Inaction by a West Australian port authority may have accelerated the deterioration of one of the state’s oldest homes, according to an internal report obtained by the ABC.

The heritage-listed Leschenault Homestead, about 160 kilometres south of Perth, was one of the earliest residences constructed in the South West after colonisation.

It was sold to the Bunbury port authority, now known as Southern Ports, in 1968.

Significant and progressive degradation has been consistently observed and flagged by local residents and councillors in recent years.

Damaged panelling and windows inside the historic homestead captured in Mr Lyon's report.

Architect Kent Lyon’s report highlighted the ongoing deterioration at the homestead. (Supplied: Kent Lyon)

In May 2024, Southern Ports told a community committee the cottages had “been reviewed by Kent Lyon, who will provide a report on the stabilisation of the buildings”. 

In August 2024, the same committee was told “a local heritage architect is working on steps on how to stabilise the buildings”.

When the ABC asked Southern Ports for a copy of this report last year, a spokesperson said it would take some time to source.

After a Freedom of Information application by the ABC, a copy was released. 

‘Urgent’ work required

Completed in April 2023, the report recommends a range of measures, several requiring urgent attention and the remainder requiring attention within 12 months.

Urgent work included removal of plastic sheeting placed over the eastern wall of one cottage, which Mr Lyon said had “exacerbated the deterioration [of the weatherboards] with a humid ‘glasshouse’ effect”. 

Damaged panelling at the Leschenault Homestead.

A photo from Kent Lyon’s 2023 report shows damage to one of the cottage’s bases.  (Supplied: Kent Lyon)

Southern Ports said it had installed the black plastic “with good intent; to preserve and weather protect the interior of the building”.

Almost three years later, this plastic sheeting remains in place.

The port authority said the conservation works should occur as a package, and the removal of the plastic sheeting was contingent on cladding being installed.

A dilapidated weatherboard cottage with broken window surrounded by fencing

One of the Leschenault Homestead cottages on January 3, 2026. (ABC South West WA: Jacqueline Lynch)

Other issues highlighted included dampness in brick fireplace and chimney walls, and the need to disperse rainwater away from buildings, with “considerable conservation and reconstruction work” required. 

“The cottages have deteriorated extensively over the past two decades and remain unoccupied,” the architect noted.

“Urgent work is required to fully weather seal the cottages … doing as little as possible is not feasible.”

Mr Lyon noted several times in the report that previous reviews as far back as 2008 had produced similar recommendations.

Southern Ports stands by restoration timeline

Southern Ports told the ABC “temporary stabilisation works” on the cottages had been undertaken. 

But the more substantial work recommended in the report had “not been achievable in the 18-month time frame recommended”. 

Black and white photo of people standing out the front of a house by a river

Former occupants, the Johnstons, pose for a portrait at the Leschenault Homestead in 1902. (ABC South West WA: Ezra Kaye)

“These works are extensive and take time to plan, scope and complete in a considered manner that also reflects broader port planning and heritage requirements,” a spokesperson said. 

“Southern Ports is committed to undertaking the next phase of these works, which is scheduled to commence later this year.”

The port authority said it had inherited the homestead “in a state of disrepair” and had restored the main building, now being used as an office.

Strict heritage requirements

As the owner of a heritage-listed site, Southern Ports is required to comply with obligations under the Heritage Act.

The Heritage Council can issue a repair notice compelling it to undertake certain works and, if they are not completed by the specified date, advise the relevant minister to make a repair order.

A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) spokesperson said Southern Ports had flagged its intention to pursue the required work this year.

A framed painting of a white weatherboard house and green tree.

A painting of one of the original cottages of the Leschenault Homestead, which is now falling into disrepair.  (ABC South West WA: Ezra Kaye)

“The department attended Leschenault Homestead in late 2025 to assess its general condition and record photographs for reference, and will continue to monitor the condition of Leschenault Homestead,” they said.

Warning on ‘cheap’ promises

Bunbury historian Brendan Kelly said promises felt “cheap” given how much time had passed.

“People are trusting that everything is being done and being done correctly,” he said.

“Then you have a look and say, ‘whoops, hang on a tick, nothing’s being done’. You get new managers, you get new people on board, and sometimes the priorities slip down the list.”

Mr Kelly, also a former Bunbury city councillor, called for more transparency around conservation efforts.

“What needs to be provided quite openly is how much progress the port authority has made over the last two years,” he said. 

“Preservation of heritage buildings and history is an ongoing process that passes on from generation to generation. 

“At the moment, it’s on the port authority’s watch. They are responsible for ensuring that the Leschenault Homestead is looked after, and they must step up and do that.”