Published on Thursday, 5 September 2019 at 3:58:19 PM

BROOKTON RAILWAY STATION

From the Shire President – Cr Katrina Crute

Residents and Visitors to the Brookton Railway station will have noticed the wire fencing surrounding several sections of the station building on the platform over the past few months.

This is due to concern regarding the structural integrity of the building, resulting in a number of experts inspecting the structure and surrounds that has included a structural engineering assessment and report received in the past few days.

Disappointingly, the news is not good with the Consulting Engineer’s report confirming what has been suspected that “the entire building should be closed and cordoned off denying public access” effective immediately.                                                                                                                      

It appears that over the years the prevalence of termites, poor water drainage, and poor foundation and footings at the base of the verandah posts has contributed to structural deterioration and subsidence to an extent that the building now presents a significant risk to public safety.  This has generated the need for the barrier fencing to be extended around the whole of the Railway Station building structure in the coming days.

This means the future of the Railway Station building will need to be discussed sooner rather than later, however, the immediate priority is for the current groups (The Op Shop and the Arts & Crafts shop) located in the Railway Station building to be relocated as soon as possible. A discussion has taken place with these groups. The Parenting Room will also be closed immediately.

As the community will appreciate, the safety of the public is paramount and the closure of the Railway Station building is regrettable, but necessary.

The closure of the Railways Station building is expected to last more than 12 months, while its future is determined and the extent of the costs for either renovation or rebuilding are discussed by Council and with the community.  Unfortunately this means the Railway Station it will look like a construction site for many months to come.

I therefore respectfully request the community be patient as we work through the issues of the Railway Station building.

I am committed to keeping the community informed about this matter as I’m aware this building holds many memories for so many people and is one of Brookton’s iconic landmarks.

Cr Katrina Crute

5 September 2019

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