Low security prisoners supporting sanctuary cleanup
Townsville Men's Low Custody Correctional Centre has been hard at work helping Billabong Sanctuary get back on its feet following North Queensland's devastating floods.
Six low custody prisoners lent a helping hand to staff and volunteers, clearing debris, raking paths and cutting and clearing fallen branches in support of Townsville's tourist icon.
Under the supervision of Queensland Corrective Services Officers, the emergency recovery work provides prisoners the opportunity to make reparation while reducing the number of victims by reducing future offending.
It also means Billabong Sanctuary can throw its doors open to the public days earlier than otherwise anticipated.
Townsville Men's Low Custody Deputy General Manager, Superintendent George Muir said supporting community organisations through the supervised labour of prisoners is a win-win.
"When we came and did an assessment there were lots of fallen trees, a lot of debris from the high winds, minor flooding with washouts so the men are cleaning up the paths, clearing the trees out and getting it fixed up so the public can come back and enjoy the sanctuary," he said.
"Essentially, through these types of programs we integrate low classification prisoners back into the community under supervision while providing support to the community in the way of labour.
"We've put the call out to various councils and external stakeholders that we're here to assist to really get in and help the community out, which is what we're here to do."
The emergency recovery support continues the low custody centre's near decade long support of Billabong Sanctuary, having assisted with clean ups following other natural disasters such as TC Kirrily.
On a regular basis, the Low Custody centre grows eucalyptus leaves for Billabong Sanctuary's koalas at the prison farm.
Billabong Sanctuary General Manager Cameron Griffiths said having the prisoners on board helps their staff focus on caring for, and readying the animals for re-opening as soon as possible.
"It's getting that connection back into the community and showing them there's life outside the correctional centre, so we're happy to be a part of it and any time we can do any collaboration we're always on board," he said.
"What it means is all my staff can focus on the enclosures and getting the animals back out there while these guys get can help get the grounds back so we can repair them.
"During TC Kirrily, it was probably weeks that they put us ahead so while it's hard to quantify, they definitely will put our opening days ahead."
