Corryong’s sawmill to close after 58 years

After 58 years of business, Walker’s timber mill in Corryong, in Victoria’s north east, will soon be powering down for the last time. The closure follows the state government’s decision to bring forward the end of native timber harvesting by January 1, 2024 in order to better protect the environment and the native wildlife that depends on it.

North-east Victorian resident Gary Williams has worked at the local timber sawmill for 42 years, following in the footsteps of his father. “I grew up here as a kid around the mill. My father started here in the 1970s so I guess I’ve been around here for a long time,” Mr Williams said.

Like Mr Williams, co-worker David Crane also grew up around the timber industry. “Been around the timber industry, which was related to my father’s work, since I was 10 and I’m 61 now,” Mr Crane said. “I enjoy Corryong; raised my two girls up here. My wife and I have a good relationship with the community, and it’s sad to see the mill is going.”

The mill predominantly makes timber pallets and will continue to operate until it runs out of wood, which is expected to be before the end of the year. Its 21 workers will receive redundancies from the Victorian government, however Mr Crane said the community will lose more than jobs.

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Source: ABC News