Budget delivers refresh for heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse

• The Crisafulli Government’s first Budget delivers long-overdue funding for upgraded courthouse infrastructure, including the restoration of a 145-year-old Queensland courthouse. 
• The former Labor Government allowed the Bowen Courthouse to fall into disrepair, after years of dwindling maintenance budgets.
• Upgrades include repairs to floors, walls, stairs, verandas, and ceilings damaged by wet and damp conditions. 

The Crisafulli Government has delivered a $12.5 million Budget boost to restore the Bowen Courthouse, addressing major structural issues to the historic building while ensuring justice services continue to be delivered in the Whitsunday region. 

The project will focus on long-overdue restorations of one of Queensland’s oldest courthouses, after successive years of Labor under-funding left the 145-year-old building ridden with termites and mould. 

The roof, gutters, downpipes, and storm water systems will be replaced to ensure the courthouse can better manage future weather conditions. 

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Bowen Courthouse was last refurbished almost two decades ago, and upgrades would preserve the building’s original character. 

“The multi-million-dollar refurbishment will ensure the Bowen Courthouse can continue to serve the community for years to come,” the Attorney-General said. 

“The former Labor Government’s chronic under-funding of Queensland’s justice system meant there was no money in the budget to maintain this historic courthouse. 

“Conditions inside the courthouse are horrendous – there is rising damp, rust, mould and structural shifting inside the courthouse, as well as rotting floors ridden with termites. 

“Modern and maintained court facilities are critical for victims navigating the justice system, as well as the safety of our courthouse staff and judiciary.” 

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Bowen Courthouse illustrates the importance of Bowen during Queensland’s early history. 

“Sadly, Labor failed to recognise the importance of this building and left it to crumble,” Mr Last said. 

“This investment will breathe new life into an historic and beautiful building that will serve the Bowen community for many years to come.