Townsville Correctional Centre low-security prisoners help clean Billabong Sanctuary after floods

Low-security prisoners from a Townsville Correctional Centre have helped clean up a local tourist attraction in order for its doors to open sooner to the community after the recent floods.

QCS Low security prisoners supporting sanctuary clean up. Picture: QCS

Prisoners have been provided an opportunity to help the community by cleaning up one of Townsville’s most iconic tourist destination following the wild weather that left debris and damage to grounds.

Staff along with six prisoners from Townsville Men’s Low Custody Correctional Centre lent a hand at Billabong Sanctuary by clearing debris, raking paths and clearing fallen branches which allowed the park to open its doors quicker to the public.

Townsville Men’s Low Custody deputy general manager Superintendent George Muir said when the volunteers initially assessed the grounds there was a lot to be cleaned up, which in turn has been a win-win for the park and prisoners.

“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,” he said.

“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 centre has had almost a decade-long relationship with Billabong Sanctuary assisting with clean ups of other natural disasters such as TC Kirrily.

In addition, the centre grows eucalyptus leaves for the park’s koalas at the prison farm.

Billabong Sanctuary general manager Cameron Griffiths said teaming up with the prisoners helped retain their connection with the community and life outside the correctional centre.

“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 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.”

Originally published as Townsville Correctional Centre low-security prisoners help clean Billabong Sanctuary after floods