A $1 million upgrade of Port Macquarie Court-house will be completed by the end of the month.
The NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith SC, said the renovation was the largest undertaken at the courthouse in more than a decade and would provide better facilities for all court users, including victims of crime.
“Victims of domestic violence will be able to prepare for court in a dedicated safe room, which will reduce the risk of them coming into contact with offenders,” Mr Smith said.
“The safe room is equipped with a baby change table, a kitchenette and is accessible by lift for parents with prams and people with a disability.”
People with a disability will also be able to sit on jury trials, following modifications to the jury box and the installation of accessible bathroom facilities in the deliberation room. There will be further improvements to dis-ability access to the courthouse in the next financial year.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said a new court registry would make services simpler, faster and easier to access.
“The new registry features a public computer kiosk, information boards with brochures on legal resources and support services, and a separate room for lengthy or private transactions,” Mrs Williams said.
Other additions to the courthouse include:
na new fully enclosed dock in the Local Court to minimise prisoner contact with the public and reduce the risk of escapes;
nextra seating in the Local Court; and
na third interview room for the legal profession and others.
The Local and District Courts have also been repainted.
Mrs Williams said the courthouse has continued to operate throughout the 10-week renovation.
“The work has been programmed to cause minimal disruptions to the courthouse,” Mrs Williams said. “For example, improvements to the District Court were undertaken during a period when it was not sitting.”
