Ballaarat renovation on track

Interest in the revitalisation project underway on Busselton’s iconic Ballaarat engine has reached far beyond the region’s borders as it tracks towards completion in 2014.

The historic engine, a one-off build modelled on an English version but with unique features and the first steam locomotive used in WA, has been stationed at South West Machine Centre for maintenance since removed from Victoria Square in mid August.

About five volunteers from the Busselton Historical Society have dedicated more than 140 labour hours to the intricate works, which has included welded doors being unsealed and removed, rust eradication and treatment on various parts and the boiler detached from the main chassis.

Materials for the tasks have been donated from businesses and the steps are being documented through photographs.

Heritage consultant from Perth Philippa Kelly, who this week assessed progress, praised the achievements so far in what was expected to be a long process and said the next stage would be about managing the small things and problems which could now be identified.

“The biggest issue is trying to get that balance between taking off the rust and replacing (parts) – the balance between giving it strength and keeping its integrity,” she said. “If they get it done in less than two years they’ll have done amazingly.”

Ms Kelly said it wasn’t just nationally significant, with letters received from overseas in response to an article she wrote for Light Railway News, and the local preservation effort was “even more essential” for a moveable object which had no protection under the State Heritage Act.

Volunteers were now calling for a cover to erect above the engine for protection from weather exposure and make work easier during summer.

“I think when we’ve finished the people of Busselton will be proud of it,” Alan Horridge said.