Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, has announced that the South Burnett’s two major courthouses in the South Burnett – Kingaroy and Nanango are set for significant upgrades in 2015.
Mrs Frecklington said the Department of Justice and Attorney-General will spend more than $3 million on refurbishing the courthouses at Kingaroy ($2.2m) and Nanango ($900,000).
“I have been fighting for these upgrades years, even before I was elected as the local Member and I believe these refurbishments will help improve the frontline delivery of justice services in the region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They will not only provide better facilities for our local community, but our tradespeople will benefit as well.”
The Kingaroy works are expected to employ 100 people while a further 75 workers will gain from the Nanango project. Work is expected to begin on Nanango Courthouse early next year, with the Kingaroy improvements starting mid-2015.
Deb said the two-storey brick Kingaroy Courthouse was built in the 1960s and will receive interior and exterior improvements.
“The upgrade will allow for even better safety provisions, with secure access for judicial staff, separate secure access for police and prisoners via the installation of an elevator and a pedestrian connection to the adjacent police station, new and separate facilities for vulnerable witnesses, and disability access throughout the building,” she said.
“There will also be more comfortable client waiting areas and similar improvements to the jury assembly area.”
Key refurbishments for the Kingaroy Courthouse will include:
The unique character of the Nanango Courthouse, which was constructed in 1937, will be taken into account with its improvements.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General will work with a heritage architect to retain the charming style of the building.
Work will take place on the corrugated iron roof and wide verandas, while other improvements will be made to the registry office, customer service counter, waiting area, courtroom and judicial facilities as part of a major extension of the building.
Additional interview and meeting facilities will be provided, plus an upgrade of electronic security systems, while lighting, hydraulics, power and air-conditioning will be upgraded.
An added feature will be the construction of an external rotunda, and there will also be upgrades to driveway, parking and toilet facilities.
“This is a major investment in the region by the Government and the community will reap the benefits,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We should not forget the input of Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, whose energy and unqualified support ensured the funding for the refurbishments has gone
ahead.”
Photo: Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, and South Burnett District Law Association President, Mr Mark Werner, officially unveiling the sign announcing upgrades for the Nanango and Kingaroy Courthouses.
