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Lotus Glen Correctional Centre expansion and refurbishment

Aerial photo of construction at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in April 2009

To accommodate the growth in prisoner numbers – a national trend – Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) is undergoing a massive $445 million refurbishment and expansion.

Built in the late 1980s, LGCC is Queensland’s most northern correctional centre, just outside Mareeba, an hour’s drive from Cairns.

The expansion is scheduled for completion by late 2011.

Expansion and refurbishment

The 300-bed expansion at LGCC will be built outside the existing perimeter. The perimeter will then be changed to amalgamate the existing centre. Upon completion, it will take the centre’s capacity to close to 700 beds.

The expansion will include three 100-bed cell blocks, new programs and medical buildings, four industry workshops, a gatehouse, sports hall, visitor processing and staff amenities building. A 24-bed low-security accommodation unit will also be built at the nearby prison farm.

There will also be extensive refurbishment of existing facilities.

This will include kitchen and staff dining areas, visits, prisoner processing, administration, bulk store, laundry, sports hall, education buildings, staff training facilities, cell blocks B and C, two industry areas, dog squad, staff and visitor car parking and an upgrade of the road between the centre and low security (farm) facility.

The refurbishment is scheduled for completion by late 2012.

Careers in corrections

The refurbishment and expansion at LGCC will result in about 140 new jobs, taking staffing levels upon completion to about 450.

QCS would usually begin recruitment about 12 months before completion.

For more information about careers in corrections and to subscribe for email updates about positions currently being advertised, visit our careers in corrections area.

Careers with Queensland Corrective Services

Last updated: 03 March 2011