1 June 2021

Bega and Batemans Bay courthouses getting million-dollar makeover

| Lottie Twyford
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Exterior of Bega Court House

A facelift is underway at Bega Court House. Photo: File.

While they may not seem like the most obvious candidates for a makeover, Bega and Batemans Bay courthouses are set to get facelifts.

More than $1 million in upgrade work is already underway at both locations in order to ensure the continued delivery of fit-for-purpose facilities.

It is also hoped the extensive works will boost employment.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the refurbishments are an investment in these key local assets.

“These are significant buildings in Bega and Batemans Bay, and I am heartened to see this investment in their future by attending to necessary repairs while creating more pleasant facilities,” he said.

At the historic Bega Court House, a $672,000 refurbishment will include internal and external painting and repairs to the facade.

These works will include new security cameras, carpeting, plumbing and toilets, and upgrades to the air-conditioning and electrics, with new landscaping around the building.

The brick courthouse, with its double-height ceiling and front verandah, was built in 1881 by colonial architect J Barnet during the Bermagui gold rush.

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At Batemans Bay Court House, the almost $400,000 project includes new carpeting, upgraded toilets, new lighting and internal decoration, as well as repairing fixed furniture outside the courthouse and providing shade.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the projects will create a better environment for court users as well as address general maintenance and repairs.

“The upgrades add to works carried out last year under the government’s $9 million COVID-19 stimulus funding for regional courthouses,” he said.

“They’re creating further jobs in areas which were picking themselves up from drought and bushfires when the pandemic struck.”

Works have started at both courthouses and are due to be completed in late June 2021.

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