WORK to repair part of Cooroy's heritage-listed Lower Mill Site has begun.

Noosa Council is overseeing the repairs in co-operation with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. The project will concentrate on the old boiler house and kiln.

Contractors will remove asbestos, repair termite- damaged timber and replace weathered chamfer boards, plus remediate the chimney and reinforce the roof and walls.

"This work will make the building safe so we can re-open it to the public. It will also ensure its long-term preservation," Heritage Levy Advisory Committee chair Jess Glasgow said.

The State Government transferred the site to Noosa Council in 2002 after the mill closed in 2000 as a result of the Regional Forestry Agreement.

The boiler house, kiln and other buildings were added to the state's Heritage Register in 2008.

Cr Glasgow said the mill was an important part of Cooroy's history, with the timber industry being one of Noosa's earliest industries.

Cooran-based Marbelle Pty Ltd is the primary contractor. Work should take three months.