our ongoing strategy to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous offenders in our prisons.
“By delivering a first-rate Probation and Parole system in Queensland we can continue to reduce recidivism rates and stop offenders from returning to a life of crime.”
Media Contact: 3239 6218