Gatton prison jobs: 800 positions need to be filled at new correctional facility

Queensland’s biggest and newest prison, situated in between Toowoomba and Brisbane, is looking for hundreds of staff. These are the jobs you can apply for.

The newly constructed $861m Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre will create more than 800 jobs in Queensland in the Lockyer Valley.

With 1536-beds, it will be Queensland’s largest prison and operate differently than others, with a strong focus on mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.

More than 1100 people will work at the high-security men’s prison, which will open in 2024 at Spring Creek, north of Gatton.

The facility is a 10-minute drive from off the Warrego Highway, which is a major 708km thoroughfare running from Ipswich to Charleville.

A Queensland Corrective Series spokesman said the department was calling on job seekers, new graduates, and people looking for a career change, to apply for their preferred role.

“Jobs available at the new centre include custodial correctional officers, trade instructors, psychologists, administration officers, allied health workers, case managers, and more,” he said.

Queensland Corrective Series acting deputy commissioner Adam Black said it was an exciting time for the Lockyer Valley’s employment market and a great career opportunity for locals.

“Operating a facility of this size will need a substantial workforce and we have hundreds of job opportunities for local people,” he said.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We encourage people from all walks of life to consider a career in corrections as many skills are transferable from other industries.

“If you would like to use your skills to contribute to safer communities, make a real difference to others’ lives, be a part of a supportive team, and enjoy flexible working arrangements, we may have a role for you.”

Construction work is underway for a new high-security prison 12km northeast of Gatton, with the 1536-bed centre to be called the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre. Photo: Corrective Services Queensland.

Following the construction process, more than $540m was injected into the Lockyer Valley and a large number of local suppliers were involved in the build.

As the state’s prisons struggle with overcrowding issues, it is hoped the facility takes pressure off on the vital system.

On numerous occasions in 2023, Toowoomba magistrates were told by lawyers that their clients were forced to sleep on floors because there were not enough beds.

Salaries for custodial correctional officers range from $81,645 to $117,152.

You can apply here.