Dights Falls | $1 million boost Dights Falls | $1 million boost

2nd Kennett Ministry NEWS RELEASE - Wednesday, 13 November 1996

From the Office of the Minister for Conservation and Land Management
Dights Falls - a $1 million boost for the Yarra

Water has for the first time in over 100 years passed through Dights Falls Mill at Abbotsford - the only water powered flour mill ever built in Melbourne.

The completion of this $1 million project demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation and commitment between three organisations - Melbourne Parks and Waterways, Yarra City Council and Heritage Victoria.

The Minister for Conservation and Land Management, Mrs Marie Tehan, today officially opened the sluice gate at the head of the channel, allowing a torrent of water to flow beneath the Mill.

Dights Falls has enormous historical significance and is an exciting recreational asset for Victoria, Mrs Tehan said.

The Dights Falls area was occupied before European settlement by the Wurundjeri tribe, and it is believed the sites natural rock falls were used by Aboriginal people for trapping fish and as a river crossing.

Because of the Mills proximity to the city it was one of the major suppliers of flour to the early settlers. Much of the site has been restored to its original state, including the turbines, which are the largest and most intact of their type and era in Victoria.

With the winding Yarra River, Dights Mill, bike trails, and picturesque setting, the area is a marvellous addition to the recreational opportunities in such an intensely developed part of the city, the Minister said

However its cultural and historical importance will ensure that it will be of interest to all Victorians, Mrs Tehan said

The principal sponsors of these extensive conservation and restoration works were Melbourne Parks and Waterways and the City of Yarra. Heritage Victorias support ensured that the historical aspects of the restoration were authentic.

The project was managed by Melbourne Parks and Waterways for the City of Yarra.

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