Funding for vital work at six heritage sites in the Goldfields-Esperance

9/11/97

Vital work at six heritage sites in the Goldfields/Esperance region will go ahead with funding from the State Government's Heritage Grants Program, Heritage Minister Graham Kierath announced.

About $61,000 will be provided by the Heritage Council of Western Australia for six projects in the region, including the preparation of a comprehensive conservation plan for the Kalgoorlie and Boulder townsites.

Mr Kierath said almost $1 million had been allocated across the State under the scheme for 76 projects, making a crucial contribution to the preservation of WA's culture.

"The response to the Heritage Grants Program, which was announced in May, has been considerable," Mr Kierath said.

"In all there were 239 applications for grants, requesting some $10 million, demonstrating the high level of need in the community for such a program.

"This program is part of the Government's commitment not only to protecting the State's heritage, but doing it in a way which gives places new life and maintains a valuable community asset."

Under the program, priority has been given to urgent works, to projects which already have a conservation plan in place and where a specific program was in place for future use of the site. Consideration was also given to applicants who were making a contribution to the project.

"The average grant is $13,140 and they range from $1,000 to $81,000. The projects which will get support are all across the State," Mr Kierath said.

"The funding recommendations were made by the Heritage Grants Program Assessment Committee, headed by Mr Gerry Gauntlett of the Heritage Council of WA.

"The grants assessment panel included representatives from local government, regional WA, and the National Trust as well as people with relevant professional expertise."

The sites helped under the program in the Goldfields are:

Kalgoorlie Boulder townsites - $22,000 to engage a heritage conservation consultant to prepare a detailed conservation plan for the sites;

Goldfields Water Supply, Coolgardie - $16,000 for structural works including drainage and flood control and repairs to the chimney, roof and gutters. Entered in the Register of Heritage Places, the Old Pumping Station was built at the end of 1901 and continued in use until 1970;

St George's Presbyterian Church - $7,000 for structural works including the replacement of deteriorated roof iron and guttering which is currently allowing water to enter the building. Built around 1890, the church is closely associated with growth of the mining population;

Mine Manager's House at Leonora - $10,000 to prepare a conservation plan. The house dates back to Herbert Hoover's term as manager in 1896/97. Hoover, who went on to become President of the United States of America, is thought to have designed the building; and-

Bijou Theatre at Esperance - $7,400 for structural repairs including work on the front facade of the threatre, the repair or replacement of missing baltic pine boards and the damaged louvre vent. The theatre was opened in 1896 and is one of the oldest theatres still operating in Australia.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133