Remedial action is being sought by the regulatory authorities at the former Mount Burr Mill according to 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.

“We recognise there is some visible building deterioration at the site and look forward to seeing improvements start soon.”

Frequent complaints have been lodged with Wattle Range Council over the years about vandalism at the mill and its unkempt appearance.

Its current state was strongly criticised at the February council meeting.

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 Mt 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 and the parking of trucks.

They also operate an accommodation facility, post office and recycling business at the site.