- $8.3 million invested in Port of Albany's State-heritage listed pilot cottages
- Heritage site to be restored into vibrant community precinct
- Region set to gain new cultural and eco-tourism opportunities
The Cook Government has injected $8.3 million into plans to develop the historic Port of Albany Pilot Station and cottages into a vibrant community precinct.
The precinct will become a major attraction for tourists and visitors, while also activating new spaces for the community to enjoy.
Detailed design and planning, including significant consultation with local stakeholders, will be undertaken in the next phase of the project's development.
Early concepts include an interpretive centre, small caf, port-themed play areas and open spaces, all linked to the existing Port to Point trail. The precinct is also set to feature an information centre for cultural and eco-tourism.
The historic precinct was used to house Port of Albany pilots from as early as 1853 through to 1936 and its importance to Western Australia's first port was recognised through its inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places in 2002.
As stated by Ports Minister David Michael MLA:
"This $8.3 million revitalisation of Albany Pilot Station will preserve and celebrate the rich maritime and cultural history of the State's oldest port, while delivering lasting economic value to the Great Southern region.
"Ports are important contributors to the social fabric of our regional communities. The Port of Albany has a long and deep connection to its local community and this unique project will only see this continue for generations to come.
"The Pilot Station site is ideally situated to maximise cultural and eco-tourism opportunities.
"This investment will bring these to fruition and see the precinct become a major tourist drawcard for domestic and international visitors alike."
As stated by Rebecca Stephens MLA:
"I'm proud to have delivered $8.3 million in funding from the Cook Labor Government for this
exciting project, that will ensure the restoration of what is a unique cultural and maritime heritage asset for Albany.
"This work will ensure the pilot cottages are preserved and maintained as a heritage site.
"It will also create additional community infrastructure for cultural tourism and an outdoor space for local community events.
"The restored pilot cottages will offer a rare insight into what it was like to live and work in these buildings between 1853 to 1936.
"They are an important part of the rich maritime history of Albany and will be a valuable community asset."
