The Labor Party has pledged to keep the Burnie courts in the CBD if a majority Labor government is elected.
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Previously, $15 million was pledged by both the Labor and Liberal parties for upgrades to the Alexander Street Burnie court complex in 2018.
In 2020 the Liberal Party instead proposed to move the complex to Mooreville Road, at the UTAS Cradle Coast Campus.
Labor member for Braddon Anita Dow said the site, which would put the courts in a primarily residential area, was "not a fit place for a courthouse".
"The residents up there have clearly said that they don't want it on their doorstep," Ms Dow said.
"It makes no sense to move the court out of the CBD where it is closely located to local legal firms, legal aid and the Burnie Police Station.
"We understand the facilities are not fit for purpose and that it is important investment that needs to be made, but what we don't support is moving the courts to Mooreville Road."
"It's ironic that the university campus itself is moving closer to the CBD to increase vibrancy and economic activity, yet we're taking away the court which is a critical part of the economic activity within the city of Burnie."
Ms Dow said Labor would work closely with Burnie City Council and other stakeholders to "understand what needs to happen to upgrade the current site."
If the necessary upgrades are found to be too great for the Alexander Street site, Ms Dow said her Party would consider a different CBD location.
She did not put forward a specific viable alternative site.
Burnie City councilor and local businessman David Pease said he supported Labor's pledge.
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"I think it's a poor decision (to move the courts) from a business community's point of view," Cr Pease said.
"All the ancillary services such as the bus terminus, the legal offices, the police station, Service Tas - not to mention the cafes and the like - are located in the city centre.
"It's a poor decision to move the courts out of that area. The impact will be quite great."
Justice Minister Elise Archer said the Liberal government stood by its decision to relocate the court complex.
"It has become clear that the current court facilities at Alexander Street in Burnie are outdated and no longer fit for purpose," Ms Archer said.
"The decision by (UTAS) to relocate its Burnie campus... presented the Government with the exciting opportunity to develop this site into a modern court facility that will provide better access to justice for those in the North-West and serve Burnie well into the future.
"I look forward to progressing this exciting project."
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