Published Tuesday, 18 November, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Prisoners join massive emergency response effort in Brisbane
Low-risk prisoners have today worked alongside emergency services staff, the army, police, community members and volunteers as part of the massive emergency clean-up effort in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
Fifteen prisoners and three supervisors from Toowoomba’s Darling Downs Correctional Centre work camp arrived on site this morning.
The crew were briefed by emergency services staff before heading to the parkland bordering Camoola Street, Keperra to clear trees and debris from the area.
The crew worked as one group alongside council staff and also contributed a truck and three chainsaws to help with the clean-up effort. They moved more than seven truckloads of debris to the dump site today.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence said a further five prisoners and one supervisor will join the crew tomorrow (Wednesday November 19), taking the total number of prisoners assisting to 20.
Ms Spence said more prisoners were on standby to assist with the clean-up.
“We have more low-risk work camp prisoners – both male and female – on standby should emergency service authorities need further help,” she said.
“If weather predictions are correct we may be faced with more storm activity and Queensland Corrective Services officers and prisoners will be ready to go where they are needed.
“I was on site this afternoon talking with staff and prisoners and their response has been outstanding. They are as keen as mustard to help for as long as they are needed.
“One of our custodial correctional officers on site today was part of Darling Downs prison's emergency relief efforts in Innisfail after Cyclone Larry. He was also a member of the crew that went to Mackay earlier this year in the wake of flooding.
“Staff and prisoners get a lot out of this type of work. It gives prisoners an opportunity to give something back to their community,” Ms Spence said.
The prisoners and corrective services officers have been diverted from their usual duties in western Queensland communities to provide assistance in The Gap, Keperra and Upper Kedron areas.
The crew will remain in the area for as long as their assistance is required.
Note: Prisoners with sexual offending backgrounds are not eligible to participate in the work camp community assistance program.
Media Contact: 3239 6218
Fifteen prisoners and three supervisors from Toowoomba’s Darling Downs Correctional Centre work camp arrived on site this morning.
The crew were briefed by emergency services staff before heading to the parkland bordering Camoola Street, Keperra to clear trees and debris from the area.
The crew worked as one group alongside council staff and also contributed a truck and three chainsaws to help with the clean-up effort. They moved more than seven truckloads of debris to the dump site today.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence said a further five prisoners and one supervisor will join the crew tomorrow (Wednesday November 19), taking the total number of prisoners assisting to 20.
Ms Spence said more prisoners were on standby to assist with the clean-up.
“We have more low-risk work camp prisoners – both male and female – on standby should emergency service authorities need further help,” she said.
“If weather predictions are correct we may be faced with more storm activity and Queensland Corrective Services officers and prisoners will be ready to go where they are needed.
“I was on site this afternoon talking with staff and prisoners and their response has been outstanding. They are as keen as mustard to help for as long as they are needed.
“One of our custodial correctional officers on site today was part of Darling Downs prison's emergency relief efforts in Innisfail after Cyclone Larry. He was also a member of the crew that went to Mackay earlier this year in the wake of flooding.
“Staff and prisoners get a lot out of this type of work. It gives prisoners an opportunity to give something back to their community,” Ms Spence said.
The prisoners and corrective services officers have been diverted from their usual duties in western Queensland communities to provide assistance in The Gap, Keperra and Upper Kedron areas.
The crew will remain in the area for as long as their assistance is required.
Note: Prisoners with sexual offending backgrounds are not eligible to participate in the work camp community assistance program.
Media Contact: 3239 6218