The Leschenault Homestead, a historic landmark in Western Australia, is in dire need of preservation efforts, according to an internal report obtained by the ABC. The report highlights the Bunbury port authority's failure to protect this heritage-listed site, which has been under their control since 1968. The authority's inaction has accelerated the deterioration of the Homestead, one of the state's oldest homes, constructed after colonization in the South West. Local residents and councillors have consistently reported significant and progressive degradation over the years.
In May 2024, Southern Ports, the Bunbury port authority, informed a community committee that they had engaged Kent Lyon to provide a report on stabilizing the buildings. However, it wasn't until August 2024 that the committee was told a local heritage architect was working on stabilization steps. When the ABC requested a copy of this report, Southern Ports initially claimed it would take time to source, only releasing it after a Freedom of Information application. The report, completed in April 2023, recommends various measures, with several requiring urgent attention and the rest within 12 months.
One of the urgent actions is the removal of black plastic sheeting placed over the eastern wall of one cottage, which has exacerbated the deterioration of the weatherboards. Southern Ports installed the plastic with the intention of preserving and weather-protecting the interior, but it remains in place almost three years later. The authority argues that the conservation works should be done as a package, contingent on cladding installation.
Other issues include dampness in brick fireplaces and chimneys, and the need to disperse rainwater away from the buildings, requiring considerable conservation and reconstruction work. The architect noted that the cottages have deteriorated extensively over the past two decades and remain unoccupied, emphasizing the urgency of weather-sealing them. Mr. Lyon's report also highlights that previous reviews as far back as 2008 had similar recommendations.
Southern Ports stands by its restoration timeline, claiming they have undertaken temporary stabilization works. However, they admit that the more substantial work recommended in the report hasn't been achievable within the 18-month timeframe. The authority inherited the Homestead in a state of disrepair and has restored the main building, now used as an office. As the owner of a heritage-listed site, Southern Ports is bound by the Heritage Act, which includes strict heritage requirements and the potential for repair notices and orders.
Despite the port authority's promises, Bunbury historian Brendan Kelly warns against cheap promises. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, suggesting that priorities may slip over time. Mr. Kelly calls for more openness regarding conservation efforts, urging the port authority to provide clear progress updates over the last two years. The preservation of heritage buildings and history is an ongoing process, and the authority must ensure the Leschenault Homestead is properly cared for.
