Innisfail Work Camp supporting disaster preparedness
- Supervised prisoners supporting SES with sandbagging in Innisfail.
- QCS Work Camp program providing valuable labour to community organisations.
Low security prisoners at Innisfail Work Camp have been put to work assisting their local community with disaster preparedness ahead of this weekend's forecast deluge.
With 24hr rainfall totals expected to exceed 150mm in some areas of the Cassowary Coast (Latest BOM forecast), prisoners assisted a clean-up at the State Emergency Service in preparation for a sand bagging machine to be installed.
They are now also gearing up to assist SES with sandbagging activities as conditions set to deteriorate and flood warnings are put in place.
The prisoners have been working in the community over the last several months in preparation for the monsoon season, clearing drains and gutters and cutting trees to prevent major damage as part of their regular community service activities.
Queensland Corrective Services Acting Assistant Commissioner, Central and Northern Command Stuart McHaffie said giving back to the community supports prisoner rehabilitation and community safety.
"Innisfail Work Camp is no stranger to assisting its community prepare and recover from natural disasters, most recently supporting the community through preparing for, and recovering from, Cyclone Jasper," he said.
"Severe weather is part of life in North Queensland, and the Work Camp provides valuable labour to groups like Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the State Emergency Service in times of need.
"Having prisoners get hands-on with vital community work assists them in developing a strong work ethic and self-esteem, which supports their successful reintegration into society upon release."
The Innisfail Work Camp operates throughout the year providing workers to the local council, community and not-for-profit organisations through labour, maintaining public spaces and assisting community events under supervision.
Aligned to Lotus Glen Correction Centre, it was initially established to assist with the clean-up after Cyclone Larry in 2006, and since then has played a significant role in the preparation and recovery for the region's severe storms and cyclones.
Queensland Corrective Services' Work Camp Program provides valuable labour for community service projects across regional Queensland as a pathway for successful prisoner rehabilitation.
Low security prisoners at work camps across North Queensland are being readied to support local councils and community organisations with disaster response.
