Boranup Mill

Statement of Significance

Boranup Mill (site) is of significance:
• For its association with the establishment of a major timber industry in the Karridale district by M.C. Davies in the late nineteenth century.
• For its historical association with a larger group including the other M.C. Davies timber mills in the Karridale district and with the railway system that was established to service this industry.
• For its association with Millars Karri and Jarrah Company (later Millars Timber and Trading Co.) which was formed from an amalgamation of a number of major Western Australian sawmilling companies in 1902.
• As a major centre of local employment from 1886 to 1910.
• As an important former mill site, which has not been subject to redevelopment and which may retain significant archaeological evidence relating to the operation of the local timber industry in the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, and to the lives of the people who worked and lived in the mill settlement.

Physical Description

The site of the old Boranup Mill is now overgrown with mature native trees, with an open forest floor covered by heavy leaf litter. There are numerous mounds and depressions in the general area, but the leaf litter has concealed evidence of the nature of these formations or of any associated built elements.As part of the visual survey undertaken in February 2012, the concrete foundation identified in the 1997 archaeological survey was not located, but a collapsed corrugated iron structure (possibly a rainwater tank) and a pile of collapsed brickwork were identified. There are also linear depressions, which may relate to former snig tracks.Note: further archeological evidence may be identified if the site can be surveyed after a future controlled burn or other fire event has reduced the leaf litter.

History

Boranup Mill was the site of the third timber mill erected and operated by M C Davies in the district (opened after Coodardup and Karridale).In the early 1880s the Karridale Mill had been connected by a railway system linking the Mill to harbours at Flinders Bay and Hamelin Bay. In 1884 this line was extended north to Boranup, 5km north of Karridale. Construction of the new Boranup Mill began in March 1885.
Just prior to its opening the new mill was described as follows:
Three miles from Karridale we pass Boranup a new Timber Station Mr. Davies has erected, and one of the best built stations in the Colony, having the appearance of strength and airiness. Several people reside here and are employed in felling trees and preparing the way for the Mill's speedy operations.The Boranup Mill was a major part of the Davies’ timber industry and included a private mill settlement containing houses, shops and other community amenities for the timber workers. The range of facilities provided is at least partly illustrated by the following brief reference from 1890:
The Boranupians are getting a huge ballroom erected at the Boranup Mills, and expect to have it completed this week.The original mill burnt down in 1891 but a new and more powerful mill had been completed by August of that year. Boranup was set amongst the most impressive karri trees and the tall chimney of Boranup Mill with its brick base was a notable landmark.In 1902, M.C. Davies Karri and Jarrah Company Ltd along with Imperial Jarrah Wood Corporation and six other timber companies in operation in Western Australia amalgamated. Karridale became part of the combined company, Millars' Karri and Jarrah Co. (1902) Ltd and this company continued to operate the Boranup Mill until market changes and reduced viability of the local timber practices led to its closure in 1910.In 1961, the Karridale fire destroyed almost all of what remained at the site of the old mill.In the 1996 Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Municipal Heritage Inventory the location of this site was given as near the old Arumvale siding. However, that site is less than 2km north of the site of the old Karridale Mill, while documentary evidence indicates that the distance between the mills was approximately 5km (which still places the Boranup Mill within the general Group Settlement locality of ‘Arumvale’).Based on further research, a 1997 survey by Dr Shane Burke, archaeologist, identified concrete machinery footings holding large iron bolts at the site described in this place record. Other archaeological evidence of the mill and associated settlement is likely to have survived.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low: The use has been altered and the original use cannot be readily discerned.
Low: The place has been considerably altered, with the loss of significant fabric. The original intent/character is no longer clearly evident.

Condition

N/A

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.