Prisoners, beds, assaults: Maryborough jail by the numbers
New figures and details from inside Maryborough Correctional Centre can be revealed as pressure on prisons continues to grow around the state.
Fraser Coast
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New figures have given a glimpse inside Maryborough Correctional Centre, about a year after a video tour of the prison was released for its 20th birthday.
According to data released by the Department of Corrective Services, there are currently more than 80 spare beds at Maryborough Correctional Centre.
This comes amid overcrowding concerns in prisons across Queensland.
The Maryborough jail has previously been at or over capacity.
“Prisoner numbers in correctional facilities fluctuate daily due to prisoners being admitted, discharged or moved between facilities,” a spokeswoman from the centre said.
“Prison operations are highly dynamic and prisoner numbers are managed across the state through real time central oversight.”
As of May 24, there were 742 prisoners and 824 built beds at Maryborough Correctional Centre, which is located just outside the Heritage City at Aldershot.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been two incidents of assaults on officers, but no injuries were recorded.
In every instance, officers are offered EAP support.
“QCS does everything it can to ensure officers and prisoners are safe and protected,” the spokeswoman said.
“No assault is acceptable and QCS’s professional officers work extremely hard every single day to prevent assaults but, as we all know, some of the people in custody have complex needs.
“QCS’ ongoing, statewide open recruitment means officers are recruited and trained throughout the year according to projected requirements.
“Choosing a life of public service as a corrective services officer is a good job, but it can be challenging.
“That’s why first year graduates can expect to earn over $100,000 a year for working three 12-hour shifts per week.
“Custodial Correctional Officers are trained locally at Maryborough, and since January 2023, 63 new officers have commenced duties, and a further 40 are expected to complete their training this year.”
In August last year, the Chronicle went behind the razor wire for a tour of Maryborough prison, giving a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the Steindl Rd centre.
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