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TIMBER KILN AND SAWMILL SITE (FORMER)

Location File Number 412 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23254 Timber Kiln and Boiler [2/2] 23254 Timber Kiln and Boiler

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The timber kiln located in the railway reserve near Station Street, Balmoral is a mass concrete structure approximately 3.0m by 10.0m in plan with a segmental arched roof. The boiler known as 'The Lieutenant' was originally owned by the Chaffey brothers of Mildura, and was hauled to Balmoral by 'Big Lizzie' a rail traction engine. The boiler is made from riveted sheet metal and is typical in its horizontal form. There are concrete footings, possibly for a tank stand, immediately in front of the kiln and at some distance there is a concrete trough. The plant was used to prepare precisely cut railway sleepers and blocks of red gum for use in Melbourne.

How is it significant?
The Balmoral timber kiln and sawmill are of historical significance to the township of Balmoral and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Balmoral timber kiln and sawmill are of historical significance as one of the few tangible sites remaining, for their association with a failed red gum drying experiment, for demonstrating aspects of a past and largely unsuccessful technology, and for connections with important local sawmillers and their workforce.