Work has begun on stage two of the $10 million upgrade of the Queanbeyan Courthouse, delivering a range of new facilities and improved security for all court users.
Deputy Premier and local NSW Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the significant upgrade was the largest ever renovation the courthouse has undergone in its 45 year history.
“This upgrade is about delivering a courthouse that the community deserves – a facility that is equipped to deal with modern cases, crimes and situations,” Mr Barilaro said.
“It is exciting to see the progress made since we marked the beginning of construction in May this year. Phase one has significantly improved the facilities including a dedicated hearing room for NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) which can also be used as a callover court.
“The first floor has also been reconfigured, making room for a public waiting area and conciliation room, and the courthouse registry has been upgraded and new security scanners have been installed.
“Queanbeyan is one of the busiest regional courthouses in the state and this project is delivering state-of-the-art facilities, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The next stage of works, to be completed in the first quarter of next year, will include an updated exterior façade and updates to both the Local Court and District Court on the ground floor. It will deliver to Queanbeyan a state of the art court complex that looks good on the outside with improved functioning inside. There will be a new jury assembly and a safe space for domestic violence victim-survivors called Nellie’s Room.
There will also be more interview rooms for the legal profession, upgrades to private areas for victims and witnesses, updated Audio Visual Link (AVL) technology and further improvements to security.
The development has been designed to minimise disruptions to court proceedings by scheduling works around Local Court sittings. District Court matters have been transferred to Goulburn during construction.
