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Media Statements

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

Monday, 27 April, 2009

New Women's prison delivering jobs to the Lockyer Valley

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Neil Roberts today visited Gatton and the construction site of the first stage of Queensland's newest corrective services precinct.

Minister Roberts was in the area for the Bligh Government's 14th community cabinet which took place in Toowoomba. 

He said site works on the 11 hectare, $485 million project, were now well underway.

"The contractors have completed earthworks for the new 300-bed women's correctional centre and they are now laying the foundations and floor slabs," Mr Roberts said.

"As we face up to the challenges of the global financial crisis, the project will provide a major boost to the economy of the Lockyer Valley.

"The construction on the site will provide up to 450 jobs at the peak of construction in the coming months.

"When it is open, the women's centre is expected to create about 200 new jobs in a range of roles."

Mr Roberts said con tractors Baulderstone Queensland had already completed initial site preparations and were moving to the first phase of construction.

"We expect most of the structural work will be completed by Christmas.

"This new prison is an important step as we build now to accommodate the future needs of the prisoner population."

Mr Roberts said the laying of the first concrete foundations was a major milestone for the project.

"Since earthworks began last October more than one million cubic metres of soil have been moved," he said.

The centre will feature a secure perimeter and gatehouse, visitor facilities, buildings for education and rehabilitation programs, and a sports hall and sports field.

It will also feature a video conferencing area to allow prisoners to appear via video link in court proceedings.

Mr Roberts said the design of the centre incorporated the latest environmental features to minimise water and energy consumptio n, and therefore minimise the centre's carbon footprint.

"Several green initiatives are being implemented including maximising the use of recycled water, timed showers, restricted flow taps, and the fitting of gas and solar hot water systems and energy efficient lighting to reduce energy consumption in the centre," he said.

"Other infrastructure will be built for the centre including dog squad facilities, staff training facilities, a waste water treatment plant, water, gas and fuel tanks and emergency power generators."

Mr Roberts said the 680 hectare South-East Queensland Prison Precinct had scope for construction of further correctional centres in the future.

Media contact: (07) 3239 0199

 

Last updated: 29 April 2009