Council disappointed in courthouse decision

Published on 21 February 2022

Council is disappointed to hear that the Public Works Committee, has today decided in a majority decision to approve the State Government’s plan to move the Burnie courthouse from the central business district (CBD) to the old University campus on Mooreville Road.

Burnie City Council Mayor Steve Kons said “Calls from the business community, local residents, the council and legal professionals have fallen on deaf ears.

“The decision to move the courthouse out of the CBD does not fit with Council’s strategic plan to transform our CBD into a vibrant town centre.

“The loss of the courthouse will have a snowballing effect on CBD businesses. Council calls on the State government to provide $20 million in funding to assist with revitalising our CBD and to compensate the community for the loss of such an important facility and the associated economic activity it brings to the Burnie CBD.

“In addition to this financial support, Council proposes that the state government make the old site, that has been deemed unfit for purpose, available to Council for redevelopment as part of the city’s new Cultural Precinct project to provide improved connection between the new Cultural Centre and the CBD.

“I am also grateful to the members of the Public Works Committee who understand what a poor decision this is and made dissenting reports. This is a very disappointing outcome for the Burnie community."