OLD FEDERAL MILL
BIG CREEK ROAD MCMAHONS CREEK, YARRA RANGES SHIRE
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Old Federal Mill contains the remnants of a technologically innovative sawmill, including concrete machinery foundations, three sawdust heaps, steam winch components, a skyline carriage and modified tram wheels. The mill was operated by the Federal Timber Company from 1922-1934, and cut large volumes of scantling and barrel staves. Timber was despatched to Warburton along the Starvation Creek outlet tramway, remains of which include earthworks, and two large pig-sty bridges. Extensive artefact scatters associated with the mill settlement are distributed along the outlet tramway north of the mill, including glass, ceramics, bricks and metal.
How is it significant?
The Old Federal Mill is of archaeological and historical significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
The Old Federal Mill is historically significant for its associations with Jack Corbett, a French Canadian who introduced North American methods of logging at this mill, including skylines, high lead winching, and multi-drum Washington winches. These techniques enabled very rough ground and steep gullies to be successfully logged, and were quickly adopted by other mills in Victoria. Logging tramways at the mill were also significant for being built to the unusual gauge of four feet, permitting greater stability for the transport of larger loads.
The Old Federal Mill is archaeologically significant for the comparative intactness of its remains which demonstrate the innovative technology originally employed at this mill. The site is also significant for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence relating to the cultural history of sawmilling settlements.
[Source: Victorian Heritage Register]
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OLD FEDERAL MILL
Victorian Heritage Register H1822 -
OLD FEDERAL MILL
Victorian Heritage Inventory
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