Published Thursday, 06 November, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Offenders graduate with civil construction qualifications
Nine Borallon Correctional Centre offenders have graduated today from the Project Rejuvenation initiative, a Main Roads-funded partnership with Queensland Corrective Services that has provided construction-related training and work experience on the Ipswich Motorway upgrade.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the program was offered as part of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade from Wacol to Darra, which involves widening the Ipswich Motorway from the Logan Motorway at Gailes to Jervis Street at Darra, including a major upgrade of the Centenary Highway interchange.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the project improved the job prospects for offenders when they were released, with at least two already working on projects in the western growth corridor.
“Not only have the offenders provided much-needed help with a vital road project, they are also improving their job chances for when they are released,” Ms Spence said.
“The program offered offenders training and work experience in the construction industry as part of a certificate in civil construction.
“We know that providing offenders with the chance to develop new skills and a positive work ethic improves their job prospects and reduces the likelihood of their re-offending upon release.”
Mr Pitt said as part of the program a pilot group of 10 offenders had attended classes at Borallon Correctional Centre every three weeks.
They had taken part in theory courses and also had carried out practical industry-related work including building anti-gawk screens and bike racks for use on the Wacol–Darra upgrade.
“Anti-gawk screens are an important safety measure often used on major projects to screen roadworks from motorists’ peripheral vision, reducing the risk of driver distraction and crashes,” Mr Pitt said.
“Some 4300 screens have been fabricated in the last few months and have already been installed around the worksite.
“These screens were of an excellent standard, and have been praised by members of the community and other road construction contractors.”
Mr Pitt said the program had provided an innovative solution to resourcing problems during Queensland’s infrastructure boom.
“Working with the Borallon Correctional Centre is one way we can source vital equipment without having to import products from interstate or overseas, and also allows us to contribute to long-term development and rehabilitation opportunities for offenders,” Mr Pitt said.
Interest in the pilot program was such that a second group of participants will commence the program early 2009.
Project Rejuvenation is a partnership between Main Roads' SAFElink Alliance, the Civil Construction Federation, Serco Asia Pacific and the Borallon Correctional Centre.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the program was offered as part of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade from Wacol to Darra, which involves widening the Ipswich Motorway from the Logan Motorway at Gailes to Jervis Street at Darra, including a major upgrade of the Centenary Highway interchange.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the project improved the job prospects for offenders when they were released, with at least two already working on projects in the western growth corridor.
“Not only have the offenders provided much-needed help with a vital road project, they are also improving their job chances for when they are released,” Ms Spence said.
“The program offered offenders training and work experience in the construction industry as part of a certificate in civil construction.
“We know that providing offenders with the chance to develop new skills and a positive work ethic improves their job prospects and reduces the likelihood of their re-offending upon release.”
Mr Pitt said as part of the program a pilot group of 10 offenders had attended classes at Borallon Correctional Centre every three weeks.
They had taken part in theory courses and also had carried out practical industry-related work including building anti-gawk screens and bike racks for use on the Wacol–Darra upgrade.
“Anti-gawk screens are an important safety measure often used on major projects to screen roadworks from motorists’ peripheral vision, reducing the risk of driver distraction and crashes,” Mr Pitt said.
“Some 4300 screens have been fabricated in the last few months and have already been installed around the worksite.
“These screens were of an excellent standard, and have been praised by members of the community and other road construction contractors.”
Mr Pitt said the program had provided an innovative solution to resourcing problems during Queensland’s infrastructure boom.
“Working with the Borallon Correctional Centre is one way we can source vital equipment without having to import products from interstate or overseas, and also allows us to contribute to long-term development and rehabilitation opportunities for offenders,” Mr Pitt said.
Interest in the pilot program was such that a second group of participants will commence the program early 2009.
Project Rejuvenation is a partnership between Main Roads' SAFElink Alliance, the Civil Construction Federation, Serco Asia Pacific and the Borallon Correctional Centre.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819