Onslow Goods Shed Museum

Values

The place has rarity value for the Shire of Ashburton as many building pre 1925 were destroyed by harsh climatic conditions.

The place has aesthetic value as it adds to the streetscape and is an important component of the overall townscape.

The place has historical value as it was essential to the supply and export of goods for the local district.

Physical Description

It is a CGI clad building, with a jarrah frame. On the Western sides are three metre by four metre steel framed doors. All the CGI cladding on the Goods Shed and adjacent office is painted off white. The guttering, downpipes, exterior door frames and office verandah posts are painted pale blue.

To the southeast of the building is a concrete platform used for loading and unloading of goods onto the tram from the jetty. The platform contains a 1928 petrol locomotive, once part of the Onslow Tramway system.

History

‘In 1904 the Good Shed in Old Onslow was burnt down. The replacement structure was built in the main part of the old town site and was connected to the sea jetty by tramway. The new shed was described as a Jarrah framed concrete structure with concrete pipes, it also included a Bond Store. A separate office was added to the end of the building, along with a lookout tower, in 1910. In 1925 when the new town site was developed at Beaton Point, the Goods Shed was transported by camel to the new settlement.’

‘When reconstructed at Beaton Point the Goods Shed was extended. It was serviced by a new tramway but no longer functioned as a Bond Store. Further extensions to the building occurred in 1953 when the office size was doubled. Cyclone damage during the 1960’s led to a number of changes. The roof of the Goods Shed was completely remodeled, and the west side rebuilt and reclad, albeit with old corrugated iron. New sliding doors built from zincalume were installed. The shed was used to store goods brought to the port by the State Ships. They were transported from the jetty along Second Avenue to the Goods Shed. Today (1999) the Goods Shed is vested in the Shire of Ashburton and operates as a Museum, Arts and Crafts shop and is the headquarters for the Onslow Tourist Bureau.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- Fair
Authenticity- High

Condition

Good

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.