- McGowan Government provides permit in next step to retain Duffy House
- Permit follows McGowan Government's offer to fund restoration of the building
- City of Joondalup will utilise $300,000 State Government funding for restoration
Duffy House, the historic stone structure located in the heart of Woodvale, is one step closer to being restored and retained for future use.
Premier Mark McGowan today handed the City of Joondalup the Western Australian Planning Commission permit, which enables it to occupy the Duffy House site and undertake works to restore the building and manage the house.
The permit follows the McGowan Government's move, in May 2018, to step in and save Duffy House, after the local community called for demolition plans to be abandoned.
Duffy House had become target to antisocial behaviour and vandalism, however, Kingsley MLA Jessica Stojkovski and the Woodvale community called for the adaptive reuse of the building to ensure its survival into the future.
Works towards initial repairs, maintenance and conservation will be undertaken by the City of Joondalup through the $300,000 of State Government funding.
Previously belonging to Jack Duffy, of the pioneering Duffy family of the Wanneroo and Joondalup areas, the house is located within Yellagonga Regional Park on Western Australian Planning Commission land.
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
"I'm pleased local member Jessica Stojkovski and the local community advocated for a positive outcome for the future of Duffy House.
"The historical house has received a lot of community and council support, so I expect the restoration will give it a new lease of life for the whole community to enjoy."
As noted by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This funding permit from the WAPC will allow the City of Joondalup to take control of the building and deliver an outcome in line with local expectations.
"I commend the local member Jessica Stojkovski for advocating for a good, cost-effective outcome that will hopefully allow future generations to appreciate Duffy House."
As noted by Kingsley MLA Jessica Stojkovski:
"The Woodvale area continues to grow, however, there are now fewer historical sites that remain, so it was vital for our community to keep Duffy House and our heritage link to the Joondalup-Wanneroo suburbs.
"The State Government funding will enable the local council to restore and retain the building - having overall management to take it into the future. I'm looking forward to seeing it take shape.
"The people power behind this campaign has been extraordinary and this is truly a win for our local community."
As noted by City of Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob:
"The City is pleased to work in partnership with the State Government to secure the future and legacy of Duffy House.
"The funding and permit received from the State Government will enable the City to commence work on restoring Duffy House before a decision is made regarding the potential future uses and activation of the site."
