❓ Question addresses the protection and maintenance of heritage-listed sites, Cossack and Jarman Island, focusing on building preservation, deterioration, and fire safety measures. The answer provides updates on caretaker engagement, conservation works, building inspections, and fire safety equipment.
AnsweredQoN 739Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the historic Cossack Town Site in the Shire of Karratha (that includes built heritage buildings designed by George Temple-Poole in the 1890’s) and Jarman Island, with its lighthouse and 2 lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Both Cossack (State Registered Place No. 3239) and Jarman Island (State Registered Place No. 2337) are on the State Heritage registers. Noting there have been 10-15 major reports commissioned into Cossack and its history and tourist potential, I ask: (a) what are the Western Australian Government’s immediate plans for the protection of the
Cossack’s unique built heritage; (b) why have the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottages on Jarman Island
been left to deteriorate despite its inclusion on State Heritage List; (c) what firefighting equipment is located at Cossack; and (d) does the Minister consider this (c) sufficient, given the long distances
firefighting units would take time to arrive on the scene if there was a fire?
Cossack’s unique built heritage; (b) why have the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottages on Jarman Island
been left to deteriorate despite its inclusion on State Heritage List; (c) what firefighting equipment is located at Cossack; and (d) does the Minister consider this (c) sufficient, given the long distances
firefighting units would take time to arrive on the scene if there was a fire?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning and Lands
Response time
7 days
(a) – (b)
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has engaged a caretaker to maintain the Cossack historic buildings and town surrounds, and it continues to engage with key stakeholders regarding future activation and management opportunities.
A program of conservation works to Jarman Island lighthouse was completed in 2001 and the Department commissioned a building condition inspection of the lighthouse and quarters in 2024.
(b) – (d)
Fire extinguishers are located in the buildings at Cossack, and the site caretaker also has access to a fire extinguisher.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has engaged a caretaker to maintain the Cossack historic buildings and town surrounds, and it continues to engage with key stakeholders regarding future activation and management opportunities.
A program of conservation works to Jarman Island lighthouse was completed in 2001 and the Department commissioned a building condition inspection of the lighthouse and quarters in 2024.
(b) – (d)
Fire extinguishers are located in the buildings at Cossack, and the site caretaker also has access to a fire extinguisher.
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