The well-recognised windmill is back, albeit with a few modern touches.

The original Comet windmill, an industrial gem in its mid 1930s heyday, was damaged over three years ago.

It was under repair at the time and workmen had chained the wind wheel to the frame, so when a freak windstorm tore through the heritage site, the grand, prodigious windmill tumbled over.

Until it was removed some weeks later the colossal monument, which had once pumped life into the pastoral industry, had been reduced to a forlorn wreck, prompting calls for it to be restored.

David Curtis, a local history buff and board member of the NT Heritage Council, was insistent on its return.

“Bonney Well was never the same without the windmill,” he said.

“It was a splendid landmark which could be seen from every direction and a tribute to those who had forged the Territory’s pastoral industry so many years ago.

“It had to be restored to its former glory.

“Although the frame, wind wheel and blades were extensively damaged and could not be salvaged, the replica windmill features the original gearhead and tail section and is as close to the original design as possible.”

With the project funded by the Territory’s Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts to the tune of around $70,000, and carried out by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the rebuilt windmill was erected by local company, Barkly Plumbing.

Bonney Well was first excavated by the Alfred Giles Party in 1878 and later modified for use on the government stock route.

A stone dump and whip system were added in 1892 and in 1936 the stock well received a further upgrade with the addition of the bore, windmill and tank which replaced the well as the main water supply for stock being driven along the route.

Bonney Well was also used by explorers and those associated with the Overland Telegraph Line.

During the 1930s it was used as a distribution base and as a military staging camp during World War II.

Today, the site forms part of a highway rest area, popular with tourists and other travellers.