Legislative Council Wednesday 16 September, 2020

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to the Burnie Court re-location to a more suitable premises:

1. When, and in what form, will genuine community consultation occur with stakeholders in the vicinity of the proposed UTAS location including neighbouring residents, Unima Park Aged Care and Burnie Primary School Parent groups who feel concerned by this announcement that occurred with no prior notice this site was being considered?

ANSWER:

The design works and pre-planning matters for the relocation of the Burnie Court are currently being worked through, with ongoing consultation to continue.

This will ensure that the new facility meets the needs of the Supreme and Magistrates Courts judiciary and staff, court users and the community.

It is not unusual for multi-disciplinary courts to operate close to services within local communities, and this new site is zoned Community Purpose.

This new court complex will service a range of jurisdictional matters. The Burnie community can be assured that as is the case in multiple courts around Tasmania, any individuals who are in custody appearing for matters are always securely transported to and from court.

I have recently met with local representatives from the Burnie City Council and my Department looks forward to continuing their constructive discussions as the project progresses, as do I, bearing in mind the role of Council as the Planning Authority.

As is usual practice, community consultation will occur as part of the standard planning process for any development application. This will include adjacent land owners as well as the local community.