Public Works Committee to make its call on Burnie Court Complex

Labor says the government still has time to reverse a decision to move the Burnie court out of the CBD and into a suburban educational precinct.

THE PUBLIC works committee will decide the fate of Burnie’s court complex as Labor calls on the government to rethink its plan to move the court out of the CBD and into a suburban educational precinct.

The proposal – put on the table when UTAS announced it was moving out of its Mooreville Rd campus and into the city – has been criticised by business groups, members of the legal fraternity and residents of the Mooreville Rd area.

Instead, they want the government to go back it its original proposal to redevelop the existing court complex or find a new downtown site for a fit-for-purpose building.

However, the government’s plan has been backed by Tasmania’s Director of Public Prosecutions.

Daryl Coates SC, says the existing Burnie court is outdated and inadequate and, despite long-term discussion and investigations, a suitable plan to upgrade the current site had not been identified.

Burnie Supreme and Magisterial Courts

“The new facility planned for Mooreville Road will deliver a first class legal complex that meets the needs of court users and the community, not just in the immediate

term, but well into the future,” Mr Coates said earlier this year.

Labor said the government still had time to listen to the community and overturn its decision.

The Public Works Committee is set to meet on Wednesday.

“It beggars belief that Minister Elise Archer refuses to listen to the community and has instead pushed forward with this project and watched over as the costs have blown out from $15m to $40m,” Acting Labor Leader Anita Dow said.

“I call on the government to listen to the people and keep the Burnie Court in the CBD.”

In its submission to the Public Works Committee, Business North West indicated its “complete lack of support” for the proposed move.

“The Mooreville area has been developed as an educational precinct over the last 40-plus years and is surrounded primarily by residential housing and an aged care facility,” it said.

“The insertion of a justice facility is totally incongruous with the area.”

The group raised concerns about a reduction in house values, the cost to CBD eateries frequented by court staff and court users and that students from TAFE and Hellyer College would be sharing the bus service with those facing the court.

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Originally published as Public Works Committee to make its call on Burnie Court Complex