Donnelly River Mill permanently placed on heritage register

16/3/96

The historical importance of a unique South-West timber mill and its community has been recognised.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis announced this week that the Donnelly River Mill, near Manjimup, had been permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

The mill, which closed in 1978, received an interim listing from the Heritage Council of Western Australia in September last year.

Mr Lewis said the mill's closure represented the end of an era in the history of the timber industry in Western Australia.

"As the mill is largely intact, it provides us with a rare example of industrial technology which prevailed during the early days of this important industry," he said.

"Powered by steam, much of the equipment was outdated when the mill closed and little has been removed from the site.

"The place exhibits technology prevalent in the timber industry for more than 100 years, featuring steam power and extensive use of local materials."

The mill was one of several established by Bunning Brothers in the late 1940s to work the karri forest timber in new permit areas held by the company.

Built on the picturesque Donnelly River, this ensured sufficient water for the boilers, which provided the mill's energy source and also an aesthetically pleasing location for the township.

The Minister said the town remained basically as it was during the mill's operation.

"Situated 27 kilometres from Manjimup, the area was isolated from the nearby town by rough roads," Mr Lewis said.

"There were 20 cottages for workers with families, quarters for single men, a general store, a butcher's shop, a social club and a school.

"Conditions at the mill were basic, with no showers or baths in the early years and shared wash houses."

Mr Lewis said the permanent listing on the State Register of Heritage Places ensured the site would be preserved for future generations as a reminder of our past.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377