Westrail Passenger Booking Office & Australind Train Terminus

Statement of Significance

Westrail Booking Office & Australind Train Terminus has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the modern, fast rail service between Bunbury and Perth represents a substantial investment in Bunbury and the South-West region and reflects the population base of the area; and,
the train service and terminus was a result of the Bunbury 2000 plan developed by the South West Development Commission which aimed to remove the rail infrastructure from the town centre of Bunbury to Wollaston, Picton and Boyanup.

Physical Description

Westrail Booking Office & Australind train terminus is a modern architectural structure of steel, brick, iron and glass incorporating offices, reception area, booking office alongside a long covered platform area for Westrail train and bus passengers. The platform shelter features a high gabled roof attached to steel space-frames which covers a large area.

History

Wollaston Westrail Station was initiated following a South West Development Authority led decision to remove rail services from the city centre. This decision largely coincided with an improved train service from Bunbury to Perth in 1987 which had been planned and promised as part of the Council Bunbury 2000 project.

The formation of the South Western Development Authority in May 1983 led to development of a State Government policy document, ‘Bunbury 2000’. The objective of this policy was to turn Bunbury into an alternative urban capital in Western Australia, improve services and facilities, and stimulate social and economical growth in the south west region of the state by the year 2000. This was to be done by opening a four lane highway between Perth and Bunbury, improving further education options, relocating several government decision makers and departments from Perth and increasing Bunbury’s appeal as a tourist destination by improving and expanding tourist services.

The Terminus opened in 1985. The new transport system offered promotional and marketing opportunities for tourism to the South West emphasizing rail transport to and from Bunbury and road linkages to other destinations further south.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.