28/02/2026
Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who has signed the recent petition to keep the Cookernup Church. We haven’t presented the petition yet and are still working on another Heritage listing application and would appreciate any information folks may have to add to a new application.
After reaching out for assistance from a member of Parliament, some research was done by their assistant.
We recently received an update and it really doesn't sit well with the Community Association.
Information received is as follows....
STATUS OF COOKERNUP CHURCH: TRANSFER TO STATE OWNERSHIP
In October 2022, as part of investigations into the optimal future use of the site, DPLH approached the Shire of Harvey seeking the Shire’s feedback on three potential divestment options for the site.
At the time, DPLH was aware of interest in the site by the Cookernup Community Association (Association) and advised that the preference would be for the Shire to take on management of the site to then consider potential for a lease or licence to the Association.
At an Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23 January 2023, the Shire Council resolved to decline management of the site and instead provided support for DPLH to dispose of the site in freehold.
The site is listed on the Shire’s Local Heritage Survey (LHS) as P68 ‘Cookernup Holy Trinity Church’ and identified as Management Category 2: ‘Considerable’ significance.
Although the Shire does not have a published Heritage List, it has determined that Category 1 and 2 places under the LHS fulfill the criteria for entry in the Heritage List.
It may therefore be interpreted that the site has statutory protection under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme No. 2 (LPS2) in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (Regulations).
In accordance with the Regulations, development approval is required for any works to a place listed on a Local Planning Scheme Heritage List, including a change of use, construction, demolition, or alterations and additions.
In May 2003, the Heritage Council of Western Australia (HCWA) determined that while significant in the local context, the place did not warrant assessment for consideration for the State Register of Heritage Places.
HCWA has advised that it can only review its decision if a new nomination contains significant additional information regarding the cultural heritage significance of the place.
In 2025, an Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) Register was prepared, which confirmed the presence of ACM.
DPLH recently engaged a contractor to remove all ACM from the site, except for window putty to the heritage sash windows. Works include replacing some materials with a like‑for‑like equivalent in accordance with best heritage practice and consultation with the Shire.
In April 2024, the site was rezoned to ‘Rural Residential’ following gazettal of the Shire’s LPS2. The site offers strong potential as a standalone rural-residential lot suitable for a residential dwelling, with the former church building having strong potential for adaptive reuse as an outbuilding, ancillary dwelling, art studio, bed and breakfast accommodation or the like.
Following the Shire’s decision to decline management, and the site’s subsequent rezoning to ‘Rural Residential’, DPLH has determined the ‘highest and best use’ of the site is sale in freehold via a competitive process.
Once ACM removal works are complete, DPLH intends to engage a real estate agent in the coming months to market and sell the site. Prospective buyers will be made aware of the site’s local heritage significance and the requirements to obtain development approval from the Shire for any works.
