Government of Western Australia
Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Hon. David Templeman MLA
Minister for Heritage

MEDIA STATEMENT
19 August 2020

Fremantle Prison to benefit from $1.6 million in WA Recovery Plan•••

McGowan Government invests in conservation of Fremantle Prison as partof WA Recovery Plan
Works will repair valuable cultural asset and provide future event
opportunities
Fremantle Prison a recognised UNESCO World Heritage AustralianConvict Site

Fremantle Prison will benefit from a cash injection of $1.6 million as part of the McGowan
Government's WA Recovery Plan investment in community and cultural infrastructure.
Heritage Minister David Templeman said the $1.6 million was another contribution by the State
Government towards the $9.6 million of essential conservation works identified in the recent
master plan that will support the future success of Fremantle Prison.
Last year, $3.5 million was provided for urgent works including repairs to the Main Cell Block
which were recently completed by local Aboriginal contractor Thuroona Services.
This year, the slope of the Main Parade Ground will be levelled off to prevent future damage tothe cell block caused by insufficient drainage, and provide a more suitable space for hostinglarge events and enhancing the tourism potential of Fremantle Prison.
Funding will also cover urgent repairs to the prison hospital which was constructed in 1857 andis currently leased to The Literature Centre.
Mr Templeman said revenue from ticket sales for the various tours and visitor experiences
contribute to the financial viability of Fremantle Prison, however COVID-19 restrictions have
hampered the ability to operate these attractions, including the popular tunnels tour.
Fremantle Prison celebrates its ten-year anniversary as one of the eleven member sites of theUNESCO World Heritage Australian Convict Sites.
Comments attributed to Heritage Minister David Templeman:"Fremantle Prison is WA's only built world heritage site, and only world heritage place in Perth.
Both Federal and State Governments need to work collaboratively on our responsibility to theAustralian people to invest in preserving this important piece of our heritage.
Subscribe to have media releases emailed automatically from www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au"Conservation works to the Parade Ground in particular, will unlock the potential of Fremantle
Prison to attract and host larger events in this space in the future and we expect those works tocommence within six months.
"I am pleased to invest in the protection and conservation of this iconic place of architecturaland social history and hope that the Commonwealth can find funding sources to support ourcontribution and the creation of immediate and future jobs here in Western Australia as ournation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic."
Comments attributed to Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson MP:"Fremantle Prison is one of Australia's most affecting and complex heritage sites and the 10year anniversary of its World Heritage listing should prompt the Federal Government to follow
WA's lead and support further fundamental restoration work.
"In October 2019 I wrote to Minister Ley to suggest the Morrison Government should match theStates' efforts to fund vital conservation and restoration works required for all these places ofinternationally significant heritage and dark history.
"Considering the circumstances we now find ourselves in I believe it's a perfect time for theFederal Government to work with State and Territory Governments on plans for job creationand shared funding that will ensure the sustainability and conservation of all these sites,
including Fremantle Prison."Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:"Fremantle Prison is a significant contributor to the local economy, drawing an average of
200,000 visitors per year.
"The works that will be carried out thanks to the WA Recovery Plan funding, will create evenmore opportunities for dynamic events that will bring people into the Prison and the Fremantle
CBD.
"Recent announcements about the sale of the Technical College in the heart of Fremantle, andthe revitalisation of the A Shed by Gage Roads Brewing company, paint an exciting picture forthe future of our port city and I want to ensure that the Fremantle Prison is part of that future."a firm commitment from the Federal Government to ensure it is protected for perpetuity.”Media contact: Kym Coolhaas 0417 306 221 or 6552 5400

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