South Fremantle Power Station, Heathcote and the Cottesloe Beach Precinct are some of the 10 places of cultural significance around Western Australia that have been finalised in the State Register of Heritage Places.
Since the Heritage Act 2018 came into effect two years ago, 44 places have been added to the register or have had interim registration finalised.
Inclusion in the register is reserved for those buildings and sites with significant heritage value which have helped shape Western Australia’s story, embodying past design and building practices, reflecting former social trends and representing a way of life from times gone by.
Each of the 10 places that have been finalised has played a role in the State’s built and social history and cultural identity:
- Victoria Quay, Fremantle;
- South Fremantle Power Station;
- Cottesloe Beach Precinct;
- Central Government Offices (amended);
- Early Graves, Guildford Cemetery;
- Heathcote Hospital, Applecross;
- No.6 Steam Pumping Station, Ghooli;
- Oliver Hill Battery, Wadjemup/Rottnest;
- Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/Rottnest; and
- Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale.
Some of these places have been on the State Register on an interim basis for over 20 years. Their significance in terms of WA’s cultural heritage is now secured.
The registrations follow the inclusion of two other historic places in the past month – Chesterfield Inn in East Rockingham and the Bundi Club in Meekatharra.
The State Government is also currently seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Heritage Regulations 2019. Consultation is open until June 17, 2021 and comments can be submitted at https://consultation.dplh.wa.gov.au
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“The McGowan Government is helping to preserve our State’s heritage by including places of intrinsic cultural heritage value on the State Register, ensuring their significance is recorded in perpetuity.
“The State Register of Heritage Places plays an important role in recognising and conserving our State’s places of heritage significance. Collectively they tell a story of our social, cultural and civic past.
“The register embraces all aspects of heritage from built form to social history and cultural identity. It reflects the places where people have lived, where they have worked, how they have socialised and captures the stories we want to celebrate, acknowledge and learn from.
“Each of these 10 places have played a significant role in the development of WA, in grand endeavours and feats of engineering through to places of remembrance for deeds past and losses endured.
“They are places of significance to Western Australia and should be recognised and respected as tangible links to our history.”
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“Victoria Quay holds a very special place in the story and lives of many Western Australian families and local residents.
“From the families that migrated to Australia docking here for the first time, to those who worked on our wharves and the many thousands of people each year that depart Fremantle for Rottnest and great ocean adventures.
“This is an iconic landmark of Fremantle – the heart of our port city – and, with many exciting projects underway and planning about to commence on the future of North Quay, I am very pleased to see the registration of Victoria Quay finalised on the State Register of Heritage Places.”
