New Courthouse to Bring Improved Law and Order Services to Ipswich

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the future of law and order in Ipswich is looking bright with construction of the new legal precinct expected to be complete in around 12 months.

Mr Shine toured the construction site of the $92 million court house today with Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan and Member for Ipswich West, Wayne Wendt.

The five-storey courthouse will be the centrepiece of the city’s new $111 million legal precinct, which will also include a 24-hour police station.

“This is the biggest infrastructure project in central Ipswich for more than a decade and a major investment in local law and order,” Mr Shine said.

“The Bligh Government is spending $52.4 million this financial year to finish the job and we’re all very keen to see that funding put to good use here in Ipswich.

“The new precinct will accommodate a total of 12 courtrooms, compared with six in the current East Street complex, so this is a very significant upgrade in response to the city’s strong growth and increasing prominence within the Western Corridor.

“There will be eight Magistrates courtrooms, including one purpose-built for Murri Court and Drug Court hearings, four District courtrooms and a watch-house.

“The new complex will also accommodate the regional offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions, State Reporting Bureau and Dispute Resolution Branch, as well as a marriage room for civil ceremonies.”

Ms Nolan said the new courthouse would be the first in Queensland to provide separate, secure passages for jurors within the building.

“The layout provides separate entrances, corridors, lifts and waiting areas so jurors are not exposed to unsettling confrontations with the families of victims and defendants, or any other members of the public,” she said.

“In fact, there has been a heavy focus on enhancing the security and safety of all court users in a people-friendly way that complements design efforts to humanise the new courthouse, in line with our commitment to open and accessible justice.

“The new courthouse will also feature contemporary technology such as wireless internet services, digital audio recording, closed-circuit television and videoconferencing.

“These facilities will ensure children, victims of crime and other vulnerable witnesses are able to give their evidence in a private, secure environment, without the emotional trauma of having to face defendants in open court.”

Mr Wendt said the new precinct also included many environmental features, reflecting the state government’s commitment to combating global warming.

“The courthouse has been designed to conserve water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power consumption,” he said.

“It will include a 23,000-litre rainwater tank to maintain the surrounding gardens and landscaping without drawing on the city’s drinking water.

“The courthouse has also been designed to make the most of natural sunlight and will be equipped with low-energy light fittings.

“Solar panels on the roof will generate electricity for hot water systems and charge the emergency power batteries.

“There is also a wind generator to supply emergency power.”

Mr Shine said despite some rain delays earlier this year, construction is scheduled for completion in mid-2009.


Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273