'Buddy cells' used as overcrowding continues at prison

THE Maryborough Correctional Centre is still overcrowded with 528 inmates in the prison as of Tuesday.

A Queensland Corrective Services spokeswoman said the centre had a built cell capacity of 500.

"Queensland Corrective Services uses a variety of approaches to safely incarcerate prisoners when numbers exceed the built cell capacity of a prison, including using 'buddy cells' built for dual occupancy and temporary bunk beds, trundle beds and mattresses in secure cell or residential areas," she said.

"All prisoners considered for placement in a cell with another prisoner are subject to an individual suitability assessment."