What’s Happening?
The Queensland Government has appointed CPB Contractors to manage the Townsville Correction Centre Capacity Uplift Project.
The CIMIC Group company will deliver the work with Queensland Corrective Services and the Department of Housing and Public Works.
The planned works include new accommodation and significant security upgrades inside the operating correctional centre. Together, these improvements will increase capacity and help restore safety across Queensland’s correctional system.
Why It Matters
Townsville Correction Centre must remain operational during construction, making careful staging and strict security essential throughout the project.
The upgrade will strengthen system resilience, maintain safe operations and support frontline staff at the centre. CPB Contractors will also use its established safety and security systems to limit disruption during construction.
Local Impact
Townsville and North Queensland workers, businesses and suppliers could benefit from opportunities connected to the project.
CPB Contractors has committed to supporting local training, employment and procurement throughout delivery. The work will also build on the company’s established relationships across Townsville and the wider region.
By the Numbers
- The project will add 400 new beds, increasing accommodation capacity at Townsville Correction Centre.
- Those beds will be housed across 200 additional cells built under the capacity uplift.
- CPB Contractors expects the project to generate approximately $730 million in revenue.
Zoom In
CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer Jason Spears said the upgrades would improve safety, resilience and working conditions at the centre.
“These upgrades are essential to strengthening system resilience, maintaining safe operations and supporting the wellbeing of Townsville Correctional Centre’s frontline workforce. CPB Contractors’ security-led, safety-first approach underpinned by proven systems, an experienced delivery team and rigorous accountability in live correctional environments, shapes our staging strategy and construction methodology to ensure efficient delivery and certainty of outcome for DHPW and Queensland Corrective Services.”
CPB Contractors Managing Director Craig Nuttall said the company would draw on decades of correctional construction experience.
“With decades of experience building correctional facilities to the highest standard, CPB Contractors is committed to delivering this next stage of works safely and with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Building on our long-standing history delivering major projects for the Queensland Government, including the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Redevelopment and Capricornia Correctional Centre, we look forward to continuing our established relationships in Townsville and across the North Queensland region to deliver lasting community benefits through training, employment and procurement opportunities.”
Zoom Out
CPB Contractors has previously completed major correctional projects for the Queensland Government. These include the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Redevelopment and work at Capricornia Correctional Centre.
CIMIC Group is an engineering-led services, construction and natural resources business with a history dating to 1899. It employs around 40,000 people and operates across approximately 20 countries.
The group uses technology and engineering across the lifecycle of asset, infrastructure and resources projects. Its businesses include CPB Contractors, Leighton Asia, UGL, Sedgman, Thiess, Pacific Partnerships and EIC Activities.
CIMIC Group aims to generate sustainable returns while providing competitive client solutions and safe, fulfilling careers. Its stated principles are integrity, accountability, innovation and delivery, underpinned by safety.
What To Look For Next?
As delivery progresses, more details may emerge about construction stages and opportunities for North Queensland workers and suppliers.
The focus will remain on safe delivery while Townsville Correction Centre continues operating with minimal disruption.
