Demolition of The Barracks and Retention of The Arch
The Government intended to demolish the Barracks, to facilitate the building of the Mitchell Freeway, after the departments moved to their new location. The Royal Western Australian Historical Society formed a Barracks Defence Council in 1961, and joined the public outcry against demolition in 1966. The Barracks Defence Council worked to keep the arch and five bays of windows either side, and at worst, keep only the gateway and towers. Meanwhile, demolition proceeded, with the third and fourth bays of windows demolished and rubble cleared.
Opinion polls were conducted to gauge the public's preferences. A March 1966 poll by radio station 6IX received 2,747 votes to retain the Arch and 59 votes for demolition. The West Australian newspaper's July poll recorded 9,681 votes for retention and 1345 against. Cabinet authorised a Gallup poll, which showed 49% of votes for retention, 35% against, 11% no opinion, and 5% for moving the Arch elsewhere. The Premier, Sir David Brand, interpreted the results as indecisive, and declared Parliament would decide on the Arch's fate on a non-party basis. The motion to demolish the Arch was defeated on 19 October 1966, by 26 votes to 18.
The Public Works Department retained the Arch and landscaped the surrounding area.
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