• $7.6 million provided for urgent conservation works at Ngurra Barlunggu
• Geraldton Heritage Precinct provides unique cultural heritage experience for local community and visitors to the Mid West region
• Funding provided through the 2023-24 State Budget

The Cook Government has committed $7.6 million for essential conservation works in the Geraldton Heritage Precinct, Ngurra Barlunggu.

The precinct is a group of eight late Victorian and early Federation buildings including the Old Gaol, which is the earliest surviving cell block in regional Western Australia.

Managed by the National Trust of Australia (WA), the precinct buildings are commercially leased for a variety of local community and tourist-based purposes.

The funds will address urgent safety and security issues and deliver much needed repairs to the structure and amenity of several buildings to support and attract longer term commercial lease holders.

Reinvigorating the precinct will also create important social benefits for the wider Geraldton community in preserving a heritage landmark constructed during a significant period in the history of the region and the State.

Comments attributed to Heritage Minister David Templeman:

"The Geraldton Heritage Precinct has been an integral part of the City since the mid-to-late nineteenth century.

"It is now a successful commercial property offering businesses and visitors a unique heritage experience as well as being a central launch point for tourist operators.

"I have no doubt that these conservation works will help attract new commercial, social and tourism tenants to this Geraldton landmark, providing a boost to the local economy and wider communities.

"The Cook Government continues its commitment to support the preservation of our heritage for the benefit of regional areas throughout WA and looks forward to working closely with the National Trust of Australia (WA) to reinvigorate this unique precinct."

Comments attributed to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:

"I'm delighted to hear that the Cook Government is investing in the Geraldton Heritage Precinct, which is an important heritage landmark for our region.

"The conservation works will help ensure that future generations can appreciate the history and stories behind the place."