A NEW permanent customer service centre for the Department of Transport and Main Roads will open in Proserpine on Monday, 14 months after the original office was destroyed by Cyclone Debbie.
A mobile centre was set up to service the town after the former building was completely gutted when the category 4 storm crossed the Whitsunday coast on March 28, 2017.
The new facility has been established in the Proserpine Courthouse, which has undergone modifications to comfortably house the office in a section of the building.
The old building has since been demolished.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the courthouse was deemed the best solution following community consultation.
“After Cyclone Debbie hit, TMR delivered its customer services from a purpose built mobile centre to ensure locals continued to have access,” Mr Bailey said.
“But it wasn’t a permanent solution so, after community consultation, the Courthouse was determined to be the best location for a new CSC.
“The mobile CSC was positioned in a convenient location, about 500m from the old centre, in the carpark of the Railway Station in Hinschen Street.
“We are pleased to announce we have secured a permanent location in the Proserpine Court House, which will open on Monday.”
Mr Bailey said the courthouse had undergone renovations to enable staff to deliver licensing, registration and other transport services to the community.
“The new office is centrally located, in the heart of the Proserpine business district and close to other government services and local businesses,” he said.
“About 250 metres from the previous centre, the site features two counters dedicated to transport services and include wheelchair access.
“Our customers will also be able to visit the centre through a separate entrance to those attending the courthouse for other business.
“We will continue to review our service centres and their locations to ensure the services we provide to the community meet expectations.”
The office will have three staff members, which is the same number as in the old location.