Hyne’s Tumbarumba Mill employs approximately 200 people who are currently managing their personal response to the emergency as a priority. The mill has been shut since New Year’s Eve. The town had been trapped between two bushfires coming together from Victoria and New South Wales, many homes have been lost or damaged. Source: Timberbiz
Hyne Timber CEO Jon Kleinschmidt said conditions are making it challenging to communicate with Tumbarumba team members and the community more broadly.
“We are aware some team members have lost their homes. We are available to assist if Hyne can help. With the State of Emergency in place, it may take some time to understand the extent of impact on our people and the community.
“With limited power and mobile reception, the township became isolated, but I understand from our local site manager, Marcus Fenske, that emergency services and the Snowy Valleys Council have done an exceptional job of bringing the community together through community meetings to communicate official advice.” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
Hyne Timber’s Tumbarumba Mill is recognised as critical infrastructure for the Tumbarumba region and teams are working to protect the mill with containment measures while it is safe to do so.
An extended delayed restart of the mill was announced until Monday 13 January given the declaration of a state emergency with ongoing evacuation, fire threat, limited power, drinkable water, limited road access and log supply all impacted.
The Hyne Critical Response Team continue to assess the situation.
Mr Kleinschmidt said supporting the Tumbarumba team members and the broader community will involve all Hyne team members banding together.
Currently Tumbarumba is accessible with proof of residency but while the threat has eased for the time being unfavourable conditions later this week could see the town under threat again.
