Kununurra’s new courthouse
will provide the East Kimberley community with improved justice services for
many years to come. Officially opened by Premier Colin Barnett on 26 October
2014, the $41.8 million courthouse has been funded by the State Government’s
Royalties for Regions program.
The local Aboriginal community
were involved in the planning of the building through public consultation,
resulting in the overall look being designed to blend in with the local
landscape. 18 significant pieces of local Aboriginal artwork have also been
incorporated into the building’s interior.
The new courthouse includes a
magistrates and jury courtroom, facilities for mediation and trial conferences
and a remote witness room, which ensures vulnerable witnesses and children can
testify without being in the courtroom.
Regional Development Minister
Terry Redman said this project is a very good example of the commitment
Royalties for Regions has made to improving the provision of services across the
State.
“The new courthouse is part of an
unprecedented investment in justice infrastructure in regional Western
Australia,” Mr Redman said.