Bundaberg Courthouse refurbishment begins

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Bundaberg Courthouse refurbishment
Bundaberg Courthouse

Construction has commenced on the $2 million refurbishment of the Bundaberg Courthouse.

Brisbane-based Quadric Pty Ltd was recently awarded the contract which supports almost seven full-time equivalent jobs during the six-month capital works project.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Yvette D’Ath, said the Bundaberg Courthouse refurbishment was part of a statewide program to invest in court infrastructure.

“We are committed to providing our courts and court users with the best possible amenities for the important business they conduct,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“With the courthouse situated in the main Bundaberg business district, passers-by will notice increased activity at the front of the courthouse, but there will be no disruption to the delivery of services throughout the refurbishment.

“The courthouse’s front entry will be upgraded with an improved security checkpoint.

“The general public will see upgrades including the new reception area and waiting rooms, and new fixed public seating to the District Court.

“Jurors will benefit from the refurbished jury deliberation room and tea room/kitchenette, and our court staff will receive a new administration area.

“The courthouse will also be given a facelift with new windows, blinds, carpets and an internal repaint.”

The extensive internal refurbishment will address a number of areas that require attention, including public and staff bathrooms.

“Bundaberg’s court users and community deserve a modern courthouse, with the best possible amenities, and that is what we are delivering,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“We have increased our capital investment in this building to ensure that it can serve Bundaberg – across all three court jurisdictions – for generations to come.”

Mrs D’Ath said the Bundaberg Courthouse refurbishment was expected to be completed by November 2019.

The Opposition has called for a new courthouse to be built in Bundaberg.

MP David Batt said space inside the Bundaberg Courthouse is so limited that prospective jurors for trials can’t fit inside and people seeking legal advice on issues such as domestic violence have limited opportunity to speak in private.