Capricornia Prison Expansion Managing Contractor Announced

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a managing contractor for a vital new prison expansion that will bring hundreds of jobs.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk named CPB Contractors as the managing contractor for the $200 million expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre which will deliver a minimum of 164 additional cells as well as increased prison industries and other upgrades to the centre.

The announcement is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s short, medium and long term plans to ease prison capacity pressure in the Queensland correctional system.

“I am pleased to announce CPB Contractors as the managing contractor for this vital development, which will not only deliver jobs for central Queensland but a significant increase in prison capacity for Corrective Services,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“Prison infrastructure is complex and specialised work and CPB Contractors has the proven track record to deliver construction that is cost effective, safe and secure.”

“During the construction phase, the project is estimated to deliver 141 jobs and CPB Contractors will be working closely with local subcontractors and suppliers to deliver maximum opportunity to the region.”

Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan said not only will the expansion create jobs, when jobs and job security is so important, but it reinforced the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver opportunities for regional and remote communities.

“Importantly, once commissioned, the expansion to Capricornia Correctional Centre will create an additional 85 full time correctional staff positions in Rockhampton,” Minister Ryan said.

“Not only is it a jobs boost to the Central Queensland region but this project will ease prison capacity pressure, which will help ensure staff, prisoner and community safety.”

Acting Commissioner Kerrith McDermott, a proud Rockhampton local and former General Manager of the facility, said she was particularly pleased the capacity of the centre was being expanded further and sooner, in order to ease overcrowding.

“Capricornia is a significant regional employer, providing reception, assessment and placement for male prisoners in Central Queensland,” Acting Commissioner McDermott said.

“My number one concern is the safety and security of our facilities in this State and the work to expand Capricornia with new residential cells will ease the strain of overcrowding in Central Queensland.”

The $200 million expansion includes an increased capacity for prison industries at the centre, as well as upgrades to the waste water, mechanical services and electronic security systems.

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