Christmas has come early for the historic Coolgardie Post Office, after it was today granted $3.16 million in funding for refurbishments, thanks to Royalties for Regions.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed the major investment, delivered through the State Government’s Goldfields-Esperance Revitalisation Fund.
“It’s important we continue to conserve our State’s heritage throughout the regions, and Coolgardie’s Post Office is a renowned local landmark worthy of such recognition,” Mr Grills said.
“This significant funding boost will help restore an important piece of local history and importantly generate further tourism, social and economic opportunities for the community.”
Mr Grills said the latest project, known as the ‘Post Office and Associated Buildings Reinstatement Program Stage 2’, would allow the interior of the complex to be refitted to house a number of modern amenities and services to benefit local businesses and the community.
The Goldfields-based MP said the Coolgardie Post Office was built in 1894 and its historical significance was well-known throughout the region.
“When this local post office was built, Coolgardie was known as the third biggest town in WA. By 1949 the post office had become partially dilapidated due to many locals moving out of town to nearby Kalgoorlie,” he said.
Stage 2 of the project will see the inside of the complex refurbished into a versatile hub to include residential accommodation, retail spaces, visitor facilities, a business outlet, gallery and function areas, and an Aboriginal drop-in and education centre.
Nationals WA candidate for Kalgoorlie Tony Crook said the complex was also expected to attract new visitor and community use.
“This project will stimulate vital new business, economic and job opportunities, enhance residential options and provide local Aboriginal communities with increased access to support services,” Mr Crook said.
Mr Crook said the latest upgrades followed Stage 1 of the redevelopment, which saw the exterior of the complex revitalised recently, via a $477,933 Royalties for Regions Country Local Government Fund investment.
“This forward-thinking initiative is yet another example of the State Government’s strong commitment to building vibrant regions with strong economies, through Royalties for Regions investment,” he said.
The Shire of Coolgardie is contributing the remainder of the funds towards the total project cost of $3.5 million.
The Goldfields-Esperance Revitalisation Fund is a $198 million Royalties for Regions initiative that aims to improve access to facilities and services, generate local jobs and enhance the liveability of regional communities.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.
