Jon Kleinschmidt and James Hyne meets with Fire and Rescue Strike Team at the Tumbarumba Mill
As recovery gets underway for the Tumbarumba region, the Hyne Timber Mill is back up and running, despatching truckloads of timber, thanks to the many volunteers and emergency services who protected it throughout the bushfire crisis. A number of team members from Queensland have been deployed to Tumbarumba to assist with the mill’s recommencement and enable impacted team members more time to recover personally where required. Source: Timberbiz
Employing approximately 230 people directly, the mill is part of a circular economy worth $2 billion every year to the South West Slopes region and supporting almost 5000 jobs in total.
Hyne Timber CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt said Hyne Timber’s Tumbarumba Mill is categorised as critical infrastructure and was protected accordingly by qualified strike teams,
“Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Fire and Rescue strike team to understand the reassuring fire prevention measures and readiness they had in place,” he said.
“I also met with many Rural Fire Service volunteers and emergency services, many of whom are our own team members, who continued to fight bushfires, put in containment lines and help the broader community.”
Today, the town is busy rebuilding and Hyne Timber remains focused on supporting the community through the long-term operations at the mill.
“Once small volumes of existing log yard stocks have been processed, we will be prioritising the processing of salvaged burnt log which we have done before. Once we remove the burnt bark, the structural grade timber is the same quality our customers value and we appreciate their ongoing support,” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
Hyne Timber, Visy Pulp and Paper and AKD Softwoods are the three largest employers within the region’s industry, collectively employing more than 750 people directly across Tumbarumba and Tumut.
Collectively, and with the support of the Softwood Working Group, the companies are engaging constructively with all levels of Government,
“We have welcomed preliminary meetings with the NSW Deputy Premier, the Hon John Barilaro who has also been appointed the Minister for Disaster Recovery,” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
“I look forward to continued dialogue and support from all levels of Government to secure ongoing log supply and longer distance freight support, amongst other challenges, for the industry moving forward.
“As with support for individuals and wildlife, Government support for the industry and associated economy will be critical as part of the ongoing recovery efforts.”
