Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Rod Welford said the $3 million courthouse, would provide modern facilities for the island community.

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Attorney-General & Justice, Rod Welford
just...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
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26/08/04

"The new courthouse is being built on the corner of Douglas and Jardine Streets on a site agreed upon by the local community," Mr Welford said.

"It will be one of the most modern courthouses in Queensland.

"It will contain a courtroom, interview rooms, conference room, magistrate's chamber, registry office and a room for vulnerable witnesses and victims of domestic violence.

"Closed circuit television facilities will be installed to enable child witnesses and sexual assault victims to give evidence from a separate room in the court precinct.

"This is an important step in reducing the trauma and intimidation these people face when giving evidence at court hearings.

"The facility will also include covered public waiting areas, an external dispute resolution area and disabled access.

"The existing courthouse was built in 1935 and has outgrown its capacity to serve the community.

"This new project is very much a local endeavour with 33 local jobs being created from the construction phase alone."

The building will be fully-accessible to people with disabilities.

Construction of the Thursday Island courthouse is expected to be completed by February 2005 and become operational soon after.

Media contact: Greg Milne on 32393478 or 0417791336