The convict-built Lucas Watermill archaeological site at Woronora is being considered for state heritage listing.
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Sutherland Shire Council is supporting the proposal by the Office of the Environment and Heritage.
The Lucas Watermills comprises two sites, the remains of the Brisbane Mill, constructed in 1822 and located on Williams Creek in Holsworthy, and the Woronora Mill, constructed in 1825, located on the riverbed of the Woronora River, just downstream of The Needles.
The Woronora site is under control of the council.
A Sutherland Shire Council report says the Lucas’ Mills are of heritage significance as two of the earliest and substantial watermills sites in NSW.
“They were constructed by convict labour and demonstrate the difficulties of food production and processing, converting grain into flour in the early colony,” according to the report.
“The two sites are a statement of early colonial entrepreneurial pursuits and the industrial development of the colony.”
The Office of the Environment and Heritage is seeking Council’s feedback on the proposed heritage listing.
The Heritage Council will review and recommend its listing this month. The proposed listing includes associated infrastructure including dams, flour processing machinery and accommodation.
The Woronora Mill is located on the Woronora River in a steep valley and rocky,open woodland in Barden Ridge and can be accessed by foot on a fire trail upstream at the Pass of Sabugal.
Fires and floods have removed most of the mill but remains include cuts in the bedrock made with rock picks, holes drilled into the rock, remnant cement that outlines the dam and foundations of a rough stone structure.
Submissions on the proposed heritage listing close on November 14.
