Local Government
Busselton
Region
South West
70 Millbrook Rd Yallingup
Busselton
South West
Constructed from 1922
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
Heritage List | YES | 13 Aug 2014 |
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
(no listings) |
Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Category | ||||
Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 18 Apr 1989 | ||
Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 20 Jun 1996 | Category 1 |
The timber mill and water wheel has cultural heritage significance as fine examples of the building style from the period. The design of the different components placed the whole precinct on the forefront of good integrative design. It is also historically significant to showcase different aspects of farm life and the timber industry around the turn of the century. The sawmill also becomes a teaching site about archaic timber milling techniques with the use of gravity fed water as a source of power.
The Millbrook Water Mill comprises a water powered local timber mill. The timber water wheel, designed and built by Robert Jack Donald is one of the few still connected to a drive shaft with pulleys still remaining. It demonstrated the clever use of gravity fed water as a source of power. This further exemplified the innovative ways of the Donald’s as early settlers to the forested area that sought site-specific alternatives to traditional farming techniques. The Millbrook Water Mill comprises a water powered local timber mill. The two-storey mill is attached to the water wheel that has since been restored to its original condition. The barn is sited to the north of the water wheel made from timber frame and clad with weatherboards. The building was topped with a hip roof and clad with timber shingles. Below the upper level on the eastern side sits the mill machinery.
It was built in 1922 from sawn timbers with wooden buckets and large timber beams supporting the wheel.
The site contains potential archaeological findings that provide an understanding of the life of the Donald’s family. This will provide invaluable insight as to how early settlers adapted to their environment.
Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: Although the water wheel has had some of its timber components replaced, it is considered to have retained a moderate to high degree of authenticity as these replacements are considered to fall into the category of ongoing maintenance. High Degree/Moderate-High Degree
The water wheel is in poor condition. Some upgrading works were done in 1998 but the works were assessed to be faithful to its original appearance.
Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
---|---|---|---|
Heritage Council; "Register Documentation" | 1999 |
Individual Building or Group
Epoch | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Original Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Homestead |
Original Use | FORESTRY | Timber Mill |
Original Use | INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING | Dairy, Butter or Cheese Factory |
Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
Present Use | EDUCATIONAL | Museum |
Original Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Shed or Barn |
Style |
---|
Vernacular |
Type | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Wall | TIMBER | Other Timber |
General | Specific |
---|---|
OCCUPATIONS | Timber industry |
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | Tourism |
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.