The McGowan Government is investing an additional $12.6 million to preserve and enhance the award-winning World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison - taking the total investment in the project to $14.2 million.
Funded as part of the 2022-23 State Budget, the additional investment will boost the local cultural tourism asset, with the State Government to seek further matching funding from the Commonwealth.
The project will see critical maintenance and restoration works undertaken at select locations around the prison.
Fremantle Prison is the only World Heritage listed building in Western Australia. It operates as a heritage precinct that balances its cultural heritage significance with complementary tourism activities.
Built by convicts in the 1850s and decommissioned as an operating prison in 1991, Fremantle Prison now offers a range of interpretive tours, as well as exhibitions and cultural events.
The venue is a recent gold medal winner in the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards in the Cultural Tourism category.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"I am delighted to announce the McGowan Government's commitment to further invest in the conservation and protection of Fremantle Prison in this year's State Budget.
"Fremantle Prison is an important piece of our State's heritage that continues to serve as a unique reminder of our modern architectural, social and penal history.
"This iconic building is an important Fremantle landmark that demonstrates how conservation and tourism can align for community purpose and benefit.
"In collaboration with the Federal Government, this funding will preserve and enhance this unique Western Australian icon."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The McGowan Government's commitment to invest in further work to conserve Fremantle Prison is terrific news for Fremantle - and Western Australia.
"As a World Heritage listed site and a popular tourism attraction, it is so important that we preserve and conserve this amazing place for the future."
