Gladstone Gaol remains closed despite federal government funding

A rural community is concerned that the continued closure of one of its biggest historical draw cards will exacerbate the building’s condition and hurt their economy.

Residents in the state’s Mid North are concerned they will lose $450,000 of federal government funding designated for one of the town’s biggest drawcards.

The heritage-listed Gladstone Gaol is earmarked for the Federal Government’s ‘Silver to Seaway’ project, a heritage regeneration program designed to encourage tourists to explore the route between Broken Hill and Port Pirie.

The funding is slated to go towards repairing the iconic tourist attraction, which has been closed for the past nine months, so it can reopen to the public.

With works initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2022, the state government’s Department of Environment and Water (DEW) has blocked access to the site due to the gaol’s poor condition.

The planned Gladstone Gaol repairs are sponsored by the Commonwealth Government’s Building Better Regions fund. Picture: Isaac Selby

Gladstone Community Development and Tourism Association spokesperson Steve Schultz said he was concerned time was running out to ensure the future viability of the Gladstone Gaol.

“We’ve been trying to get answers from the department and trying to advocate for the project to progress,” Mr Schultz said.

“The gaol has been shut since June last year so we’ve started to rattle the cage to find out what’s going on.

“The gaol is in a really bad state of disrepair, all we ask for is transparency and accountability.

“It’s not just important for the 623 people that live here, it’s an important state issue.”

The Gladstone jail has historically been a tourist draw for the town. Picture: Isaac Selby

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he would be furious if the repairs aren’t completed and had contacted the premier’s office about the issue.

“I think it’s very concerning that the building has been allowed to fall into this disrepair full stop,” Mr Ramsey said.

“My understanding is that no work has been done by the department and there is a lifeline here to bring this magnificent building back to life.

“Gladstone’s got enough challenges, this is urgent now and needs a response.”

A DEW spokesperson said they had established a schedule for the repairs to ensure the project was completed.

Locals see the potential for cafe and retail attachments to the historic gaol site. Picture: Isaac Selby

“DEW has acknowledged that the condition of the site may present challenges in handing over the Gladstone Gaol,” they said.

“We are working on a plan to address these issues and ensure that the site is safe and secure before handing it over.

“The funding allocated for the Gladstone Gaol repairs project will not be returned if the project is not completed by the end of the financial year.

“The department is committed to using the allocated funding until the repairs are finished.”

Slated repair works for the Gladstone Gaol will be conducted by the National Trust of SA once the building is handed over by the department.