Media Release - Brookton Railway Station

Published: Friday, 18 October 2019 at 2:21:23 PM

MEDIA RELEASE BROOKTON RAILWAY STATION

The Shire of Brookton seeks to offer factual information in relation to the Brookton Railway Station Building:

Shire asset register

A decision of the Shire Council yesterday to remove the Brookton Railway Station building from its asset register is at the request of the Office of the Auditor General auditors (the Shire’s auditors) This action to remove is premised on: An accounting procedure, in accordance with legislative compliance. The building not being owned by, nor having any commercial value to the Shire. The tenure for the building is a ‘Licence to Occupy’ granted by the Public Transport Authority as the owner. The decision to remove this building from the Asset Register in not related to the current concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building.

Structural assessment

The building, being 95 years old has undergone a cursory assessment of its structural integrity by a qualified engineer, with recommendation that public access be removed due to safety concerns. The Shire has acted on this recommendation by fencing off the building in honouring its ‘duty of care’ to the Community. The Shire has commissioned a more detailed engineering assessment of the structure, to more accurately determine its condition. Inspection of the building is scheduled to occur on Saturday 19th October 2019 and a report presented to Council by the end of November 2019.

Process moving forward

The Council is to:

Obtain the relevant structural information and recommendations on works to be performed on the building from a qualified engineer. Determine the approach to be taken, following consultation with the wider Community and the Public Transport Authority. Obtain quotes for works to be performed through a competitive process. Allocate the required funding in the Shire budget; and Proceed contractually in the engagement of a suitably qualified builder to perform the works.                                                                                                                                                                               

Comments attributed to the Shire President, Cr Katrina Crute:

“I believe recent comment on social media is somewhat misinformed and I appeal to all members of the community to be patient and understanding of the circumstances and process the Council needs to follow.”

“Once the Engineer’s Report has been received I have no doubt the Council will be pro-active in wanting to consult with the community on what should be the best way forward in addressing this issue”

Further information on this matter may be obtained by contacting the Shire Office on (08) 9642 1106.

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