The sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction on the multi-million dollar Capricornia Correctional Centre expansion - located near Rockhampton in Queensland - that will deliver new and upgraded facilities to the centre.
A $41 million investment for the expansion was allotted from the 2018-19 State Budget in addition to the initial $200 million that was allocated to Queensland Corrective Services in 2017.
The initial budget was for the delivery of 264 cells for Capricornia Correctional Centre, and the additional $41 million will deliver a further 84 cells and beds to the expansion.
The added capacity from the expansion will also provide a safer working environment for staff at the correctional centre.
“The high-security centre currently includes 410 cells.
“The combined $241 million investment will deliver a total of 348 new cells and 396 new beds,” Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said.
The Capricornia Correctional Centre expansion is expected to create up to 172 construction jobs over a four-year delivery phase, which means ongoing opportunities for local central Queensland suppliers.
According to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga, this expansion project is a jobs winner.
“Once all new sections of the centre are in operation there will be 130 extra full-time permanent jobs created at the prison,” Ms Lauga said.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke has welcomed the news of the project as well as the opportunities it will bring to local businesses.
“Once construction is completed, local businesses help keep the centre running by providing food and other services.
“Correctional centres provide significant flow-on employment and business opportunities i regional Queensland,” Mr O’Rourke said.
Last year, CPB Contractors was appointed as the managing contractor for the project.
Works on the expansion is due to be completed in 2020.
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Source: Queensland Government