Roebourne left out of heritage talks

Roebourne’s heritage buildings have been left in administrative limbo as the City of Karratha negotiates a transfer of the Cossack Heritage Precinct’s tenure with the State Government.

The Department of Lands has requested the City take over management of the Roebourne Heritage Precinct as it now has no governing body responsible for its upkeep.

“As the local authority, the City is better suited to manage the local heritage precinct than the department,” a DoL spokesman said.

“Should the City not wish to accept management of the precinct at this time, then the department will have to explore other options for the site.”

Roebourne Visitor Centre vice-chairwoman Eileen Wright said she understood the City’s decision to leave Roebourne out of heritage negotiations but was disappointed to see the buildings become dilapidated.

“There are significant costs in getting some of the buildings up to scratch and we can understand the City’s decision to focus their efforts on Cossack and Jarman Island,” she said.

“We hope in the future some other pans can be developed by someone to preserve and utilise some of these heritage buildings before it’s too late.”

Roebourne Visitor Centre holds an informal lease with the State Government over the Old Gaol.

The City leases the buildings in the Cossack Heritage Precinct from the State.

The lease’s expiry in July next year has prompted the City to review the ownership and management of the precinct.

City of Karratha Deputy Mayor John Lally said it was important to ensure Cossack’s heritage buildings were protected and maintained well into the future.

“The Cossack Heritage Precinct has a significant maritime heritage and it is imperative that these built sites are appropriately respected moving forward,” he said.

The City is discussing the tenure of the precinct with the DoL, Department of Planning and State Heritage Office.