Historical information

The Black Powder Mill is the last surviving building of the former Albion Explosives Factory. When the wider factory was demolished and the Cairnlea estate was being developed, the mill was at risk of being demolished.

Local residents and heritage advocates formed Friends of the Black Powder Mill Inc., who became the primary campaigners for its preservation.

The Brimbank City Council supported the Friends group’s efforts, including running public surveys and public meetings thus allowing the local residents have their say in the future of Black Powder Mill. There were many people who wanted it restored but there also many people who wanted it demolished.

This photograph is of some of the material used by Council during the public consultation phase of saving The Black Powder Mill.

Significance

Saving The Black Powder Mill is nationally significant because it is the only surviving gunpowder manufacturing building on its original site in Australia, and one of the very last purpose‑built military gunpowder mills in the world.

Physical description

Colour photograph

Inscriptions & markings

Brimbank City Council Have your say on the future of the Black Power Mill