Published Tuesday, 19 August, 2008 at 04:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
MANAGING CONTRACTOR CHOSEN FOR LOTUS GLEN EXPANSION
Construction company Thiess Pty Ltd has been appointed managing contractor for the $445 million Lotus Glen Correctional Centre redevelopment in Far North Queensland, Public Works Minster Robert Schwarten and Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence announced today.
Ms Spence said Lotus Glen, located west of Cairns on the Atherton Tableland, will be developed to provide an additional 300 cells and 24 additional low security farm beds.
She said it was important that the existing secure centre of 396 cells and 100 low-security farms beds at Lotus Glen be expanded and refurbished in line with community needs.
“The expansion and refurbishment of Lotus Glen will occur in two stages,” Ms Spence said.
“Stage one will provide new secure cells, detention unit, sports hall and visitor processing facility along with the refurbishment of buildings housing the support facilities within the secure centre.
“Once this work is completed, the prisoners will be transferred to their new accommodation so work can begin on stage two, the refurbishment of the older cell buildings.”
Ms Spence said the refurbishment and expansion would mean about 140 new jobs at the centre, taking staffing levels upon completion to about 450 staff.
Mr Schwarten said the new buildings would be constructed outside the existing perimeter.
“The perimeter will then be enlarged to amalgamate the existing centre and the new buildings within the one perimeter,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Early works including bulk earth works and relocation of roads and services are expected to begin in November 2008.
“The project is expected to be complete by mid 2012.”
Project Services, a business unit of the Department of Public Works, will project manage the expansion on behalf of Corrective Services Queensland.
Media contact: Minister Spence’s office – (07) 3239 6218, Minister Schwarten’s office – (07) 3237 1832
Ms Spence said Lotus Glen, located west of Cairns on the Atherton Tableland, will be developed to provide an additional 300 cells and 24 additional low security farm beds.
She said it was important that the existing secure centre of 396 cells and 100 low-security farms beds at Lotus Glen be expanded and refurbished in line with community needs.
“The expansion and refurbishment of Lotus Glen will occur in two stages,” Ms Spence said.
“Stage one will provide new secure cells, detention unit, sports hall and visitor processing facility along with the refurbishment of buildings housing the support facilities within the secure centre.
“Once this work is completed, the prisoners will be transferred to their new accommodation so work can begin on stage two, the refurbishment of the older cell buildings.”
Ms Spence said the refurbishment and expansion would mean about 140 new jobs at the centre, taking staffing levels upon completion to about 450 staff.
Mr Schwarten said the new buildings would be constructed outside the existing perimeter.
“The perimeter will then be enlarged to amalgamate the existing centre and the new buildings within the one perimeter,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Early works including bulk earth works and relocation of roads and services are expected to begin in November 2008.
“The project is expected to be complete by mid 2012.”
Project Services, a business unit of the Department of Public Works, will project manage the expansion on behalf of Corrective Services Queensland.
Media contact: Minister Spence’s office – (07) 3239 6218, Minister Schwarten’s office – (07) 3237 1832