6/4/06
One of the State's finest railway bridges has been added to the State Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis.
Heritage Minister Michelle Roberts said Asquith Bridge, in the Peel town of Quindanning, was built in the early 1950s. The bridge was part of the post-World War Two development of the State's extensive railway network.
"Asquith Bridge is an outstanding achievement in the construction history of timber railway bridges in Western Australia, spanning nearly 130m across the Murray River," Mrs Roberts said.
"The bridge has many notable aesthetic qualities - the long curved trestle bridge towers above the Murray River providing spectacular views from its high elevation.
"Asquith Bridge is believed to be one of the last railway bridges of its type built in WA, and one of the most substantial."
The bridge is also important for its contribution to the development of the timber industry in the Serpentine-Jarrahdale to Dwellingup area, as it was built to transport logs over the Murray River to the Dwellingup Mill.
Nowadays, the bridge is used by walkers on the popular Bibbulmun Track, a 965km track which extends from Kalamunda to Walpole.
Mrs Roberts said the listing of the bridge would ensure it was protected and conserved for future generations and this would also make it eligible to receive grants under the Heritage Grants Program.
Other listings include:
PERMANENT -
District Medical Officer's Quarters (fmr), 24 Richardson Street, Port Hedland:
The District Medical Officer's quarters are a good example of a simple timber residence in the style characteristic of bungalows adapted for tropical conditions in the State's North-West. It is the only surviving pre-World War One public building in Port Hedland, and possibly also the earliest surviving timber framed residence in the town.
Hillcrest, 23 Harvest Road, North Fremantle:
Built on the tide of WA's gold boom in the early 20th century, this large suburban residence was the family home of well-known merchant Francis Pearse. It was donated to the Salvation Army in 1921 and converted to a maternity hospital in 1922. It is a fine example of a Victorian Italianate-style residence, with a sympathetic 1934 addition in a matching style. Many fine interior elements, such as the main staircase and some of the stone construction fire surrounds, are of a very high standard.
Low Level Sewage Pumping Stations Nos. 1 and 2, Perth:
Commissioned in 1912, the pumping stations were the first three such buildings built in Perth to provide sewage pumping facilities. The pumping stations were built to provide adequate and reliable sewerage services to Perth and improved its quality of life during and after World War One. They are historically significant as an important element in the evolution of Perth's sewerage infrastructure - it was the first time technology was used in Perth in providing sewerage and deep drainage to the metropolitan area. Special attention was also paid to the design of the buildings, given their prominent locations.
Northam Cemetery, Katrine Road, Northam:
Northam Cemetery has operated as a burial ground continuously from its establishment in 1856 to the present. It reflects the impact of local and world events on a local community, including the burials of pioneers, servicemen from two World Wars, and migrants from the post World War Two period. The cemetery contains many fine examples of monuments which have strong aesthetic appeal and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship.
Pallottine Monastery, Pallottine Road, Tardun:
Designed by prominent priest and architect John Hawes, the Pallottine Monastery was built in 1938 as ecclesiastical housing to improve the facilities of Beagle Bay Farm (fmr). Since 1948, the place has served as a boarding school, primarily for Aboriginal children whose families worked on Murchison sheep stations and in the Mullewa area. The simplified Inter-War California Bungalow style of the Pallottine Monastery is an adaptation of the design of an Australian homestead, with the deep perimeter verandah extending most of the way around the building.
Redemptorist Monastery and Church, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth:
The Redemptorist Monastery and Church are an excellent, well-constructed and intact example of the Federation Gothic style, comprising a three-storey limestone monastery and church complex, with elegant interiors and well-detailed decorative features. The large and imposing structures make them a landmark on Vincent Street. They have been the base for Redemptorist activities in pastoral care and missionary work in WA from the arrival of the first Redemptorist Fathers in 1899 until the present day.
St Aidan's Uniting Church and Hall, 26 Princess Road, Claremont:
St Aidan's Uniting Church and Hall is an attractive, small parish church and hall group, both designed in the Federation Gothic style. Successfully adapted from the Presbyterian to the Uniting Church worshipping tradition, the buildings are simple, restrained examples of their style. The church and hall were built in 1903-11, which was a significant growth phase in the development of Claremont, during which the unique character of the locality was established.
Wagin Town Hall, cnr Tudor and Tavistock Streets, Wagin:
Wagin Town Hall is an excellent and distinctive example of a rural town hall and municipal council office in the Inter-war Free Classical style. It is a landmark at the intersection of two main streets in central Wagin, and contributes to an historic precinct of one and two-storey buildings opposite the railway station, along the west side of Tudor Street, from Wagin Hotel to the Federal Hotel.
Minister's Office - 9213 6600
