Capricornia Correctional Centre expansion officially commissioned

*** STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 5am MONDAY 4 JULY 2022 ***

The $241 million expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre has been officially commissioned.

The multi-million-dollar project delivers on the Queensland Corrective Services’ commitment to community safety and support for the important work of front-line public safety officers and staff.

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said the new modern, purpose-built facility will improve the ability of correctional officers to assist prisoners in their rehabilitation.

“Creating extra capacity at Capricornia Correctional Centre is an important part of improving the safety and security of our centres,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The increased capacity will support our officers with actively driving behavioural change with prisoners and focusing on their rehabilitation, reducing the risk of reoffending when they return to the community.”

Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan said the expansion was a key component of the expansion of correctional capacity across the State which will deliver over 5,000 extra beds when the new correctional centre, currently under construction at Gatton, is commissioned.

“This significant infrastructure investment across Queensland has increased the State’s high security prison capacity and generated good, secure jobs in the local community,” Minister Ryan said.

“Locally, this $241 million expansion has almost doubled the size of Capricornia Correctional Centre, increasing the centre’s capacity by an additional 398 beds.

“This latest infrastructure along with the latest training and equipment highlights once again that Queensland’s custodial officers are among the best in Australasia and our State is grateful for the outstanding service of those officers which directly enhances community safety,” Minister Ryan said. 

State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the local centre expansion had created jobs in Rockhampton and stimulated the regional economy, both during the construction phase and beyond.

“The Capricornia Correctional Centre has employed hundreds of extra staff and the flow on opportunities from these new full-time jobs will see millions injected into local businesses for decades to come,’’ Mr O’Rourke said.  

State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the expansion signalled the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the regions.

“Regions such as central Queensland are the lifeblood of the state and creating good jobs and better services to enhance our lifestyle is a win-win for our entire community,” Ms Lauga said.

Media contacts:

Minister’s office 3035 8300

QCS Media: 3565 7824