Burnie’s courts will move out of CBD and into UTAS campus

Burnie’s supreme and magistrates courts will move into the suburbs as the State Government decides to spend money on a new space instead of upgrading. SEE THE PLANS + LABOR’S RESPONSE >>

Burnie Supreme and Magisterial Court

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BURNIE’S supreme and magistrate’s courts will move out of the CBD and into the suburbs as the State Government decides to spend money creating a new fit-for-purpose space rather than upgrade the existing building.

Justice Minister Elise Archer said the current court facilities in Alexander St were outdated.

“In particular, it has become difficult with physical distancing requirements, to ensure the safety of court staff and its users during the COVID- 19 pandemic,” Ms Archer said.

“A thorough assessment of the current building has made it clear that the best and most efficient option is the development of court facilities in a new location.”

The decision to move rather than upgrade the existing building was prompted by the University of Tasmania relocating its Burnie campus from Mooreville Rd to West Park.

But Labor has already expressed concern about the lack of community consultation on the issue and about moving court facilities into a residential area.

“The government’s decision to abandon plans to upgrade the Burnie courthouse in favour of moving the facility out of the CBD is a significant departure from their election commitment, and questions remain about court proceedings in the meantime,” Braddon MP Anita Dow said.

Labor member Anita Dow in state parliament.

“It is deeply disappointing that Attorney General Elise Archer has failed to consult the community about such an important project.

“The current site in the CBD has good public transport links, and is close to legal practices and associated services.

“The proposed new site, at the UTAS Cradle Coast campus in Mooreville Road, is a residential area and community support is vital if this option is to go ahead. You would think the Attorney General might have learnt the importance of community consultation and support during the Westbury prison debacle..”

Ms Archer said the decision presented the government with an “exciting opportunity” to develop the campus site into a modern court facility to serve Burnie well into the future.

“As part of our COVID-19 pandemic response, $5.9 million of our $15 million investment will be brought forward, which will enable the relocation to progress as soon as possible,” she said.

Justice Minister Elise Archer. Picture Chris Kidd

About 50,000 Tasmanians access the courts in Burnie each year.

The government said the relocation development would mean minimal interruption to service delivery.

It is anticipated that UTAS will vacate part of the Mooreville Rd premises in the second half of 2021, allowing works to begin with an estimated completion date of December, 2023.

“In the meantime, design works and pre-planning matters are being worked through and over the coming months we will be consulting with stakeholders on how to maximise the opportunity with which we have been presented by the availability of the new site,” Ms Archer said.

“This will ensure that the new facility meets the needs of the courts, court users and the community.”

The government plans to maintain the two court model in the North-West with courts in both Burnie and Devonport.

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