The start of the construction of the Yarloop Workshops first stage was officially marked on Thursday, 20 January 2022 by Shire of Harvey President Paul Gillett, Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino, former President of Yarloop Workshop Inc. Geoff Cattach, Member for Murray-Wellington Robyn Clarke and Shire of Harvey CEO Annie Riordan turning the sod.
The first stage of the project will focus on the rebuilding of the steam workshops, a men's shed and landscaping, restoration of the existing vault, as well as headworks and services supply to the site.
Shire of Harvey President Paul Gillett said the Yarloop Workshops were an integral part of the community and the local area’s heritage which was destroyed in the devastating 2016 Yarloop-Waroona bushfires.
“Rebuilding the workshops and honouring the heritage of the area is a key component of regenerating the town,” Cr Gillett said.
“With a lot of community consultation to develop a masterplan for the site, along with key stakeholder engagement we are excited to be here today to officially start the construction of the first stage of the project.
“The project proposes a range of developments over a three-staged process with a focus on community development, tourism and respect for the past and future of the site.”
Cr Gillett said the redevelopment will tell multiple stories about its industrial and timber milling history, the people, and the fire.
Construction of the first stage of the Yarloop Workshops is expected to be completed towards the end of the year.