New Kununurra Court opens on time and on budget

• $41.8m Royalties for Regions project completed

• Part of Liberal National Government's investment in regional justice facilities

Justice facilities have received a significant boost in the East Kimberley today with Premier Colin Barnett officially opening the Kununurra Courthouse.

Mr Barnett said the new court was a fine example of the State Government investing in key regional infrastructure which would serve the needs of the local community for many years to come.

"The partnership between the State Government, local people and the judiciary has resulted in a new asset which will be of great benefit to Kununurra and nearby communities," he said.

"Public consultation, including with the local Aboriginal community, has resulted in improvements to the building's design, including multiple waiting areas and walking routes through the court; a registry located away from people attending court; and a secure outdoor courtyard and waiting area."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $41.8 million project was made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, which funded the entire development.

"This project is a very good example of the commitment Royalties for Regions has made to improving the provision of services across the State," Mr Redman said.

"The new courthouse is part of an unprecedented investment in justice infrastructure in regional Western Australia."

Attorney General Michael Mischin said the design, colours and materials of the building were chosen to blend in with the local landscape, with 18 significant pieces of local Aboriginal artwork on display.

"The new courthouse will include a magistrates and jury courtroom, facilities for mediation and trial conferences and a remote witness room, which ensures vulnerable witnesses and children can testify without being in the courtroom," Mr Mischin said.

"Other features include separate areas for jury deliberation, witnesses and victims of crime; interview rooms; holding cells located off the courtrooms; and modern security monitoring."

The court is located on the corner of Coolibah Drive and Messmate Way, the same site on which the original 1970s-era court stood before it was demolished.

      Fact File

• In addition to the $41.8m invested in Kununurra, the Liberal National Government has allocated $52.5m for a new Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex and spent $41.7m to rebuild the Kalgoorlie Court

 Premier's office - 6552 5000