As you are travelling south on the Kwinana Freeway and approaching the Narrows Bridge, you may notice an Engineering Heritage interpretation panel located on the Perth/upstream side of the bridge. This panel recognises the technical and creative engineering significance of the Mitchell Freeway Stage 1.

The Mitchell Freeway is just one of 26 sites in Western Australia that have been recognised for their engineering heritage significance.  Other prominent sites in WA include the Goldfields Water Supply, NASA Space Tracking Station, Pilbara Heavy Haul Railways and NW Shelf Gas Project.  Engineering heritage panels and plaques can be found at more than 220 bridges, dams, railways, other infrastructure and industrial sites throughout Australia.

In 2019 Engineers Australia will celebrate the 100^th anniversary of our national organisation. 

This presents a marvellous opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of engineers and their important contributions to Australia’s development, whilst raising awareness of the profession amongst the broader community. This is part of the mission of Engineering Heritage Australia, a National Committee of Engineers Australia, represented in WA by the Engineering Heritage Western Australia (EHWA) Committee.

In looking to ensure that WA’s most significant achievements are recognised, EHWA recently hosted a ‘Have Your Say’ forum for interested engineers to provide input into future heritage recognition nominations. With nearly 30 participants representing a wide variety of disciplines, around 50 suggestions were captured including minerals processing techniques, gas infrastructure, workshops and buildings.

Following a preliminary assessment for engineering significance, EHWA will coordinate efforts to capture, document and share these important engineering histories and achievements through the Western Australian engineering heritage recognition program. Of course, more can be done with more help!  If you are interested in helping to research, document and nominate a site for recognition, or would like to get involved with our 100^th anniversary celebrations, the committee would appreciate hearing from you. Contact can be made through [email protected].