Arabic version: خطة سياج لمحكمة كاثرين تثير مخاوف بشأن السلامة

According to ABC News, court officials want to build a “pool-style” perimeter fence around the Katherine Courthouse grounds in the Northern Territory to address after-hours vandalism, including smashed windows and doors. The proposed works would also remove a large rain tree at the front of the building because it has reportedly dropped “sizeable” branches.

In a letter to court users, NT Local Court principal registrar Sarah Hannon said the fence was required after security and safety incidents. She said officials did not want an unnecessarily institutional or imposing appearance and proposed a simple looped fence rather than one with spikes or more overt security features. The gate would remain open during court operating hours, according to the letter.

The Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service has criticised the proposal, warning that a fence could restrict escape routes for victim-survivors facing threats or intimidation from accused people or their extended families. Advocacy leader Brianna Bell said an open gate could still create a bottleneck during a confrontation, particularly because people are screened by metal detectors only when entering the courthouse building, not the grounds.

The courthouse has a large shaded outdoor area with seating, unlike major courthouses in Darwin and Alice Springs where buildings extend to the footpath. The space has been used by witnesses, victims, accused people and families waiting for matters to be called, as well as by lawyers meeting clients and families grieving during coronial inquests.

An NT Attorney-General’s Department spokesperson said the fence was intended to address ongoing vandalism and property damage. Detailed design work is continuing, with stakeholder feedback on access, movement and safety being considered. The department said the works were initiated by the NT Local Court administration and would be funded from its existing budget.