Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have received a $500,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant to expand their operations and directly employ up to 16 East Gippsland native timber workers. Source: Timberbiz
The business has begun employing former sawmill workers, with the grant supporting new roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication, labouring and administration.
Over the next 12 months the grant will help expand the business’ operations on a former sawmill site located at Newmerella. The site has potential to become Newmerella’s industrial hub, further boosting job opportunities.
Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame director Lachlan Heather is an Orbost local from a multi-generational family of native hardwood timber workers. He recently moved back to Orbost to establish the steel truss and frame business after seeing a market for steel products and access to a local workforce with a suitable skillset.
The Forestry Transition Fund provides grants up to $1 million for businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Applicants that provide direct and ongoing employment to former native timber workers will receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant.
A new Forestry Information Coordinator, Cory Lindfield, is now located in Orbost, to provide support to East Gippsland communities impacted by the native timber harvesting transition.
Native timber workers, businesses and community members can contact Mr Lindfield for advice and help to navigate the support services and programs available, including information about grant opportunities.
“The Dahlsen family has been servicing Orbost and surrounding area for over 100 years, and we are optimistic that the venture will be very successful and great for Orbost by offering local employment to support the retention of families in the area,” JC Dahlsen Pty Ltd chairman John Dahlsen said.
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said the business had more capacity to grow and called on the State Government to commit even more following its decision to end native timber harvesting.
“This kneejerk decision by a premier on his way out the door has ripped hundreds of jobs out of our community with no solid plan to keep these families in the region,” Mr Bull told the Weekly Times.
“It would be good if the new Premier ensured these workers were all being looked after individually, as I know that is not the case.”
