Commonwealth Heritage List in Western Australia facts for kids

The Commonwealth Heritage List is like a special scrapbook for Australia's most important places. It lists buildings, natural areas, and other spots that are super special because of their history, culture, or natural beauty. These places are usually on land or in waters owned or managed by the Australian Government. To get on this list, a place has to meet certain important rules.

What is the Commonwealth Heritage List?

The Commonwealth Heritage List helps protect places that are important to all Australians. Think of it as a way to keep our history and nature safe for future generations. These places could be old buildings, beautiful natural parks, or even historic military sites.

Why are places listed?

Places are added to the list because they have special value. This could be because of their history, like an old post office where many important letters were sent. Or it could be because of their natural beauty, like a unique reef with amazing sea life. The list makes sure these places are looked after.

Special Places in Western Australia

Western Australia has many amazing places on the Commonwealth Heritage List. As of 2020, there are 19 places currently listed. These include historic buildings and beautiful natural areas.

Historic Buildings and Sites

Many old buildings and sites in Western Australia are on the list. These places tell stories about the past.

Post Offices with History

Several old post offices are listed. These buildings were once very busy places where people sent mail and connected with each other.

• Claremont Post Office: This historic post office in Claremont was listed in 2004.
• Inglewood Post Office: Located on Beaufort Street, this post office joined the list in 2011.
• Northam Post Office: This building in Northam was listed in 2004.
• Perth General Post Office: A very important building in the heart of Perth, listed in 2004.
  

  The General Post Office in Perth.
• South Perth Post Office: This post office in South Perth was added to the list in 2011.
  

  The South Perth Post Office.
• Victoria Park Post Office: Listed in 2012, this post office is on Albany Highway.
  

  The Victoria Park Post Office.

Military and Defence Sites

Some places on the list are important for their military history.

• Army Magazine Buildings Irwin Barracks: These buildings at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta were listed in 2004.
• Artillery Barracks: Found in Fremantle, this historic site was listed in 2004. It's now home to the Army Museum.
  

  The entrance to the Army Museum of Western Australia.
• Cliff Point Historic Site: This site on Garden Island was listed in 2004.
• J Gun Battery: Also on Garden Island, this battery was listed in 2004.
  

  A 155mm gun at Garden Island in 1943.
• Geraldton Drill Hall Complex: This complex in Geraldton was listed in 2004.

Lighthouses

Lighthouses are often historic landmarks that helped guide ships safely.

• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: This famous lighthouse near Augusta was listed in 2004. It's at the most south-westerly point of mainland Australia.
  

  The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

Natural Wonders and Training Areas

The list also includes amazing natural places and important training areas.

• Bindoon Defence Training Area: This area near Bindoon was listed in 2004.
• Garden Island: This island is important for both its history and its natural environment, listed in 2004.
  

  Garden Island at sunset.
• Lancelin Defence Training Area: This natural area near Lancelin was listed in 2004.
• Learmonth Air Weapons Range Facility: This facility near Learmonth was listed in 2004.
• Mermaid Reef: Part of the Rowley Shoals near Broome, this beautiful reef was listed in 2004.
• Ningaloo Marine Area: This incredible marine area, part of the wider Ningaloo Coast, was listed in 2004. It's famous for its coral reef and marine life.
• Yampi Defence Area: Located near Koolan Island, this natural defence area was listed in 2004.

Places No Longer on the List

Sometimes, places are removed from the Commonwealth Heritage List. This can happen if they are sold, or if their purpose changes. As of 2020, three places in Western Australia were formerly on the list.

• ABC Regional Radio Studio (Wagin): This radio studio was listed in 2011. However, it was closed in 2014 and later removed from the list in 2018.
• Bushmead Rifle Range Commonwealth Area: This area in Helena Valley was sold by the government. It became a new suburb called Bushmead in 2017 and was removed from the list.
• Kalgoorlie Post Office: This historic post office in Kalgoorlie was removed from the list in 2015.
  

  The Kalgoorlie Post Office.