Juries will be empanelled in Warrnambool from May 24, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Chief Judge of the County Court announced on Tuesday.

It comes after the suspension of criminal jury trials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The courts have applied similar processes employed in the COVID-safe resumption of criminal jury trials in Melbourne, adapted to local conditions.

The plans ensure public health requirements are met while addressing the needs of regional communities in accessing all Victorian courts.

Jurors and other participants in criminal trials will be physically distanced after jury boxes were extended and existing furniture was moved.

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Warrnambool County Court has over 30 matters awaiting trial.

The court is continuing to actively manage these trials and anticipates that some of these matters may resolve to pleas of guilty.

Save for one week in late July, the County Court will sit continuously at Warrnambool until mid December.

The Supreme Court has four matters pending, including a plea hearing on May 11 and three upcoming directions hearing for matters awaiting trial.

The courts have already resumed in-person hearings in non-jury criminal and civil matters in several regional court locations where Supreme and County Court matters are heard as well as continuing hearings using remote technology where appropriate.

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