The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre to Open

• New high-security Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre officially begins commissioning.
• 1,536-bed facility boosts prison capacity and supports rehabilitation initiatives.
• Delivers on the Crisafulli Government's pledge to improve safety and correctional infrastructure.

The Queensland Government has commenced the commissioning of the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, marking a major step forward in strengthening the State's correctional system and community safety.

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) officers have begun deployment at the new high-security facility, which adds 1,536 beds to the correctional network. Officers will now undergo extensive training and scenario-based exercises as part of the centre's staged operational rollout.

The opening of the facility is part of the Queensland Government's commitment to addressing long-standing capacity issues in Queensland's prison system, after years of delays and cost blowouts under previous governments.

Originally proposed by the LNP in 2014, the project experienced more than a decade of inaction and a $267 million cost overrun under Labor. The new centre is expected to relieve pressure across the prison network, where secure capacity has increased by nearly 150 per cent over the past decade.

Beyond increasing capacity, the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is designed with a strong focus on rehabilitation. It will offer educational and vocational training, mental health services, and substance abuse programs aimed at reducing reoffending and supporting reintegration into the community.

Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber, said the new facility is a key part of the government's plan to modernise Queensland's correctional infrastructure.

"The commissioning of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is a major milestone in addressing the capacity issues in Queensland's prison system," she said.
"We are delivering the infrastructure our corrections officers need to do their jobs safely and effectively, with a strong focus on rehabilitation to reduce future offending."

Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald, welcomed the milestone and praised the government's commitment to the region.

"Labor's legacy on prison infrastructure is one of delays and budget blowouts," Mr McDonald said.
"I've long advocated for this project, and I'm proud to see the Crisafulli Government delivering on its promise to the people of Lockyer and Queensland."

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Tanya Milligan, highlighted the scale and impact of the project.

"This facility is transformational for our region - it's larger than 16 Suncorp Stadiums and the first of its kind in Queensland," she said.
"We're proud to support a project that prioritises rehabilitation and community safety."

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner, Paul Stewart APM, said the facility sets a new benchmark for security and operational standards.

"The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre is equipped with the latest security technologies to create a safe working environment for our staff," he said.
"This facility plays a vital role in our mission to reduce reoffending while enhancing community safety across the State."

The Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre represents a significant investment in Queensland's future - not only by increasing correctional capacity, but by fostering a smarter, rehabilitation-focused approach to justice.