OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - WESTERN AUSTRALIA - 2008
Place:    Heritage Places in WA
Threat:   Demolition by Neglect

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:  Immediate

Threats/Risks:   Destruction/Deterioration

Fate/outcome:   Suffering

Risk Assessment: 

Many heritage places around the State are in danger of demolition by neglect. This can be attributed to several reasons, including lack of incentives for re-use and conservation; lack of resources to undertake conservation; economic benefits leading from demolition; indecision over future uses etc. These include both government and privately owned places which demonstrate how wide spread the issues and problems are. Some examples of these places include the Armadale Brickworks, South Fremantle Power Station and the  Lynwood homestead on the Great Northern Highway.

Desired Outcome/Vision:

Heritage places need to be seen as an asset, not a burden. This can be done by having effective and worthwhile incentives provided by all levels of government and financial and non-financial support. A review of the Heritage Act of Western Australia needs to take place in order for effective solutions to be investigated and implemented. As well, educating the community about the value of heritage may overcome some of the negative perceptions of heritage.