Moves to set up a $75 million courts and police complex in South Morang are gaining support, a Whittlesea council executive said.
The council is preparing a “business case” plan to put to the state government and treasury department by the end of the year, arguing that Heidelberg and Broadmeadows courts were overflowing with cases from Whittlesea.
Griff Davis, the council’s director of advocacy, said the South Morang “justice precinct” was gaining support among police and the justice department and other groups.
Legal Aid Victoria’s Director of Civil Justice, Access and Equity Kristen Hilton said LAV representatives had attended meetings about the precinct and had given support “in principle”. “It is too early for us to say what form our involvement might take,” she said.
“Any involvement would depend on the extent of court services proposed in the area, and we are working in partnership with Whittlesea Community Legal Service to consider how appropriate legal services could be provided.”
Ms Hilton said LAV recognised the population growth and the need for more services.
“Victoria Legal Aid will soon provide specialist outreach appointments in criminal, civil and family, youth and children’s law at Whittlesea Community Connections,” she said.
Mr Davis said the plan included Magistrates’ Court and County Court facilities, and a ‘super’ police station to be built on 15ha of vacant land next to the council offices in Ferres Boulevard.
He said there were innovative ways to raise capital, including infrastructure bonds and investment from superannuation funds.
