Osmington Mill (Former)

Statement of Significance

Osmington Mill (Former) is of significance: • As physical evidence of the continued development and operation of the timber industry in Augusta Margaret River in the early twentieth century. • As evidence of former timber milling practices. • As a local landmark and an aesthetically pleasing industrial structure in a rural landscape. • For the many people who worked and lived at the mill (and their descendants) and for those members of the local farming community who were able to supplement their incomes at the mill as a means of surviving through the depression era.

Physical Description

The primary physical evidence of this site is a stone sawdust kiln, but site observations and Google Earth images also indicate areas of ground disturbance in the immediate vicinity that could relate to former structures and site works.The kiln is a large, truncated conical structure (approx. 4-6m high) constructed of local field-stone laid in courses in concrete mortar. The wide mortar joints have been roughly ruled to represent squared, coursed stonework.The main opening into the kiln is on the eastern side. This retains a cill near ground level, but the original form and size of the opening has been obscured by removal of stone to create a rough, larger opening. Views through this opening show that the kiln was lined internally with brick or blockwork. On the western side a section of a large metal flue remains attached to the kiln.There is evidence of cracking through the stone walls and some deterioration to the cap of the kiln, but it appears to be in a fair condition as an abandoned industrial structure.

History

Agricultural Development Linked to the Group Settlement and WWII Soldier Settlement Schemes (c.1922-1960) • Group Settlement Scheme Timber Industry (c.1840-Present) • Revival of the Timber Industry after World One (1921-present) Osmington was settled as part of the Group Settlement Scheme by Group 85 in 1922. The Osmington Mill is believed to have been built in the 1920s or early 1930s. It was one of the largest in the area, with approximately twenty family houses and fifteen single men’s quarters. Many farmers were employed at the mill during the Depression years. The mill was burnt down in 1962. All that remains is a sawdust kiln. Note: Sawdust was traditionally used to fuel kiln boilers to provide steam to drive timber mill machinery

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium: The use has been altered, but the original use is still clearly evident through interpretation of the fabric. Low: The place has been considerably altered, with the loss of significant fabric. The original intent/character is no longer clearly evident

Condition

Fair *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Creation Date

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