Flags to be flown daily on Barracks Arch

24/11/93

The Australian and Western Australian flags are once again to be flown daily on the historic Barracks Arch.

Works Minister Graham Kierath said the move followed a suggestion from the WA section of the Australian National Flag Association.

"The Barracks Arch dominates St George's Terrace and is visible from the Freeway," Mr Kierath said.

"In view of its place in our history and for reasons of State and national pride, it is entirely appropriate that the flags should be flown there on a daily basis."

The Governor, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AO MC and the President of the WA National Flag Association Rear Admiral P G N Kennedy AO took part this morning in a special flag-raising ceremony at the Barracks Arch.

Mr Kierath said that the Barracks Arch had played an important role in the history of Western Australia.

WA's famous engineer-in-chief C Y O'Connor developed some of his most important plans there.

The pioneer pensioner soldiers lived there.

"In 1966 the State was in furore over it and now the old Barracks Arch at the top of St George's Terrace will receive some rejuvenation," Mr Kierath said.

The main sections or wings of the barracks were demolished 27 years ago to make way for the Freeway and the opening of the front section of Parliament House.

When Sir David Brand, the State's longest-serving Premier, moved for the arch to be bulldozed as well, there was a public outcry.

Members of the Historical Society, the 'Hands off Kings Park' group and people from the political spectrum protested.

The Premier declared the issue apolitical and called for bi-partisan support.

The then deputy leader of the Opposition, Herb Graham, sided with the Liberal Premier to lead the fight for the removal of the arch.

In the end, the 'hands off' movement triumphed and the arch stayed, much to the disappointment of Sir David.

A subsequent move to put the arch back on the Parliamentary agenda failed.

"The 1966 episode has added to the history of the barracks," Mr Kierath said.

"Some years ago, it was used successfully for WestWeek activities with flags and the daily changing of the guard.

"It proved to be an attraction.

"The flags will give it new status and we will consider opening it from time to time for school visits and the like.

"It has been a place of controversy but it also is part of our history dating back to the first days of the settlement.

"C Y O'Connor and many other notable public works engineers did some of their best work while headquartered there.

"The PWD remained in the barracks until their transfer to Dumas House in Kings Park Road."

Mr Kierath said the Government had a commitment to cultural heritage and he was pleased the arch would now be put to greater use.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 222 9595 / 481 2133