Work To Begin On New Mareeba Court House
Published Thursday, 06 March, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Mareeba’s new $5.3 million courthouse should soon begin to take shape with foundation works expected to start this month.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today announced the courthouse tender had been awarded to Innisfail-based builder A. J. Homes Pty Ltd, which also completed an upgrade of the Bowen Courthouse in 2006.
“Weather permitting, work will start within the next couple of weeks and should be completed by Christmas,” Mr Shine said.
“The new courthouse will include special waiting areas and rooms for vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime, as well as contemporary technology such as closed-circuit television.
“The design is environmentally friendly with four large rainwater tanks to provide water for toilets, irrigation and landscaping.
“Natural light is also a major feature of the design with extensive use of glass and a large skylight in the courtroom.
“This is the first stage of the state government’s $15 million commitment to build a modern, integrated police and court precinct in Mareeba.
“The precinct design includes a covered, secure link for the safe transfer of defendants between the police and court facilities.”
Mr Shine said the existing courthouse will continue to operate until the new building is completed, but would then be demolished to make way for the construction of a new police station and watch-house.
“Two heritage-listed buildings on the site will be preserved and maintained in recognition of their historical significance,” he said.
“These buildings date back to the early mining days in Mareeba when they were used as a government assay office and storeroom.
“They were also used as the local headquarters of the Australian Army Nursing Corps and an American military store during World War II, so they’ve certainly earned their historical stripes in the service of the local community.”
Mr Shine said the Queensland Government had provided more than $66 million for courthouse infrastructure this financial year.
“This project is an excellent example of how that funding is making a real difference where it matters most – in local communities,” he said.
“The existing courthouse has served Mareeba and the surrounding district very well for many years, but is fast approaching its use-by date.
“The government is committed to providing all Queenslanders with access to a modern, responsive justice system that inspires public confidence and contributes to social harmony.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today announced the courthouse tender had been awarded to Innisfail-based builder A. J. Homes Pty Ltd, which also completed an upgrade of the Bowen Courthouse in 2006.
“Weather permitting, work will start within the next couple of weeks and should be completed by Christmas,” Mr Shine said.
“The new courthouse will include special waiting areas and rooms for vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime, as well as contemporary technology such as closed-circuit television.
“The design is environmentally friendly with four large rainwater tanks to provide water for toilets, irrigation and landscaping.
“Natural light is also a major feature of the design with extensive use of glass and a large skylight in the courtroom.
“This is the first stage of the state government’s $15 million commitment to build a modern, integrated police and court precinct in Mareeba.
“The precinct design includes a covered, secure link for the safe transfer of defendants between the police and court facilities.”
Mr Shine said the existing courthouse will continue to operate until the new building is completed, but would then be demolished to make way for the construction of a new police station and watch-house.
“Two heritage-listed buildings on the site will be preserved and maintained in recognition of their historical significance,” he said.
“These buildings date back to the early mining days in Mareeba when they were used as a government assay office and storeroom.
“They were also used as the local headquarters of the Australian Army Nursing Corps and an American military store during World War II, so they’ve certainly earned their historical stripes in the service of the local community.”
Mr Shine said the Queensland Government had provided more than $66 million for courthouse infrastructure this financial year.
“This project is an excellent example of how that funding is making a real difference where it matters most – in local communities,” he said.
“The existing courthouse has served Mareeba and the surrounding district very well for many years, but is fast approaching its use-by date.
“The government is committed to providing all Queenslanders with access to a modern, responsive justice system that inspires public confidence and contributes to social harmony.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273