Beaudesert’s new $19.4 million courthouse has been officially opened by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington.
It replaces the courthouse built in 1969 and features dedicated domestic and family violence and vulnerable witness safe areas with direct access to courtrooms, secure waiting areas, and dedicated video conferencing.
The new courthouse includes state-of-the-art facilities to bring faster access to justice for victims and provide security for witnesses, with secure custodial access integrated into the adjacent Beaudesert Police Station, and a modern security checkpoint at the entrance.
Designed to maximise energy efficiency by utilising natural lighting, high-level glazing and a solar power system, the courthouse also includes a large public waiting space, registry office and multiple interview and meeting rooms.
A second shell courtroom allows for future expansion, ensuring the courthouse can continue to accommodate the growing population in the Scenic Rim region.
Minister Frecklington said the long-overdue replacement of the Beaudesert Courthouse was critical to making the community safer.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver this state-of-the-art courthouse in Beaudesert, which is Queensland’s first new courthouse in more than 13 years,” she said.
Member for Scenic Rim, Jón Krause, said he had campaigned for new courthouse over many years.
“I am pleased that the people of Beaudesert and the wider Scenic Rim community now have such a fine facility,” Mr Krause said.
“Along with police, council and banks, the courthouse plays a key role in providing essential community services. “Ours is a rapidly growing area and the new courthouse is a fitting reflection of that growth and the increasing mood of confidence in Beaudesert.”