While touring the Kimberley region this week, Attorney General Michael Mischin said he was pleased the new Kununurra Courthouse was on track to be opened later this year.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $43million project was made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.
Mr Mischin said the new courthouse was designed to accommodate the current and future justice needs of the community.
"The partnership between the Government and the local people has resulted in a new community asset which will be of great benefit to the Kununurra community for generations to come," he said.
The Attorney General said the extensive consultation with the judiciary and the community had a very positive impact on the features and design of the building.
"That input has resulted in the inclusion of 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," Mr Mischin said.
Mr Redman said the courthouse would serve the increasing population of Kununurra for at least the next 25 years.
"This project is a very good example of the commitment Royalties for Regions has made to improving the provision of social services in regional Western Australia," he said.
The new courthouse will include a Magistrate's courtroom and a 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.
The design, colours and material finishes of the new courthouse, located on the corner of Coolibah Drive and Messmate Way, have been chosen to reflect the local culture and surrounding landscape. Aboriginal artworks from Kununurra and adjacent surrounding townships will also be on display in the new facility.
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 new courthouse is expected to be fully operational later this year.
Attorney General's office - 6552 5600
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
front view
foyer
courtroom
