Western Australia's largest and only remaining railway roundhouse - located in Collie - will be transformed into a unique tourist attraction, as part of the McGowan Government's continued efforts to unlock local potential and drive diversification in the South-West town.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray today announced $998,532 towards restoring the site so that it is suitable for public use.
Built in the 1950s, the landmark building was originally constructed to house 14 steam locomotives using a turntable pit and turntable. It is one of several pieces of infrastructure remaining in Collie that are reminders of the significant role rail played in the emergence of Collie as a source of coal.
The grant will enable the National Trust of Western Australia to upgrade and conserve the site, a first step towards realising a vision to breathe new life into the landmark building and surrounding site, which connects to the Collie Visitor Centre and town centre.
The works are expected to unlock heritage, tourism and small business opportunities which will support new local job opportunities and go a long way to strengthening the town's tourism industry.
Other State Government initiatives supporting the growth of Collie's tourism sector include the $10 million Collie Adventure Trails initiative to establish Collie as Western Australia's premier 'trail adventure town'.
For more information about funding opportunities designed to support Collie's economic diversification and how to apply, visit http://www.swdc.wa.gov.au
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The roundhouse played an important role in Collie's development and is now set to serve a new generation.
"This exciting project will help to transform Collie's future by unlocking new opportunities for the town and its residents, while importantly conserving the heritage values of the building.
"Through the funding programs offered through the Collie Futures Fund, new initiatives including businesses are choosing Collie: we encourage organisations with a project that will help to diversify Collie's economic base and develop new job opportunities to apply for funding."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"This project will pay tribute to Collie's past while building a future we can all get excited about.
"It's terrific that Collie's roundhouse - which has sat unused for many years - will be given a new lease of life, something which the Collie community has wanted for many years.
"In the future, people will be able to visit, learn about the railway heritage of Collie, and enjoy what it has to offer.
"Creating new local jobs is a priority of mine, and this project has the potential to deliver work opportunities in terms of job, sub-contract and supply opportunities."
