Two secure units have been opened at the Capricornia Correctional Centre, adding 100 additional cells to the facility.
The units are part of a $241 million expansion aimed at bringing the total capacity of the centre to 758 cells and 945 beds when works are completed mid-2021.
Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan said the opening of the two units was a milestone for the project.
“It’s an important element of Queensland’s plan to unite and recover and support jobs in these unprecedented times,” Mr Ryan said.
Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner, Peter Martin said the expanded capacity at the Capricornia Correctional Centre would help address the issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities.
“As we continue to position ourselves as a top-tier public safety Agency, creating extra capacity at Capricornia Correctional Centre is an important part of improving the safety and security of our centres,” Commissioner Martin said.
“We know from international research that addressing overcrowding will make our centres a safer environment for our officers, prisoners and visitors.”
He said the increased capacity would also free up officers to actively drive behavioural change, engaging with prisoners and focusing on their rehabilitation, reducing the risk of reoffending when they returned to the community.
“As a part of the expansion, we are actively recruiting for permanent full time positions in a range of roles,” the Commissioner said.
