Agreement reached on work camp

THE low-custody work camp at Charlton is moving another step closer, after the Toowoomba Regional Council and Queensland Corrective Services reached an agreement for the establishment of the work camp.

Toowoomba Regional Council last month authorised CEO Brian Pidgeon to enter into a lease agreement with Queensland Corrective Services over the land on which the low-custody work camp had been approved at 24 Nass Rd, Charlton.

A QCS spokesman said an agreement had been reached.

“QCS has been informed that the council consulted the community regarding this project and the council has approved its establishment,” the spokesman said.

“The establishment of the work camp will now progress in line with other capital works projects planned by the council.

“The timing of these projects is a matter for the council.”

According to documents lodged with the council in 2017, the prison will house a maximum of 12 “low-risk prisoners”, none of who have been convicted or incarcerated for serious crimes involving rape, molestation, murder or other serious violent offences.

Two Department of Corrective Services Officers will supervise and secure the prisoners at all times.

Other staff will include an on-site cook/chef. Prisoner duties will involve general maintenance of community facilities, including lawn mowing, maintenance and building and restoration works and similar labouring duties among farms and businesses with the region.

The perimeter of the complex will be surrounded by a 3m high security fence.