Following an external review on the Stage 2 development of the Crago Mill Precinct in October 2025, work on the historic Crago Mill was scaled back due to lack of funds.
On May 9, the community’s patience paid off as more than 700 staff and community members showed up to celebrate the successful completion and opening of Stage 1: the Administration Building and Library.
Now, there’s more hope on the horizon with confirmation of Stage 2’s steady development recently announced.
Since its opening, the new Crago Mill Precinct buildings have quickly become a vibrant hub of community activity.
As recently seen with the Yass Valley’s success NAIDOC Week celebrations, including the highly successful Onerwal LALC NAIDOC Week Market Day held in the carpark (which Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones described as “out with the cars and in with the culture”) that celebrated First Nations heritage with market stalls, interactive displays, food and other activities, the precinct’s activation has already been a welcome success for many.
Just two months after the official opening, Mayor Jones has provided an official update on the next phases of the landmark civic project.
“Seeing these new building activated and our community embracing this space so enthusiastically is a testament that these new facilities were greatly needed and that their design was purpose driven,” she says.
“While we celebrate these major milestones, Council is focused on finalising the remaining elements of the precinct to deliver the best possible outcome for our residents.
“Opening up the Crago Mill to Comur Street, which involves demolishing the old admin building and applying heritage preservation treatments to the Mill itself along with finalising footpaths and landscaping is the task ahead.”
With a goal of completing these tasks by Christmas, Mayor Jones says Council is currently working closely with the contractor to finalise the Comur Street works and address outstanding defects, which are typical during major construction and fine-tuning.
“This will allow Stage 1 works to reach formal Practical Completion,” says Mayor Jones.
“While the overall project has experienced delays, Stage 1 costs currently remain strictly within budget.”
By descoping Stage 2, Mayor Jones says they have saved ratepayers nine million dollars, which has also positively impacted their Long Term Financial Plan, further aligning with Council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility through their adopted Financial Sustainability Roadmap.
To effectively manage the transition and the community’s access safely, Mayor Jones says demolition of the old Council Administration building will not occur until Practical Completion has been reached for Stage 1. Once fully completed, Stage 2 works are expected to officially commence.
Presently, Yass Valley Council is working with a contractor to agree on the final scope and cost of Crago Mill’s Stage 2, and the finalised works will include:
• The demolition of the old Council Administration Building,
• Landscaping, including a dedicated yarning circle designed in conjunction with the Onerwal Aboriginal Land Council and First Nations participants, featuring a Yarning Circle, native planting, locally sourced seating boulders and a ceremonial firepit,
• Minor works and heritage fencing to secure and preserve the historic Crago Mill Building.
“We are entering an exciting final phase for the precinct,” says Mayor Jones.
“The inclusion of a dedicated yarning circle reflects our deep respect for our local First Nations heritage, and the preservation works on the historic Crago Mill will ensure our local history remains protected.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we navigate these final stages.”
According to Mayor Jones, Council anticipates the entire Crago Mill Precinct project will be fully completed by December 2026, serving as an early Christmas present to the community.
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