Mingenew Railway Station

Physical Description

The Railway precinct runs east west along the main Perth Highway (Midlands Road). Part of a stone and brick railway station, iron goods shed and a small signals shed remain. Westrail only uses the signal shed. The remaining older part of the station building, being on the eastern end, is of stone with brick quoins and shallow arched window openings, supported by hooped iron lintels. The later brick addition, following the same roof-line on the south face but with a northern projection, is of brick with similar window surrounds but flat concrete lintels. The demolished station buildings were located immediately to the west.

History

In 1887 the Midland Railway line was surveyed and on 24/11/1894 was opened to rail traffic. The stone railway station and residence was built by F W G Liebe at the same time (a portion being demolished in 1974). By then Mingenew was the trading centre for all stock sent to Perth markets from the entire northern areas of the State and extensive timber yards were built on 1/2 acre north of the line. About 1930s trucking yards were built on that site. Mingenew was a main depot for the Midland Railway with barracks, length runner's house (demolished after he died) large bitumen coal stage, 40000 litre water tank of wood and steel gravity fed from the Erregulla Spring Reserve which had to be cleared every month of reeds. It also supplied the Station master's house and station. The goods shed was opposite T & D Stores with a roof over the line so the engine could be parked for maintenance by the team from Walkaway. It was demolished in 1960. (Many people remember stealing apples from this shed). A new small shed was then built opposite the station after diesel engines arrived and the water tank and coal bin were removed. Midland Railway provided housing and there were three houses on Donald Road and two on the approach road at the back of the Station. All are now demolished. A twelve hut weatherboard barracks with a separate peaked roof was built in the 1950s with a walkway to the kitchen and toilet/shower blocks. They had large water tanks for rain water. Gum trees and lawn surrounded the barracks. The walkway continued to the station between the signal bunker. The old shed was to the east. Two main lines ran for N/S lines, a third for the goods shed and a fourth for water and coal. The Railway Station and residence were built of stone with an iron roof. A breeze-way divided both buildings. A tearooms and residence were on the east side. West Australian Government Railways took over in 1959 and Westrail in 1975. The last passenger train went on 27 July 1975. Westrail leased the station to the Shire and the Arts Council leased the Station from the Shire at Shire rent. A fence along the platform and around the back have been erected for safety.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Part of the original stone building remains, with a later brick addition.
Modifications: The station has been added to and parts demolished over the years

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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