In a further step to protect the state’s koala population, the NSW Government has listed Mount Gilead Estate with its sweeping landscape and historic homestead in Sydney’s south-west, as an item of state heritage significance to be protected in perpetuity.
Situated in the Camden and Campbelltown region, the 150-hectare property showcases both the State’s colonial history, reflecting changes in agricultural pursuits and approaches to major estate planning, while containing significant archaeological evidence of the prior Aboriginal occupation and custodianship of the land.
Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said “Mount Gilead Estate is an outstanding early 19th-century colonial estate with a spectacular sweeping landscape. Its heritage buildings have inspired celebrated artists and photographers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and we’re excited to list this site on the State Heritage Register.”
“Features of the estate include the original dwellings of its residents and workers, such as the historic homestead, stables, outhouses and sandstone granaries, which have not changed substantially since the early 19th century,” Mr Harwin said.
“The estate's artificial lake and sandstone mill tower (c.1836) are rare and early examples of their type in NSW and Australia,” Mr Harwin said.
The long spur of land running parallel to Appin Road as well showcases cultural plantings along its central ridgeline.
Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said Mount Gilead Estate is part of an area that is home to some of the State’s healthiest koala populations and this State Heritage Listing provides further protections for rural landscapes.
“Just as the way we treat our koalas is a reflection on how we respect the environment, the way we treat our heritage buildings reflects how we respect the past,” Mr Kean said.
“It is vital we pull out all stops to not only protect habitat but also the structures that help us define who we are as Australians.”
Mount Gilead Estate is associated with three individuals of importance in the development of NSW: Reuben Uther, Thomas Rose and Edward Woodhouse, each of whom made a lasting contribution to the colony's agricultural development.
Listing will ensure that the estate’s significance will be protected for future generations, with any major changes now requiring the approval of the Heritage Council of NSW.
