NEW SANDGATE COURTHOUSE CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONE

Sandgate’s new courthouse will start to take shape within days, with the main concrete slab scheduled to be poured later this week after months of preparation at the Keogh Street site.

The $4.7 million project celebrated a major milestone today with the official sod-turning by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine and Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling.

Mr Shine said the new complex would provide a first-class facility to serve the needs of a modern justice system and the local community.

“In addition to the Magistrates courtroom, it will include a mediation room, registry office and public waiting rooms, including interview rooms,” he said.

“The new complex will also feature closed circuit television, so child witnesses and sexual assault victims can give evidence from a separate room in the court precinct.

“This will spare them any emotional trauma of having to face offenders.

“The design also includes a secure link between the courthouse and adjacent police station for the transfer of prisoners.”

Ms Darling said the current facilities, built in 1965, had been used by thousands of people each year, including members of the public, witnesses, judicial officers, legal counsel and staff.

“The old courthouse has served the local community very well over the past four decades, but has now reached its use-by date,” she said.

“The new complex is being built on the same site by award-winning construction company Evans Harch and is due for completion by September this year.

“The old building will then be demolished and replaced by a carpark.

“The Sandgate area is a growing, thriving community and the new courthouse will ensure we can continue to meet the needs of local residents for the next 40 years.”

Ms Darling said the new complex would incorporate locally inspired artwork designed and installed by south-east Queensland artist Beverley Bloxham.

“The designs are all derived from imagery of the bay and, in particular, the characteristic ripple patterns of mud, sand and water at low tide,” she said.

“They will be reflected throughout the building in the forecourt floor tiles, carpet and glass doors and windows.”

Mr Shine said the Queensland Government had provided more than $32 million for courthouse infrastructure in the 2006-07 State Budget.

“The Sandgate courthouse is an excellent example of how that funding is making a very real difference where it matters most – in local communities,” he said.

“The northern suburbs will be particularly well served into the future with another courthouse being built at Strathpine this year.

“Both these projects have similar timelines and will provide high quality facilities to cater for the booming population growth in this area.

“The State Government is committed to providing all Queenslanders with access to a responsive justice system that inspires public confidence and contributes to social harmony.”

Media contact: Paul Holmes (Attorney-General’s office) 3239 6400 or 0407 378 796 paul.holmes@ministerial.qld.gov.au