Dubbo Courthouse is to have its largest upgrade in more than a decade – adding a courtroom, boosting jobs and the improving delivery of justice in the region.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the $3.6 million upgrade will increase the capacity of the complex to help meet the needs of the community.
“Dubbo has one of the busiest courthouses in inland NSW. Adding another courtroom to the complex will help manage demand and increase the capacity for sittings,” Mr Speakman said.
“The upgrade will enable a much more efficient use of space internally and it will open up two rooms in the heritage building and create a better flow between the cells and the custody courts,”
The multi-purpose state-of-the-art courtroom will include a dock for custodial matters and will be equipped with the latest audio visual link technology.
The new building will be connected to the heritage courthouse with facilities including a registry, interview room and chamber facilities for the judiciary and associates.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders congratulated the Dubbo-based North Construction & Building Pty Ltd for winning the tender for such an important project for the local community.
“This is a win for regional jobs and businesses as our economy recovers from the effects of the longest drought on record and COVID-19,” Mr Saunders said.
“People should see justice delivered within their community and minimise the need to travel long distances to access the courts.”
The modern exterior of the new extension contrasts with the existing building and is designed to ensure it won’t steal any glory from the heritage facade.
The project will bring the number of courtrooms in the Dubbo courthouse from three to four and work is expected to be completed in mid-2021.