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Media Statements

Joint Statement:

Minister for Public Works and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Construction contract awarded for Lotus Glen project

The $445 million expansion and refurbishment of Lotus Glen Correctional Centre reached another milestone today with Thiess Limited being awarded the construction contract.

Acting Public Works Minister Tim Mulherin said Thiess had overseen earthworks and initial construction in their role as managing contractors for the massive project.

“The expansion will not only provide local jobs during the construction phase, but also up to an extra 140 correctional staff when finished,” Mr Mulherin said.

“At the peak of activity there will be about 250 construction workers on site.”

Earthworks and other preparatory works have been underway since January this year. The site has been cleared and 3000 tonnes of fill is being trucked in to level the site.

“Inside the perimeter fence, a new security fence is well under, the old bakery has been demolished and work is about to commence on a temporary medical facility,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Construction is on schedule with the first concrete poured on 23 March, and steel works expected to commence in two weeks.”

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Neil Roberts said Queensland Corrective Services had already processed more than 500 security clearances for construction workers and suppliers.

That number is expected to swell to more than 2000 by the project’s end.

“When complete the all male correctional centre will continue to be the Atherton Tablelands’ leading local employer with 450 staff,” Mr Roberts said.

“The flow-on effects will be a great boost for business, and the community in general, on the Tablelands and in Cairns.”

The redevelopment will add 300 high security cells and 24 low security farm beds taking the centre’s capacity to 696 beds and the farm’s capacity to 124 beds.

The centre will incorporate state-of-the-art digital security to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.

Mr Roberts said the expansion and refurbishment would occur in two stages with in excess of $50 million being spent to the end of this financial year.

“Stage one is programmed for completion by late 2011 with stage 2 by late 2012,” he said

“It will include construction of three new 100-bed cell blocks, new programs and medical buildings, four industry workshops, a gatehouse, sports hall, visitor processing and staff amenities building, covered staff car parking and visitor car parking, and a 24-bed low security (farm) accommodation building.

“The stage one redevelopment work will be to the kitchen, staff dining, medical, visits, prisoner processing, bulk store, dog squad, staff training, industries and administration.

“By working outside the perimeter, staff and prisoners at the existing centre can get on with their daily routine with minimum interruption.

“It also means the security of the perimeter fence will not be compromised.

“Once complete, the high security fence will be extended to amalgamate all prison buildings and prisoners will be transferred into the new facility.

“Builders will then move into and refurbish the older prison buildings to bring them into line with the State’s other modern correctional facilities.”

The stage two modernisation will refurbish cell blocks B and C, the sports hall, education and programs buildings, walkways, and sports oval.

Media contact: Minister Schwarten’s office – Sandy Dunn on (07) 3237 1184
Minister Roberts’ office – Scott Chandler on (07) 3239 6172

Last updated: 24 April 2009