Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of the project?
Following the public consultation on the two CBD sites, on 18 March 2023 the Government announced that the preferred location for the replacement Burnie Courts Complex project is now 100-106 Wilson Street in the Burnie CBD.
The Department of Justice finalised the acquisition of the properties situated at 100-106 Wilson Street, Burnie on Wednesday 6 December 2023.The Department of Justice is currently advertising a Request for Tender (RFT) for Design and Contract Administration Services for the Burnie Courts Complex Relocation Project.
The successful tenderer will be engaged to deliver an effective and efficient Courts Complex design that meets the needs of a modern justice system, while providing a safe and secure environment for all court users. It is anticipated the tender evaluation process will be completed by the Department in the first quarter of 2024.
For more information on the RFT, visit: https://www.tenders.tas.gov.au/
Why have you decided to move the new Courts Complex back to the CBD?
It was clear that support for a CBD site was strong, both from the community and some court users. The public consultation process conducted earlier this year indicated strong support for 100 to 106 Wilson Street, Burnie as the preferred site.
When is it anticipated that this project will be constructed and operational?
Further planning will need to occur to allow the courts to be designed in consultation with key stakeholders and required approvals obtained before construction commences. At this stage, it is not possible to say how long that process may take as there are a number of variables outside the control of the Department, but an indicative timeframe to deliver the project is two to three years.
How many courts will the project deliver?
The Government originally committed to provide the same number of courts as currently exist – being one Supreme Court and two Magistrate Courts – to replace the existing Burnie Courts Complex. However, to future-proof and in recognition of increased court demands, and following the appointment of an additional Judge and Magistrates on the North West coast, the project scope will now include an additional shared fourth court.
Will the new Court complex have a provision for the Family Circuit and Family Court of Australia?
The Tasmanian Government is continuing to engage with the Federal Government in relation to provision being made for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in the new Burnie Courts Complex. However, the capacity for an additional Court is dependent on the Federal Government's willingness to commit funding to the project.
What is the cost for this project?
The Tasmanian Government has committed a total of $86.5 million for this project.
What will the new Burnie Courts Complex look like?
The final design will consider the surrounding areas and buildings, along with Burnie’s unique land and sea scape, which could influence the final plan and design. Considerations such as the need for court users and stakeholders to safely access and use the new courts, and the construction requirements, will all be considered as part of the detailed design work.
Are the new neighbours of the court being considered?
The near neighbours will be considered during the design process, to ensure pedestrian entrances to the Courts Complex are located to maximise the separation of court users from surrounding businesses and services.
Why is the Court now relocating when it had previously been indicated that the current site would be upgraded?
It is well recognised that the current court facilities at Alexander St in Burnie are out-dated and no longer fit for purpose.
Based on expert advice, it would not be possible to safely refurbish the existing court complex, while continuing to use the courts due to friable asbestos in the building fabric. Therefore, the only efficient, safe and practical option is the development of court facilities in a new location.
What will happen to the current courthouse?
The Government is yet to make a decision on the future of the current Burnie Courts Complex building.
What will happen to Mooreville Road?
The Government will consider the most appropriate future use of the Mooreville Road site and make a decision, in due course.
Will the new complex have more courts than the current one?
In addition to providing one Supreme Court and two Magistrate Courts in the replacement Burnie Courts Complex, the project scope will now include an additional fourth court to future-proof and deal with increased demands on the North West coast.
Will the complex improve the administration of justice for the North West region?
While detailed design work has not yet been completed, it is anticipated that the new site will allow for a design that better meets the needs of all court users through the development of a modern and contemporary Courts Complex.
The fit-out of the new Courts Complex will include modern technology that assists in court operations, while the design will provide spaces suitable for the various aspects of court operations including hearings, case conferences, mediation/conciliation and client meetings, and will provide disability access to the courts.
Does this mean the Devonport Court will be closed?
No, the Government remains committed to a two-courts located model in the North West – operating from locations in both Burnie and Devonport.
When will the current Courts Complex close?
Importantly, the current Burnie Courts Complex will continue to operate during the construction of the new Courts, with operations transferring to the new site only once the work is complete.
Why was an EOI process conducted for the Burnie Court Complex Redevelopment Project?
Following community feedback that indicated a strong desire to retain the Burnie Courts Complex in the CBD, the Government instructed the Department of Treasury and Finance to conduct a targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) process to ascertain if the CBD had any new potentially suitable sites before continuing with the project.
Three sites were identified from the EOI process that were subject to further investigation and assessment.
On 18 March 2023, following public consultation, the Government announced that the preferred location for the replacement Burnie Courts Complex project is now 100 -106 Wilson Street in the Burnie CBD.