Sawmilling operations in Baradine are expected to ramp up in coming months with the help of government funding and employment of local workers.

It’s all systems go for the revitalised Baradine sawmill after a three-year shut down. New owners, Australian Cypress specialists Grants Sawmilling, have hired 14 locals and sawmill recommissioning is nearing completion.

The announcement that Grants Sawmilling has successfully acquired a $1 million grant from the NSW Government Regional Job Creation Fund to help outfit the Baradine Sawmill has been welcomed by the management team.

Baradine sawmill manager, Paul ‘Chippy’ Daniels said the government had been very supportive of the project and keen to help the industry in the Pilliga Forest get back on its feet.

“This grant has given the company the confidence to proceed with its plans to reinvigorate the Baradine timber industry,” Mr Daniels said.

“Key areas have been identified where substantial improvements to the operating systems were needed. As a result of the upgrades, we will have better outcomes in safety, quality and production.

“The focus of the business is to employ local people and use local providers and contractors whenever possible. All the workers live in the district and some have been recalled, with more to be recruited over coming months.

“We are looking to establish better than 20 full-time jobs and will be able to offer employment into the future.

“The objective is to grow the business and with the multiplier effect generating around 50 jobs, it is a great flow-on outcome for the whole town.”

Mr Daniels said trial timber production will commence as machinery comes online and it is anticipated that the sawmill will start production within a week.

“Grants Sawmilling is confident in the future of the industry; Australian Cypress is a unique timber with wonderful attributes,” added Mr Daniels.

“It is durable, stable, natural and renewable; it has everything going for it, it is a local battler and it ticks all the boxes.

“People are now questioning the chemical treatment of timber, so you need to look at the benefits of Australian Cypress. It is termite resistant; it is chemical free - so it is a natural good solution.

“The milling of Australian Cypress has been a part of Baradine for many years and there is a strong demand for product. We are on our way toreinforcing local confidence in the future of the timber industry in Baradine now that we have government commitment to its long- term security.”