Minister opens prison tunnels

21/5/05
The opening of century old underground tunnels at the Fremantle Prison was today hailed as the Gallop Government's recognition and firm commitment to the jail's importance and future.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the Fremantle Tunnels Tour promised to be one of the most exciting soft adventures or 'extreme heritage' experiences to be offered in Australia.
It would allow visitors to explore the one-kilometre labyrinth of tunnels built more than a century ago under the prison. Those with a spirit for adventure would be able to explore the 20m-deep tunnel system by boat and on foot.
"The $1million project was developed by the Department of Housing and Works and delivered through the expertise of highly regarded heritage specialists, Palassis Architects, and a range of local building and construction firms," Mr Logan said.
"The new tunnels tours are the first major project delivered as part of the State Government's master plan for the prison, which has set realistic priorities for the future use and development of the precinct.
"Without doubt, Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia's premier cultural heritage places and its uniqueness as Australia's most intact convict-built cell range is recognised internationally.
"The milestone opening of the tunnels marks a significant step forward for the State in its efforts to attract visitors."
Launching the tunnels, the Minister said the Gallop Government had met the challenge of leveraging the prison's strengths into conservation and interpretation programs.
The new attraction was developed with careful maintenance of the prison's cultural heritage values, while attracting more people to visit and use the site.
"Prison labour was originally used to construct the tunnel system in the 1890s to supply the whole of Fremantle with fresh water," Mr Logan said.
"The tunnels tours will include interesting tales related to the construction and purpose of the tunnels, along with stories of those who worked in them."
The Minister said the tunnels tours, which would open to the public on Tuesday, June 7, were a great addition to the range of day tours, torchlight tours and other events already available at the prison.
Since being decommissioned as a maximum security jail in 1991, Fremantle Prison has become a popular attraction for hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors.
Minister's office: 9222 8950