A historic estate built in North West New South Wales by the family of the famous Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar has been declared a heritage site after a three-year campaign.
Key points:
- Dorothea Mackellar was a frequent visitor to rural property
- There were concerns that an expanding coal mine could pose a danger
- The owner of the property says that his commitment to the conservation of the house has not changed
The Mackellar family built Kurrumbede near Gunnedah in the early 20th century.
Historians say the poet was a frequent visitor to the property and used the surrounding landscape as inspiration for much of her work.
But a local historical society was alarmed that the expansion of a nearby coal mine could pose a threat to the farm, due to the potential effects of coal dust and underground explosions.
Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society President Philippa Murray said the property would be “right on the lip” of the Whitehaven Coal Vickery mine once expanded.
“I’m sure we have an extra layer of protection now,” Murray said.
“It gives the owner of the property, Whitehaven, access to property grants for the restoration, so it’s a good thing and we hope they take advantage of it.”
A Whitehaven Coal spokesman said he had long pledged to preserve Kurrumbede, including a $ 500,000 investment to improve the gardens and open the estate to the public last year.
“Regardless of formal estate status, working to preserve this special property for future generations is a routine business for us,” the spokesman said.
The company’s general manager, Paul Flynn, had previously said that plans to expand the Vickery mine were “consistent with the preservation of the estate”.
“National” cultural importance.
The memorial company had been campaigning for the inclusion of property in the heritage register for about three years and had several meetings with NSW Environment Minister James Griffin.
Ms Murray said Whitehaven Coal was initially reluctant to support its inclusion.
Philippa Murray is delighted that the estate has been listed as heritage. (ABC New England North West: Patrick Bell)
“But thanks to them, they have come to the party and realized that there is a wave of public opinion for that,” he said.
He said Dorothea Mackellar’s profile meant the property was of national importance.
“She encapsulated the Australian countryside, I don’t think anyone else has done that since,” he said.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson supported the campaign and said it was a good addition to Dorothea Mackellar’s prominence.
“This is a very, very special thing for Gunnedah,” Anderson said.
“These old buildings that are part of our social fabric where we come from … must be preserved.”