$4M Bowen Courthouse refurbishments opened

The $4 million refurbishments of the historic courthouse building at Bowen, north Queensland, were officially opened today by Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine.

Mr Shine and Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the refurbishments to the 1880 building cost $4 million and ensure Bowen had a modern judicial centre.

Mr Shine was also accompanied by Chief Justice The Honourable Paul de Jersey, AC and Chief Magistrate Judge Marshall Irwin at the opening ceremony today.

“The redevelopment of the Bowen Courthouse includes a new courtroom to allow the Magistrate and District courts to operate concurrently and improved juror facilities,” Mr Shine said.

“It also includes state-of-the-art technology such as closed-circuit television and video-conferencing which will provide the Bowen region with a more accessible justice system.”

“The installation of closed circuit television will enable child witnesses and sexual assault victims to give evidence from a separate room during trials.”

Ms Jarratt said the redevelopment of the Bowen Courthouse would provide greater access to services and justice.

“I am pleased that a lift has now been installed between the two floors to assist people with mobility difficulties,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The Courthouse building has withstood many cyclones including the devastating 1884 cyclone. Indeed, staff and residents have sought shelter in this building at time of cyclones.”

Mr Shine said the Bowen Courthouse had been used as residential accommodation for the Police and the Harbourmaster.

“Like other courthouses across Queensland, it has been a place to get copies of birth certificates, or have a Justice of the Peace witness land title documents. Until quite recently this courthouse was even the main polling booth in Bowen,” Mr Shine said.

The redevelopment of the Bowen Courthouse is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to making government services more accessible to regional communities.

Mr Shine said he hoped the refurbished courthouse building might have a cameo role in Baz Luhrmann’s new epic “Australia”, which will include filming at Bowen next year.

“This Courthouse building deserves a part after playing such a vital supporting role for the communities of Bowen and north Queensland for so long.”

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350