Council, department point fingers over prison work camp
CONFUSION between two levels of government has developed over an upcoming low-risk prisoner work camp approved for land west of Toowoomba.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CONFUSION between two levels of government has developed over an upcoming low-risk prisoner work camp approved for land west of Toowoomba.
The controversial work camp at Nass Rd in Charlton, designed to house 12 workers, was approved by the Toowoomba Regional Council in April last year before a lease agreement between the TRC and Queensland Corrective Services was reached in March.
However, neither party has confirmed it was taking the lead on the project's construction and development.
In fact, both the council and the department told The Chronicle responsibility was with the other side.
A QCS spokesman said the work camp would be developed in line with the TRC's capital works program.
"The establishment of the work camp will now progress in line with other capital works projects planned by the council," he said in a statement.
"The timing of these projects is a matter for the council."
This was contradictory to reports out of council, which suggested the department was the driving force for the project and controlled the timelines.
The council and Crs Geoff McDonald and Joe Ramia were contacted for official comment and clarification over timelines and project responsibility.
The council was listed as the applicant for both the initial 2017 development proposal and the February application to start bulk earthworks at the Nass Rd site, which will also be home to the upcoming council depot.
The project earned a significant backlash from surrounding neighbours, who were concerned about risks to safety.
Speaking for the opposing residents at the April 2018 special meeting, Bron Loughlin said councillors were not listening to what she said were clear safety concerns for neighbouring properties and businesses.
"We're just gutted. We're really disappointed - we feel the council hasn't listened to our concerns at all," she said after the meeting.
Cr Anne Glasheen said at the time the TRC was satisfied with the project's viability.
Originally published as Council, department point fingers over prison work camp
Bombshell report: Pilots knew of deadly fault months before triple-fatal crash
A Queensland plane that crashed in 2023, killing all three on board, had a pressurisation fault so bad company pilots flew for months at low altitudes to avoid blacking out, a damning report has found.
Lamb on the run: Slippery sheep’s attempt to evade police
A hotfooted sheep was determined to join the rat race as a quick-witted motorist managed to capture the animal giving police the slip and go on the lamb during peak hour traffic. See the footage here.
Man hit by car near Toowoomba school
Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Huge potential: Cafe, workspace hits the market
A unique opportunity on the border of two Darling Downs regions is hot on the market, with interest through the roof in its first week.
‘Absolute joke’: Mayor fires up as true cost of $700m budget revealed
Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald has fired up at the upper levels of government while defending enormous increases to rates, levies and charges. How much it will cost your family here:
Pilot accused of murdering wife faces new charge
An air force pilot accused of murdering his wife and making it look like an accident has breached his bail conditions less than two months after being released from prison.