Premier launches Batavia longboat replica in Geraldton

26/3/03
Premier Geoff Gallop today launched a community-built replica of the Batavia longboat in Geraldton.
Dr Gallop said the 36.5m longboat, to be displayed at the Western Australian Museum Geraldton, would become a major tourist drawcard.
"The Batavia story is one of the world's great maritime stories," he said.
"The longboat replica will bring to life this story - of shipwreck, mutiny and survival - for a whole new generation and generations to come.
"It will build on the rich maritime history which distinguishes Geraldton and the Mid-West region and it will be a key display at the museum's Shipwreck's Gallery."
The replica boat, weighing six tonnes, was the principle project of a 40-week wooden boat building course at Central West College of TAFE.
The project began as a result of the desire by staff at the Western Australian Museum Geraldton and Central West College of TAFE to re-enact Batavia Captain Francois Pelsaert's voyage from the Abrolhos Islands to Batavia (now know as Jakarta) to raise the alarm after the sinking of his vessel in 1629.
Local business were very supportive of the project.
Dr Gallop said the replica longboat project showed the momentum that was building in the Geraldton community.
"This is a truly community-driven project and a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to fulfil a common goal," he said.
"The willingness and ability of the Geraldton people to work together to achieve positive outcomes is commendable."
In his speech, the Premier cited major contemporary projects which are under way in the region and changing the face of Geraldton.
The projects include the Geraldton Port Enhancement Project, the Southern Transport Corridor and Geraldton Foreshore.
Premier's Office - 9222 9475