EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30PM 5 JUNE 2007 More funding for new and upgraded courthouses

The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment to the fair and timely administration of justice with an extra funding in this year’s budget for court buildings.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said the $66.1 million total funding allocated in 2007-08 would progress courthouse projects in the State’s south-east, Mareeba and Maryborough.

Mr Shine said in south-east Queensland, the Government has allocated $40.4 million in 2007-08 for the new courthouse and watchhouse at Ipswich, $11 million for the design of a new Supreme and District Court complex in Brisbane, $7.6 million for construction of the new courthouse at Pine Rivers and $1.8 million for construction of the new courthouse at Sandgate.

In addition, $3.8 million provided in 2007-08 for the completion of a new courthouse at Mareeba and $1.5 million in 2007-08 has been allocated for the upgrade of prisoner-security facilities at Maryborough courthouse.

Mr Shine said the courthouse capital works program would support the State’s criminal justice system, particularly to provide facilities for vulnerable people such as child witnesses and victims of domestic violence.

“The new courthouse and watchhouse complex at Ipswich will also include a new police station with funding provided to the Queensland Police Service for the completion of that part of the project,” Mr Shine said.

“The new Supreme and District Courts complex in Brisbane will be one of the largest State court complex in Australia. It will be built next to the Brisbane Magistrates Court building was constructed between George and Roma streets in 2004.”

“The new $11 million courthouse at Pine Rivers will service the growing communities in Brisbane’s northern corridor, while the new $4.7 million Sandgate courthouse is due for completion this year.”

“The new Mareeba courthouse is due to be completed in 2008

followed by a new police station and watchhouse.”

5 June 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au