OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - TASMANIA - 2008

PLACE:  Voss Farm, Mill Road, Collinsvale        

THREAT:    Deterioration

Photo by:  Photo by: National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)

Statement of Significance: 

Voss cottage was constructed circa 1883 and is a rare example of a vernacular timber dwelling using timber and mud building known as Fachwerkbau.  Peter Voss was a significant local personality.

Surviving nineteenth century examples of buildings using German building traditions are uncommon in Australia.

Voss Cottage provides evidence of the substantial German and Danish community, located in the Bismarck (now Collinsvale) valley during the 1870’s and 1880’s.  Based on available research in 1996 this is the only substantial German and Danish community in the nineteenth century Tasmania.  This community emigrated as a consequence of the Tasmanian Government’s effort in the 1870’s to encourage suitable immigrants to provide agricultural labour for the growing colony.  Gustav Voss established a major orchard at Bismarck and fruit growing was a major industry in the local area from the late nineteenth century to the Second World War.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk: Immediate risk - solution agreed but not yet implemented

Threats/Risks:       Deterioration

Fate/Outcome:  Stable (not yet saved or secure, ie, solution not yet fully implemented)

A Conservation management plan has been undertaken by Robert Vincent. 

Since that time the clarity of future management for this site is not defined which in turn complicates the management of the structure itself.

Desired Outcome / Vision:

A plan for the site has been prepared, but the Voss Cottage project is only in the early stages of developing the concept with community support in conjunction with the Glenorchy City Council.

View Nomination Form