June 12, 2015
The major upgrades planned for Nanango and Kingaroy courthouses will go ahead in the 2015-16 Financial Year, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said today.
“Last year I was extremely pleased to announce that the South Burnett’s two major courthouses, Kingaroy and Nanango, were set for significant upgrades in 2015,” she said.
“Following the election, I had been unable to confirm if the new government would honour this commitment.
“For this reason, I took the opportunity in Parliament on May 6 to ask a Question on Notice of the Attorney-General about whether our community could count on them to proceed with the refurbishments.
“I am pleased to announce that I have received a reply confirming that the projects will be going ahead in the 2015/16 financial year.”
The former Kingaroy-based solicitor said she had been fighting for these courthouse upgrades for years, even before she was elected.
“I believe these refurbishments will help improve the frontline delivery of justice services in the region,” she said.
“They will not only provide better facilities for our community, but our local tradespeople will benefit as well.”
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The Courthouse Projects (as announced last year)
Kingaroy Courthouse
Cost: $2.2 million
Commences: Mid-2015
Employment: 100 people
Improvements:
- A new multi-purpose courtroom on the upper floor
- New meeting and interview rooms on both floors
- A holding cell on the court level
- Upgraded air conditioning, hydraulic, security, data and electrical services
- Improved acoustics throughout
- New cladding to the exterior of the building
- Secure access for judicial staff
- Separate secure access for police and prisoners via the installation of an elevator and pedestrian connection to the police station next door
- New and separate facilities for vulnerable witnesses
- Disability access throughout the building, and
- More comfortable client waiting areas and similar improvements to the jury assembly area
* * *
Nanango Courthouse
Cost: $900,000
Commences: Early 2015
Employment: 75 people
Improvements:
- Restoration of the corrugated roof and attractive wide verandahs
- Extension to the building at the rear
- Improvements to the registry office, customer service counter, waiting area, courtroom and judicial facilities
- Additional interview and meeting facilities
- Upgrade to the electronic security systems, lighting, hydraulics, power and air-conditioning
- Construction of an external rotunda
- Upgrade to the driveway and car park
- Upgrade to toilet facilities
