Winning Verdict for Security Upgrade at Maryborough Courthouse
Published Tuesday, 01 July, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Prisoner security at Maryborough’s heritage-listed courthouse will soon be even tighter with the commissioning of new holding cells in coming weeks.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today inspected the $2 million project, now almost complete but for the installation of a lift, and delivered a first-class verdict.
“This project will reduce the amount of contact prisoners in custody have with other people attending the court,” he said.
“Previously prisoners have been escorted through public areas by police or corrective services officers to court and this potentially could have caused a lot of problems.”
Mr Shine inspected the courthouse following the Bligh Government’s seventh Community Cabinet in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
"The Community Cabinet was part of the Government's commitment to listening to Queenslanders concerns on their own home turf. It is part of taking on board their views as the Premier and Government plan for the future.”
Mr Shine said the courthouse project was particularly interesting, because the Government was determined to preserve the historic and visual charm of the courthouse, as well as the existing archive vault and World War II bunker which are also heritage-listed.
“We wanted to ensure members of the Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association (MELSA) could continue to use the concrete bunker to garage the old steam trains they’ve restored over the years and operate through Queens Park on weekends.
“The solution was to build a two-storey cell-block between and above the old archive and bunker, with a flyover bridge to the second floor of the courthouse.”
Mr Shine said the new building included a secure, screened parking area for police vehicles delivering prisoners, two holding cells and an interview room for prisoners and their lawyers.
“The project also involved further upgrades within the courthouse itself, including improved access to the second courtroom, an enlarged registry, enhanced security on the ground floor and a screened enclosure around the jury waiting area on the northern veranda,” he said.
“That work was completed some time ago and the new facilities are already in use.
“This has been a significant investment in local law and order and ensures the Maryborough Courthouse can continue to serve the local community for many more years to come.”
Mr Shine said the Queensland Government had committed $293 million this financial year to build and upgrade justice infrastructure around the state.
“New courthouses are currently being built at Ipswich and Mareeba, and site works for the new supreme and district courts complex in Brisbane will begin soon,” he said.
“There are many more upgrades underway elsewhere in Queensland and this project is an excellent example of how that investment is making a very real difference where it matters most – in our local communities.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today inspected the $2 million project, now almost complete but for the installation of a lift, and delivered a first-class verdict.
“This project will reduce the amount of contact prisoners in custody have with other people attending the court,” he said.
“Previously prisoners have been escorted through public areas by police or corrective services officers to court and this potentially could have caused a lot of problems.”
Mr Shine inspected the courthouse following the Bligh Government’s seventh Community Cabinet in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
"The Community Cabinet was part of the Government's commitment to listening to Queenslanders concerns on their own home turf. It is part of taking on board their views as the Premier and Government plan for the future.”
Mr Shine said the courthouse project was particularly interesting, because the Government was determined to preserve the historic and visual charm of the courthouse, as well as the existing archive vault and World War II bunker which are also heritage-listed.
“We wanted to ensure members of the Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association (MELSA) could continue to use the concrete bunker to garage the old steam trains they’ve restored over the years and operate through Queens Park on weekends.
“The solution was to build a two-storey cell-block between and above the old archive and bunker, with a flyover bridge to the second floor of the courthouse.”
Mr Shine said the new building included a secure, screened parking area for police vehicles delivering prisoners, two holding cells and an interview room for prisoners and their lawyers.
“The project also involved further upgrades within the courthouse itself, including improved access to the second courtroom, an enlarged registry, enhanced security on the ground floor and a screened enclosure around the jury waiting area on the northern veranda,” he said.
“That work was completed some time ago and the new facilities are already in use.
“This has been a significant investment in local law and order and ensures the Maryborough Courthouse can continue to serve the local community for many more years to come.”
Mr Shine said the Queensland Government had committed $293 million this financial year to build and upgrade justice infrastructure around the state.
“New courthouses are currently being built at Ipswich and Mareeba, and site works for the new supreme and district courts complex in Brisbane will begin soon,” he said.
“There are many more upgrades underway elsewhere in Queensland and this project is an excellent example of how that investment is making a very real difference where it matters most – in our local communities.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273