Historic Sites in Kowen Area

Why is it Significant?

As a group these buildings represent the rural settlement of the Kowen area which began by 1831.  Kowen, in the latter half of the nineteenth century was a small but thriving rural community.  The surviving buildings were constructed during the settlement period up to the 1890s after which the Kowen area was largely used as grazing properties and leases with permanent few residents.

Why is it at Risk?

All places have been subject to steady deterioration from the elements due to lack of sufficient management and maintenance.  A CMP was completed by the NT for the Glenburn complex in 2002 which recommended conservation works.  Remidial conservation work has begaun this year.  A CMP for Colliers Stone Cottage ruin was completed by the NT in 2009 but no work in implementing the conservation recommendations has began.

What needs to be done?

The ACT National Trust would like to see the conservation policies in the CMP for Colliers implemented immediately.  The Trust’s CMP for the other buildings was done in 2002 and should be reviewed and conservation work aimed at long-term protection implemented as a matter of priority.  The Glenburn Cultural Landscape nomination should be endorsed by the ACT Heritage Council.William Colliers Homestead Ruin should either be included in the nomination or should be included as a separate place.