Central Highlands Regional CouncilWork camp program - Central Highlands Regional Council

The program

The Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Work Camp Program is one of Australia’s most successful prisoner rehabilitation initiatives, contributing around $4.5 million worth of labour each year to regional Queensland communities and government bodies.

There are 13 work camp sites across the state — 11 for male prisoners and two for female prisoners — linked to high-security correctional centres. These camps operate from Dirranbandi in the south to Innisfail in the north.

In the Central Highlands, the Rolleston and Springsure work camps have supported local communities for 30 years. Prisoners alternate on two-week rosters between Central Highlands Regional Council and Isaac Regional Council to deliver valuable community projects.

Locally, the Rolleston and Springsure Engagement Committee oversees the program by assessing and recommending projects for approval by Queensland Corrective Services (Capricornia Correctional Centre). Approved projects are then added to the Works Program.

Examples of projects:

Springsure Community Garden

Laying pipe for fruit trees, making frames for veggies, plant trees, mulch etc.
Springsure Show Society Stable Project

Remove old iron roofing, remove gates and wood railings, make new gates, replace posts and rails and iron roofing.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Springsure

Annual assistance with setting up and pack up of community fete, maintenance requests including gardens and upkeep of
grounds, assistance with preparation of school prior to events such as moving tables and setting up seating.

Submitting a Springsure Work Camp application

To request assistance from the Springsure Work Camp, please follow the steps below:

Application Forms Issued – The appropriate form (Form 172 for ongoing work or Form 162 for specific projects/events) will be provided to the applicant, along with Form 163 (Work Health and Safety Assessment).
Return of Completed Forms – The applicant must complete and sign all forms and return them to either:
- The local council office, or
- Via email: springsureworkcamp@chrc.qld.gov.au
Public Liability Insurance – A current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance must be submitted with the application.
Initial Assessment – The Council Field Officer will assess the application for completeness and accuracy.
Work Camp Supervisor Review – The application is forwarded to the Field Supervisor at the Work Camp for project assessment. Once reviewed, it is returned to council.
Community Advisory Committee Approval – The Chair of the Community Advisory Committee reviews and approves the application.
Final Approval – All forms and insurance certificates are then forwarded to the Capricornia Correctional Centre for final review and approval.
Notification and Scheduling – Once approved, the Work Camp Field Supervisor will contact the applicant to make the necessary arrangements.
Application Validity – Applications (excluding Form 172) are valid for 3 months. If not actioned within that time, a new application will be required.