18 June, 2023
$4.1 million upgrade for Woodford prison
A $4.1 million upgrade to the intercom system at Woodford prison has been included in the State Budget.
SAFE management of Queensland’s prison population, to protect the community and staff and programs to reduce re-offending, will be delivered through a record $1.408 billion 2023-24 Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) operational budget (exclusive of capital funding).
Stage two of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct, where more than 1,500 beds will be available when it opens in 2024, has been allocated $341 million capital funding for completion of main construction.
The modern, purpose-built centre will focus on health and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending, and support more than 800 good, secure jobs giving the local Lockyer Valley economy a boost.
Installation of additional bunk beds in high security correctional centres across the state will also progress, with $1 million of a $8 million program committed in the 2023-24 budget.
Parole Board Queensland’s operations will be enhanced with $23.5 million over the next two years to ensure timely and community-safety focused consideration of parole matters.
The management of serious sex offenders will also be enhanced with an additional $2.2 million over the next two years used towards staffing and programs to keep the community safe.
QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart said the completion of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct – Stage 2 near Gatton will be a defining point for QCS.
“It will be the largest correctional centre in Queensland, with 1500 new beds that will take the pressure off other centres, supported by another $1 million for additional bunk beds around the state.
“The new, modern prison will be pivotal in reducing re-offending, with facilities to drive behaviour change through mental health, alcohol and drug rehabilitation services within the precinct.
“This will allow us to build on our ongoing program of infrastructure and innovation that protects frontline staff and keeps prisoners, visitors and our communities safe.”
