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AAP
AAP
National
Robyn Wuth

Dozens charged after wild Qld prison riot

More than 300 prison cells were damaged in last year's riot at the Capricornia Correctional Centre. (AAP)

Forty-five prisoners face criminal charges after a "code black" riot at a central Queensland prison damaged more than 300 cells.

The riot at the Capricornia Correctional Centre, north of Rockhampton, erupted in October and became the "most significant event" in the facility's history.

The incident started in one of the facility's secure units before spreading to the exercise yard.

Four secure units became involved as prisoners scrambled across secure rooftops before seizing petrol from a facility storage area.

"They were causing significant damage to infrastructure, defacing aspects of the prison through graffiti," facility chief superintendent Richard Butcher said.

"They were sniffing petrol, threatening staff and prisoners with Molotov cocktails, placing our officers and other prisoners who didn't want to be involved in the incident at significant risk."

As many as 70 prisoners joined the rampage, destroying 180 secure and 150 residential cells.

The prison boss said the "totally unacceptable destructive and violent behaviour" would not be tolerated as investigators closed a probe into the riot on Friday.

Forty-five prisoners were each charged with one count of riot causing damage and given notice to appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court.

More than 200 prisoners were interviewed during the probe, with investigators combing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage.

The prisoners aged 20 to 41 are expected to front court in July and face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

"Additionally, Queensland Corrective Services will be pursuing those found guilty to pay restitution for the damage caused," Mr Butcher said.

Most of the Capricornia Correctional Centre damage has been repaired with the prison back at full operation.

Internal investigations into the riot continue.

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