Maryborough Courthouse set to change locations during $12.5m restoration

Court proceedings are set to be held elsewhere in Maryborough while the current 148-year-old building has restoration work carried out.

Queensland’s Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has visited Maryborough to announce a $12.5 million restoration of the city’s historic courthouse.

The project will focus on repairing the deteriorating 148-year-old building while protecting the building’s heritage character.

The magistrates court is set to move to another space in Maryborough when construction begins, while it is likely higher courts will be heard out of Hervey Bay while the restoration, which could take a number of years, is completed.

Works will include restoring areas of the courthouse that have deteriorated over time, including the courtrooms, registry office, stairwell, safe room, and remote witness room.

Queensland’s Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and member for Maryborough John Barounis outside Maryborough Courthouse.

Upgrades will also improve safety, comfort, and accessibility at the courthouse for the wider Fraser Coast community.

The underfloor will be refurbished to address structural issues, as well as the installation of a new airconditioning system, and replacements of roof, gutters, downpipes, and storm water drainage systems.

Safety across the site will also be enhanced through upgraded security systems and services.

Ms Frecklington said the multimillion-dollar refurbishment would ensure the Maryborough Courthouse can continue to serve the community for years to come.

She said it was just one of Maryborough’s many stunning historic buildings.

“The former Labor Government’s chronic underfunding of Queensland’s justice system meant there was no money in the budget to maintain this historic courthouse,” the Attorney-General said.

Extensive restoration work is set to be carried out at Maryborough Courthouse.

“The floors and stairs have started to rot, the carpets have grown mould and the walls are peeling throughout the building.

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to be delivering this long-overdue restoration of the Maryborough Courthouse, the most significant refurbishment in the courthouse’s recent history, breathing new life into the iconic civic landmark.

“Modern and maintained court facilities are essential to supporting victims of crime through the justice system.”

Member for Maryborough John Barounis said he welcomed the preservation of one of the Fraser Coast’s iconic buildings.

Extensive restoration work is set to be carried out at Maryborough Courthouse.

“Not only will these works improve the court experience for people accessing critical justice services, but they will also restore and protect a building that holds so much history and prominence in our community,” Mr Barounis said.

“The upgrades support the Crisafulli Government’s top priority of protecting victims in our region, including a safe room and a remote witness floor within the courthouse.”

Project design is set to commence this year, with construction expected to begin in 2026-27.

The Opposition have been contacted in regard to Ms Frecklington’s criticism of the maintenance of the Maryborough

building.