Published on Friday, 23 August 2024 at 1:42:39 PM
The Town of Port Hedland is disappointed the WA Government has paved the way for the demolition of the 118-year-old former State school building in McKay Street.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting in November 2023, councillors voted to not support a proposal to modify the heritage listing, or the demolition, of the historic site which is headquarters for the Volunteer Marine Rescue Port Hedland group.
Additionally, councillors voted to support a VMRPH application to acquire four lots in Kingsmill Street and to support the marine rescue group’s relocation to a new site.
However, acquisition of this land was not progressed and the Western Australian Planning Commission approved a development application allowing for the demolition of the heritage-listed former school.
Mayor Peter Carter said the approval would lead to further degradation of Hedland’s historical sites.
“The November 23 Ordinary Council Meeting provided a solution that was a win-win for our community,” he said.
“In fact, the decision of council was so widely supported that there was applause from the packed gallery.
“The marine rescue group – which does outstanding volunteer work for the Hedland community – was given the option to relocate to a site in a prime location.
“And the heritage-listed former school site would be saved from demolition, opening the way for its preservation by the WA Government.
“The fact that the WA Government allowed the heritage-listed building located on Crown Land to be neglected, and then the WA Planning Commission approve its demolition, is hugely disappointing.
"This decision sets a dangerous precedent for other heritage-listed properties in the West End and there are major concerns that demolition by neglect in the West End is considered acceptable by the WA Government.”
At next Wednesday’s meeting, councillors will vote whether to support a request from VMRPH to waive building permit fees and assist with landfill disposal costs from the McKay Street development.
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