24/10/2003
The future conservation of Broome's Old Police Lockup and Boab Tree has been formalised through a Heritage Agreement between the Shire of Broome and the Heritage Council of WA.
Heritage Minister Tom Stephens formally handed a copy of the agreement to Shire President Tom Vinnicombe in Broome today.
"The Heritage Agreement outlines the shire's commitment to protecting the site," Mr Stephens said.
"It will provide the shire with certainty and the support of State law in conserving a place valued by the local community for its association with early twentieth century life in Broome.
"The lockup is the only remaining example of the police and court buildings constructed in the 1890s and 1900s."
Mr Stephens said the agreement was a condition of ownership of the lockup being transferred to the Shire of Broome by the Commonwealth Government.
The Old Police Lockup was a single storey concrete and iron building which accommodated prisoners on trial or in police custody between 1896 and 1965.
Since then the building had been used as a museum and a radio station, and in 1994 was fully restored and operated as a cafe and youth drop-in centre until 1998.
Police officer Herbert Thomas planted the boab tree on the Carnarvon Street verge at the entrance to the lockup in 1897 to commemorate the birth of his son Frederick in the nearby Police quarters.
Frederick died in 1916 on service in the First World War and Herbert was killed on duty in a riot in Broome in 1920.
Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said protecting Broome's heritage would help towards building a stronger community.
"At a time when Broome is growing rapidly, conserving significant local buildings helps the community keep in touch with its unique heritage," she said.
Mr Stephens said that under the agreement the shire would revise the site's existing conservation plan and schedule of conservation works to the satisfaction of the Heritage Council and then complete conservation works identified in the plan within an agreed timeframe.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
