The private owners of the near-century old former Mount Burr Mill are working to make the site safe.
The unkempt nature of the Thomas Drive property had been raised from the floor at the recent community forum staged by Wattle Range Council at Mount Burr.
Although he declined to comment on a timeline or any possible enforcement actions by his council on confidentiality grounds, chief executive Ben Gower said good progress was being made on safety issues at the site.
“Council has actually had talks with the owners earlier today,” Mr Gower said.
The state of the former mill had been reported to a council almost two years ago by Wattle Range Council development services director Emma Clay.
“Council is currently working with the owners of the (former) Mount Burr Mill to improve the safety and amenity at this site,” Ms Clay said at the time.
“We recognise there is some visible building deterioration at the site and look forward to seeing improvements commence soon.”
The mill has not operated since 2000 when it was closed by its New Zealand based owners Carter Holt Harvey (CHH).
The Mount Burr Mill was built by the State Government in 1931 and remained in public ownership for the next 65 years.
At its height in the post-war years, the Mount Burr Mill had a workforce of 240 and was operated by the Woods and Forests Department (now Forestry SA).
Along with the mills at Mount Gambier and Nangwarry, it was sold by the State Government to CHH in 1996 for $130m.
After its closure four years later, CHH removed or sold some of the usable contents of the Mount Burr Mill.
Some historic items were donated to the Millicent National Trust Museum including the time clock and a 1950s-era plaque stating the Mount Burr Power Station was opened by then Premier Sir Thomas Playford.
CHH sold the premises to a local family several years ago.
The buildings and yards of the Mount Burr Mill have since been used by them for storage purposes the parking of trucks and a part-time staffed post office.
They had also previously operated an accommodation facility and recycling business at the site.
