Budget allocation for construction of courthouse in Busselton

4/5/98

One of Western Australia's most modern courthouses will be built in Busselton as part of the State Government's Budget announcements last week.

Attorney General Peter Foss said $2.8 million had been allocated to allow construction of the new courthouse to start this year.

"The State Budget allocated $30.4 million to establish new Justice Centres at Busselton, Fremantle, South Hedland and Rockingham," Mr Foss said.

"The Busselton complex will be built on a site bounded by Stanley Street, Adelaide Street and Camilleri Street.

"The 1,500sqm courthouse will have a Magistrate's Court and jury court and feature video-conference facilities for the giving of evidence."

Mr Foss said there would be additional client consultation, waiting and mediation rooms, as well as provision to accommodate adult and juvenile community-based justice services.

The new courthouse would replace existing facilities built on a site shared with the Police Department since 1975, however police and court facilities would continue to co-locate with a shared lock-up in the new complex.

"The co-location is a practical and cost-efficient way to ensure greater security and better management of people appearing before the courts," the Minister said.

"The new courthouse will be designed to blend in with the Busselton streetscape and will create jobs for local builders."

Tenders for construction of the new complex will be sought early in the new financial year and the new facilities are expected to be completed by the end of 1999.

Media contact: Chris Morris 08 9321 2222