HUNTER courts will share in a $9 million upgrade fund for upgrades across NSW.
Parliamentart Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack on Wednesday announced Cessnock, East Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Toronto courthouses would receive facelifts as part of the funding.
Ms Cusack said the government would expedite tender and planning processes and local companies would have the inside running.
"It means tradies will be on the tools in record time, creating vital job opportunities for locals who need our support more than ever during this tough economic period," she said.
The Hunter projects include fire compliance work at East Maitland ($290,000), fire compliance and maintenance at Raymond Terrace's heritage courthouse ($170,000), $65,000 for maintenance at Cessnock and $65,000 for both fire compliance and maintenance at Toronto.
"Fires often start without warning and can spread rapidly, as we saw during the devastating spring and summer bushfires, which is why it's important to ensure alarms are in line with modern safety standards," said Ms Cusack.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the timing would allow courthouses to be ready to face a busy period when normal sittings resume.
"Carrying out renovations during the period of reduced court sittings in place to help manage the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic makes sense because fewer disruptions mean the work can be completed faster," Mr Speakman said.
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