No construction start for controversial Charlton prison work camp, three years after approval by Toowoomba Regional Council
A controversial prison work camp west of Toowoomba was approved by the council nearly three years ago. Construction has still not started.
Development
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Construction has still not started on a controversial low-custody prison work camp in Toowoomba’s western suburbs, despite the project being approved nearly three years ago.
Comments from both Queensland Corrective Services and the Toowoomba Regional Council give differing views on the progress of the Charlton prison work camp on Nass Rd, which was given the green light in April 2018.
This was despite significant opposition from nearby residents at the time, who said the 12-person camp for low-risk prisoners posed an unacceptable risk.
A QCS spokeswoman said construction had not started due to “ongoing cultural sensitivities” and that it was waiting on further information from the council.
“The Toowoomba Work Camp project has not progressed to construction stage due to ongoing cultural sensitivities around the proposed site,” the statement said.
“QCS is waiting on further advice from Toowoomba Regional Council.”
This seems to the contradict the council, which said it had completed all correspondence with the State Government last year.
Cr Tim McMahon said lease negotiations were ongoing between the two parties.
“The council addressed all its obligations under this legislation during the construction phase of the Charlton Principal Depot and addressed follow-up inquiries in September 2020,” he said.
“The council is ready to support the State Government as they address their processes to ensure that cultural sensitivity is satisfied.
“The State Government is the overall project manager through Qbuild and the Department of Corrective Services.
“A construction start date is yet to be set as lease negotiations are being finalised with the council.”
The site is on the same ground as the $67 million Charlton depot, which was opened last year.