While marking the significance of the Edmund Sheppard Building in Queensland’s legal history, a recent ceremonial sitting in Townsville heard it was time to look to the future.
Members of the judiciary and legal profession attended the milestone sitting of both the Supreme and District Courts in Walker Street this month. The building was named to honour Justice Sheppard’s service as the first Northern Judge.
Built in 1975, the building’s architect was inspired by the 1970 World Expo in Osaka. Ray Smith of Hall Phillips & Wilson based the design on the Japanese Metabolism movement. However, the award-winning building is now in need of an update.
Chief Justice Bowskill said due to Townsville’s growth, the “magnificent building” was “no longer able to accommodate the needs of particularly the District Court, but also the Supreme Court in the northern region”.
“We appreciate that there are many competing calls on government funding, but this is an important one,” Her Honour said.
“The reality is that without more courtrooms and judges, it will take longer for trials to be heard, which is not in the interests of justice.
“Delays cannot be laid at the feet of the profession or the judiciary if the infrastructure and resources required to administer justice are not available.
“Providing greater capacity does not have to involve a complete abandonment of history. There are likely to be creative architectural solutions available which would enable the legacy of this building to be retained.”
Her Honour acknowledged the support that the government had already provided “by funding the construction of additional courtrooms for the Magistrates Court”.
“I respectfully request that priority be given to similar support for the higher courts.”
The Queensland Law Society has advocated for replacement courts in Townsville in its Call to Parties Statement focus on accessible courts.
Justice North, who has presided as the Northern Judge for the past 14 years, said it had been his responsibility to respond to the consequences of various cyclones and floods which had resulted on “relatively few occasions” to closure of the Registry when the circumstances were too dangerous for registry officers, litigants, the legal profession and witnesses to attempt to get to the courthouse.
“Natural disasters of this order have the consequence that for the building and its infrastructure, have brought to light water leaks that almost stopped us sitting last summer and the growth of mould within the courthouse,” His Honour said.
“Some issues have been chronic. The malfunctioning of the air-conditioning from time to time, from season to season, is notorious in this court complex.
“In recent years the lifts have malfunctioned. The government has responded to that situation by authorising the expenditure of a not inconsiderable sum of money to rebuild the lifts. It’s taking time.”
Justice North said the day before the ceremonial sitting, there was only one working lift in the complex, apart from the one that services the prisons.
“We are lucky it didn’t occur today.”
He also mentioned that in the past, asbestos was discovered in the courthouse and cases and trials were transferred to Cairns while rebuilding took place.
“A more pleasant task has been my watch of the Douglas mango tree which flourishes in the front of the courthouse facing Walker Street.” Justice Douglas, a former Northern Judge, planted the tree.
“Sadly, the tree has not borne fruit except for one notable season which meant that on Christmas Eve almost I had to drive to Brisbane with half a dozen mangoes to offer them to the Douglas clan who, I’m told, devoured them.”
His Honour said the courthouse was “a handsome edifice to the rule of law”.
“When it was opened in 1975, it was justly regarded as one of the finest superior courthouses in the nation,” he said.
“The citizens of Townsville and it surrounds and the legal profession of North Queensland, are understandably proud of this building and in particular, I suspect, this courtroom.”
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington advised the court that “a new chapter” for the building “has now begun with the courthouse getting somewhat of a makeover”.
“Maybe not to the extent of Chief Justice’s request,” she said. “As part of our government’s Making Queensland Safer commitment, additional funding has been allocated to further upgrade and expand this building.
“In addition to the two additional courtrooms, judicial chambers, interview rooms, a new public waiting area and amenities.
“Excitingly, construction for this project should commence early next year with work to be completed within the year.
“We have also seen some much-needed upgrades to security and importantly, upgrades to the lifts. As Justice North has stated, it is a timely upgrade. Maybe a little late.”
The Attorney-General also said the government was looking to acquire additional land in Townsville for longer-term needs.
Townsville District Law Association Vice President Karyna Hansen, who spoke on behalf of the Queensland Law Society, said the courthouse was inaugurated “not merely as a building of bricks and mortar, but as a powerful symbol of justice and the rule of law in North Queensland”.
“The building stands as a landmark of enduring architectural and civic pride,” Karyna said.
“Its bold design embodies both the strength and accessibility of our legal system.
“Whilst its continued service over five decades stands as a lasting testament to the resilience, integrity and an unwavering commitment of our courts in upholding justice within the community.
“The establishment of this courthouse in 1975 marked a pivotal moment in Queensland’s judicial history. It reflected the growing importance of Townsville as a regional hub and reaffirmed the state’s dedication to ensuring that access to justice is not confined to the capital but extended meaningfully to all corners of our vast and diverse state.
“Access to justice in regional communities is fundamental to the integrity and inclusiveness of our legal system. It ensures that individuals, regardless of their geographic location, can exercise their legal rights and engage with the courts in a meaningful and timely manner.
“Regional access affirms the principle that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done – locally, visibly, and equitably.
“The legal landscape in 2025 is vastly different from that of 1975 – not only in its complexity, but also in the diversity of those who participate in it. Technological innovation, cultural shifts and increasing public scrutiny have transformed the way justice is delivered.
“As we reflect on the past 50 years, we acknowledge the many individuals who have played vital roles within these walls – judges, magistrates, legal professionals, and court staff – whose dedication and professionalism underpinned the proper administration of justice.
“May this courthouse continue to uphold the ideals for which it was built, and may its next 50 years be marked by continued progress, inclusivity, and public trust in the rule of law.”
The Chief Justice invited attendees to afternoon tea on level B using “fingers crossed” the one working lift or via the stairs.
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