Lotus Glen's "catchment area" for its inmate population includes Cairns, The Cape York Region, The Torres Strait Islands and other isolated communities.

[citation needed] The centre is used as a remand and reception facility and provides the programs necessary to induct both first time inmates and repeat offenders into the correctional environment.

The facility runs work programs in the fields of both farming and industry, providing useful skills to the inmates in preparation for their release.

[1] Cultural programs are conducted at Lotus Glen in response to the centre's high Indigenous population.

Although not necessarily put to "hard labour" the inmates are expected to work the farms, allowing them time to develop skills and escape the daily routine of the prison.