Thursday 19 July 2007

CALLINGTON MILL PROJECT TO PROVIDE TOURISM BOOST FOR SOUTHERN MIDLANDS
Premier Paul Lennon today visited the Southern Midlands to inspect the site of a major historic renovation project that will open up new tourism opportunities for the region.

Mr Lennon said the State Government was proud to have been able to provide $1.2 million towards a refurbishment program for Callington Mill at Oatlands that will see it fully restored as a working mill.

The funding is provided on the basis that the Federal Government is to match the amount, with $100,000 from the Southern Midlands Council.

“Callington Mill is an important part of our State’s and the nation’s heritage and once back to full working order, it will be a vital drawcard for the region,” Mr Lennon said.

“Built in 1837, Callington Mill is the third-oldest windmill in Australia and one of only four in Australia to have survived a bygone industrial era.

“This is an important heritage and tourism project for Tasmania and will provide a new visitor focus for Oatlands and the Southern Midlands.”

Mr Lennon said the project’s business plan indicated there would be almost 50,000 visitors to the site in the first year of operation, steadily increasing to more than 55,000 visitors in year five.

“This influx of visitors will provide a huge boost for businesses in Oatlands and throughout the Southern Midlands,” he said.

“Our funding commitment to the mill fulfils a key component of the Local Government Partnership Agreement we signed with the Southern Midlands council in March.

“For over 60 years, this mill was the dominant feature of Oatlands, with the apex of its four blades reaching 25 metres above the ground.

“Around 1900, the mill was stopped and the boiler remained unstoked as better methods of milling were introduced.

“It remained empty and unused for most of the 20th century until restoration work commenced in the 1970s.”

Mr Lennon said the State Government’s $1.2 million contribution followed a master plan jointly funded by the council, the State Government and the Federal Department of Tourism and Regional Services.

“The mill and precinct will operate first and foremost as a tourism facility and also as a working flour mill,” the Premier said.

“Main sources of income will be visitor admittance fees, onsite café and retail operations.

“The volunteer strength of the Friends of the Callington Mill community group will provide vital support to this project and I congratulate its members on their hard work to date.

“Local volunteers will take guided tours and give their time to the attraction, ensuring it is open seven days a week and that it has a community-owned feel.

“I’m sure that with this community spirit, it will be an absolute success and a pleasure to visit, offering a unique tourist experience.”

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au