$2.2M for first stage of Toowoomba courthouse upgrade

The Queensland Government has approved $2.2 million for the first stage of the Toowoomba courthouse upgrade, Attorney-General and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the Toowoomba courthouse was built in 1976 and it needed an upgrade.

“As a former practitioner and the local Member, I have been concerned about whether this courthouse as it is, can meet the future justice needs of or region,” Mr Shine said.

“Toowoomba is a major regional centre and the courthouse facilities need to offer the facilities to provide access to justice and cater for the needs of vulnerable people.”

“The Government has approved $2.2 million for the first stage of the project, which will include installation of two prisoner lifts,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said subsequent stages of the upgrade will include:

• the design and construction of a new façade and front entrance;
• a refurbished registry;
• upgrade three court rooms and extension of another court room; and
• upgrade public waiting areas and provide upgraded office space for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the State Reporting Bureau.

Mr Shine said the Department of Justice and Attorney-General would consult the local profession and judiciary on the upgrade.

“The Government is committed to improving access to justice for all Queenslanders, and the Government is undertaking a major capital works program to build new courthouses and upgrade existing facilities across the State,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine visited the Toowoomba courthouse to attend the welcoming ceremony for new Magistrate Damian Carroll. Mr Carroll was a former Toowoomba-based solicitor (1999-2002).

3 August 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350