Published on Friday, 26 February 2016 at 12:00:00 AM
Conservation works at the heritage listed Old Onslow townsite are transforming the abandoned coastal settlement, preserving an important part of the region’s history and generating new opportunities for local tourism.
The $1 million conservation project is funded by the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project as part of its $250 million social and critical infrastructure package for Onslow. Conservation works are being managed by the Pilbara Regional Council (PRC) in conjunction with Chevron, the Shire of Ashburton and Department of State Development.
Established more than 120 years ago, Old Onslow was an important Pilbara port which serviced the local wool industry at the mouth of the Ashburton River. Repeated cyclone damage in 1925 saw the original town abandoned and moved to its current location, 20 kilometres away at Beadon Creek.
PRC CEO Tony Friday said today, the Police Station and Old Gaol are the only structures remaining from the original Onslow settlement.
“Despite the ravages of time, these buildings have remained largely intact and provide a rare insight into the heritage and history of the former frontier settlement,” Mr Friday said.
“PRC is working with the Shire of Ashburton, the Department of State Development and Chevron Australia to deliver conservation works and develop supporting tourism opportunities as part of the Old Onslow Conservation and Tourism Development Project.”
“In January, we completed initial stabilisation works, ensuring visitor safety without impacting the heritage value of the site. This included installation of temporary mesh frames to the doors and windows of the Old Gaol building and over the opening of a water tank, construction of a temporary arch support on one of the Old Gaol cells and new signage.”
Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said the project was a fantastic initiative and she looked forward to its completion and the boost it would give to Onslow tourism.
The next phase of conservation activities for the Old Onslow townsite will commence in May 2016 with the development of a Conservation Management Strategy, detailing further required conservation activities and priority works.
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