Construction work on the $9 million Townsville Courthouse upgrade is progressing well, with the modern new Magistrates Court registry already complete.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart and Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath visited the upgrade today.
Mr Stewart said stage three works had now begun, which include the provision of a new Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) courtroom, safe area, safe access passageway, and atrium between the courthouse buildings.
“The upgrade of the Townsville Courthouse is great news for our region – it means jobs, jobs, jobs,” he said.
“The upgrade supported 18 full-time jobs for the 2018-19 financial year and 11 for this financial year.
“It also means better access to justice and more efficient services.
“Townsville’s court users and community deserve a modern courthouse and that is what the Palaszczuk Government is delivering.
“Our investment in the building will ensure it can serve the region for generations to come.”
Mrs D’Ath said the new DFV courtroom increased the number of Magistrates courts from five to six.
“There will also be new interview and conference rooms, refurbished stakeholder facilities, a new shared entrance and security counter, and upgraded services and security systems,” she said.
“Despite the extensive scope of works, there has been little or no disruption to court operations.
“There has been constant consultation between the Department’s facilities staff, registry staff and judicial officers to ensure this has been the case.”
Mrs D’Ath said all improvement works were expected to be completed in November as planned.
It is part of a significant capital works investment by the Government, with this $9 million upgrade being undertaken concurrently with a similar $11 million upgrade to the Beenleigh courthouse, and $12 million upgrade to the Rockhampton courthouse.
