One Mile Jetty & Tramway at Carnarvon entered on heritage register

7/10/96

The State Government has recognised the heritage values of a Carnarvon landmark which had a significant impact on the development of the Gascoyne region.

Premier Richard Court announced today that One Mile Jetty and Tramway had been entered on an interim basis on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.

Mr Court said the history and success of Carnarvon and the Gascoyne region had been closely linked with the tramway and jetty which had formed an integral part of the working nature of the town of Carnarvon for 85 years.

"It was initially the only major method of importing and exporting goods to the area, although that role was gradually usurped as the port's activities declined with increased road transport," he said.

At the official re-opening of the Tramway Bridge following today's regional Cabinet meeting in Carnarvon, Mr Court commended the local community for its recognition of the tramway and jetty as an historic site which warranted preservation.

"The foresight shown by the community will ensure that the tramway and jetty will continue to be a major asset to the town," the Premier said.

The State Government has agreed to contribute funds, which had been earmarked for the demolition of the jetty to the Town of Carnarvon for future restoration work.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said One Mile Jetty and Tramway was unique as it was probably the longest ship-to-land transferral system in the world.

"A tramway had been part of Carnarvon since at least 1892, and possibly as early as 1886, running to the old jetty halfway between Mangrove Point and Conspicuous Camp," Mr Lewis said.

"As the need for an improved port increased, One Mile Jetty was built in 1898 mainly for the transport of stock.

"Two years later, a more sophisticated tramway was built connecting the jetty, Babbage Island, Whitlock Island and the mainland."

The tramway was made of two-foot gauge railway line and ran for more than two miles. As part of the tramway, a 1,060ft long timber bridge was built across the southern arm of the Gascoyne River, which connected Whitlock Island to the mainland.

Floods in 1902 and 1904 caused considerable damage to the tramway and the decision was taken to raise the tramway and convert it to three foot six inch gauge.

Mr Court said the small locomotive Kia Ora, which is now part of the Rail Transport Museum in Bassendean, was the first locomotive used on the new tramway.

"One sad aspect of the jetty's history is that between 1910 and 1916 it was used as a departure point for a number of Aboriginal people who were isolated on Bernier and Dorre Island because of contagious sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy," he said.

"It was also a departure point for 78 volunteers who served in World War One and saw the arrival of hopeful soldier settlers, granted land in the district after the war.

"One Mile Jetty and the Tramway were used to transport local produce of fruit, wool and livestock and also bring in blood and bone from Wyndham for use as fertiliser."

The tramway and jetty continued to be repaired and extended . However, road transport became increasingly popular from 1946, particularly after the bituminising of the road between Geraldton and Carnarvon was completed in 1962.

The last Stateship called at Carnarvon in 1965, removing the need for the tramway and reducing usage of the jetty which was then mainly used for bulk fuel supplies. In 1984 the last oil tanker visited Carnarvon.

Mr Court said the jetty and the tramway were still important to Carnarvon, the Gascoyne and WA because they represented WA's heritage.

"Our heritage is something we should conserve for future generations," he said.

"Without the jetty, the Gascoyne Region would not have been able to develop."

Media Contact: Casey Cahill 222 9595