New Queensland prison to open in stages

The planned re-commissioning of Queensland's Borallon prison will occur in stages following a suicide-risk audit.

There had been concerns the mothballed correctional centre, near Ipswich, had several "hanging points" where prisoners could take their own lives.

Police Minister Bill Byrne told parliament on Tuesday there were a number of cells that didn't meet safety standards, so only some cells would open next month, taking 95 prisoners.

The refurbishment is expected to take until July, at which time the prison - to become Queensland's first dedicated training prison - will accommodate 248 prisoners and 162 staff.

"Young prisoners will be either earning or learning," Mr Byrne said.

"It's about helping young men get the support and skills they need to keep them on the straight and narrow."

Opposition police spokesman Jarrod Bleijie said the former Liberal National Party (LNP) government would have reopened the prison by mid-2015.

Mr Bleijie said the staged opening would also cost more.

"This snail's pace re-commissioning will do nothing to address over-crowding in prisons across Queensland," Mr Bleijie said.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.