Mount Wood Station

Item details


Name of item:	Mount Wood Station
Other name/s:	Mt Wood; Whittabrinnah and Mount Wood Pastoral Company
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Pastoralism
Location:	Lat: -29.4732039573 Long: 142.2256707100
Primary address:	173 Gorge Loop Road (Sturt National Park), Tibooburra, NSW 2880
Local govt. area:	Unincorporated
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Tibooburra

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	4622		68084
LOT	239	DP	760943
LOT	489	DP	761373
LOT	1093	DP	762387
LOT	4352	DP	767188
LOT	5260	DP	767188
LOT	6508	DP	767189

Boundary:

The State Heritage Register curtilage is derived from the Conservation Management Plan Mount Wood Complex pages 43 and 44, Vol 1 April 1997, Peter Freeman, Michael Pearson and Rosemary Annable.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
173 Gorge Loop Road (Sturt National Park)	Tibooburra	Unincorporated			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
National Parks and Wildlife Service	State Government	26 Nov 98

Statement of significance:


	Mount Wood Homestead complex, shearers quarters, woolshed, woolscours and outstations are significant in that they demonstrate a continuity of pastoral activity in the arid north-west of NSW over a one hundred year period. The individual elements vary in age, but even the most recent are located upon traditional sites of pastoral operations, and an unusually complete representative sample of the elements typical of pastoral stations survives, as archaeological sites, ruins, standing structures or landscape features. The extant evidence clearly illustrates the themes of housing, isolation, land tenure/settlement, pastoralism and technology. Some elements of the place are significant in their own right. The woolscour has been well researched, and is still the only 19th century station-based scour demonstrated to have survived largely intact. While comparative research is still patchy, the Mount Wood woolscour appears to be a rare survival of a once common pastoral technology, critical to the settlement of the pastoral frontier. The shearers quarters and homestead retain elements from each stage of their history in archaeological or standing form. They are both important documents of the long history of station operations, and a potential research resource in terms of their archaeological values. Individual elements have aesthetic (architectural) and scientific (archaeological and technological) values. The survival of the range of elements present at Mount Wood is believed to be already uncommon in western NSW, and may become increasingly rare as time passes (Freeman, 1997: Vol 1, p51)
	Date significance updated: 11 Jan 02
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1890-1969
Physical description:	Station: Mount Wood Homestead complex is today within Sturt National Park. Sturt National Park is representative of the shrub rangeland in western New South Wales, it provides one of the best examples of this land type in conjunction with wattle (Acacia spp.) dominated Fluviatile and Aeolian land types. The area, due to its size, is an important wildlife refuge, and has a significant species diversity including 246 native species, as well as a high diversity of landforms including Aeolian dune systems, Mitchell Grass Plains, the Jump Ups and Gibber Desert. The National Park lies in the south-west of a vast bowl shaped depression which covers eastern central Australia, and is mainly covered by low undulating plains of Gibber Desert in the east or sand dunes in the west except for where it contains the south-western end of the Grey Range. Here the Jump Ups, a range of low flat topped hills (mesa) run through the centre of the park and along its eastern boundary. Just inside the park boundary at Tibooburra is a granite outcrop which has formations of hilltop tors. The southern extremity of the Grey Range in the north of the park has associated mesa formations and eroded gullies, the remainder of the park has the occasional stony hill and many drainage basins. The park has three major vegetation associations, these include a mulga association; saltbush association; and bluebush association (AHC, ). Mount Wood Station: The Mount Wood Homestead complex comprises: 1. Landscape Features, including fields Fields Mt. Wood Camping Ground (NE of homestead complex) Visitor Car Park (north of homestead complex and east of vehicle shed). Self-guided walk - runs in a ring around homestead and stables complexes Thomson's Creek Runs (when it is running) south of the homestead complex. Suspension bridge over the creek east of the complex and east of the Woolshed. Garden Line of eucalypts c.1960 behind the kitchen and laundry/store. Two trees to the right hand side (in plan) of the 1897 homestead. Two paths linking the two homesteads (1897; 1935) Drift of three eucalypts in front of the 1935 homestead; Pepper tree (Schinus molle) near the stone hut (c1890) and poultry runs. Regrowth vegetation to the left (in plan) of the radio aerial and poultry runs. Horse Yards (1960s)(Brueggemann, 2016, 3. 7). 2. Homestead The homestead is in fact two homesteads connected via a covered link: a) 1897 homestead Stone, square, verandah all around. b) second homestead (Inter-war, c.1935) The homestead retains elements from each stage of its history in archaeological or standing form. It is important documents of the long history of station operations, and a potential research resource in terms of its archaeological values (Freeman, 1997). 3. Shearers Quarters (1955) Located south-east of the homestead complex and north of Thomson's Creek, complex of three structures: a) Shearer's Quarters (1955); b) Kitchen c) The shearers quarters retains elements from each stage of its history in archaeological or standing form. It is important documents of the long history of station operations, and a potential research resource in terms of its archaeological values (Freeman, 1997). 4. Woolshed Located south-east of the homestead complex across (south of) Thomson's Creek near the suspension bridge 5. Woolscours The woolscour has been well researched, and is still the only 19th century station-based scour demonstrated to have survived largely intact. While comparative research is still patchy, the Mount Wood woolscour appears to be a rare survival of a once common pastoral technology, critical to the settlement of the pastoral frontier. 5. Vehicle Shed c1960s shed on a concrete slab and pier foundation, supported by 100mm round painted steel pipe posts with dooden rafters and battens, clad in painted corrugated iron. Roughly 20.7m long, 9.7m deep and 2.5m high. Wooden roof support structure (battens and beams) (Brueggemann, 2016, 4). 6. Outstations 7. Archaeological Sites 8. Ruins Include shed base (beside Vehicle Shed); former approach track (towards garden and homestead); tanik base (near generator shed) 9. Standing Structures Include (in a cluster around the stables: Gallows (1960s); dog kennels (c.1960); horse yards (1960s); cow bail; stables (1960s); generator shed (1955); fuel shed (1955); metal racks; g.i.tank; blacksmith's shop and workshop (c.1920); pump (1930s); and vehicle shed (see 5 above). And include (in a cluster around the homestead): Laundry and store (1958); kitchen (1939); meat house; saddle room; stone cistern (1897); station tanks (4); g.i. fence; stone hut (c1890); poultry runs; radio aerial. And (to the left of the homestead and stables complex (in plan), site of radio aerial arrays. The individual elements vary in age, but even the most recent are located upon traditional sites of pastoral operations, and an unusually complete representative sample of the elements typical of pastoral stations survives, as archaeological sites, ruins, standing structures or landscape features (Freeman, 1997, V.1, 51)


Current use:	National Park (Historic Site)
Former use:	Farm station

History

Historical notes:

Expeditions were made through the area in Australia's early history. These include: 1) Charles Sturt (1847-48) undertook and expedition into central Australia during which the party was stranded for several months at both Fort Grey and Depot Glenn (near Milparinka); 2) Burke and Wills (1860-61). This expedition passed northwards through the eastern section of the Park (probably Mount Wood)(AHC, ).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Rural Estates-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - wells, cisterns-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Developing stock blood lines - merino sheep-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Pastoral homestead-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the park-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Mount Wood Station Complex	consists of 5 separate documents, Vol 1, Vol 2 pt 1, Vol 2 pt 2, Vol 3, Vol 4 - conservation policies are in Vol 4 *Note additional policies concerning review of the CMP added into Vol. 4 15/2/2002	Dec 16 1999
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01001	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	NPWS s170 register		27 Sep 16
Register of the National Estate - Interim	Mount Wood Area	622

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
National Parks & Wildlife Service Section 170 Register			National Parks & Wildlife Service		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Brueggemann, Johann Keno	2016	Heritage s57(2) Exemption application - Mount Wood Vehicle Shed - SHR no. 01001
Written	Lawrance, Caroline	2015	Mt Wood Station - Woolscour & associated buildings Tibooburra Sturt National Park : inspection report, stabilisation works and management recommendations	View detail
Written	NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)	2016	Sturt National Park Plan of Management
Written	Peter Freeman	1997	Conservation management plan Mount Wood Complex, Sturt National Park	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5014101
File number:	EF10/08174

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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