TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE

TWIST CREEK ROAD YACKANDANDAH, INDIGO SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE - History

    The timber Mill is located on what was known as Whiskey Flat, a gold mining area on Yackandandah Creek. While most of the modifications on Whiskey Flat relate to the mining phases such as the 1959 construction of a tail race R.O. Edwards to deepen the water course a timber mill was established at least by 1856 which is indicated on the Yackandandah township map. Information signage at the creek state that several rock walls at the creek were probably constructed for the mill including a rock wall that was used to dam the creek to power the mill. The mill produced timber for building in Yackandandah township and for mining related activities.

    The site has long since been abandoned and the area has been somewhat modified when the creek was diverted in 1880-1.

    Interpretation of Site

    TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE - Interpretation of Site

    The site is difficult to interpret from the physical remains alone. Part of the site extent may be located within private property that was inaccessible. It cannot be confirmed whether the rock walls definitely relate to the timber mill phase of operation but the remains are in good condition. The mill was in existence at least in 1856 but the cessation is not confirmed. The creek gorge was expanded through use of explosives in 1880-1 and it is likely that this affected the viability of the timber mill, as would the availability of good timber sources.

    Archaeological Significance

    TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE - Archaeological Significance

    There is little known historically about the operation of this mill and the scale of operation and therefore the archaeology may be the only means for identifying the extent of activity at this location. This site may provide information on technological aspects of the operations including the impact of technological advances in the mining industry and their adoption into other industrial activity such as the timber mill.

    Historical Significance

    TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE - Historical Significance

    The site does not relate to a specific event n the history of Yackandandah, but may contribute more broadly to understanding the range of early industry in remote nineteenth century townships. It is important as a contributing element to the growth of Yackandandah and to the substantial mining investment in the area.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    TWISTS CREEK TIMBER MILL SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    Forested land on high ground adjacent to Yackandandah Creek, above the Gorge at Whisky Flat. Most of this land has been previously mined and denuded of vegetation, but is significant as the location of an early timber mill (as shown on the 1856 map of Yackandandah). Archaeological remains of the timber mill were not located during the walk though of the reserve and it is possible that the site is situated behind fenced land, further east of the creek. This land was not inspected. Visible remains include a retaining wall and a dam wall.
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