April 12, 2019
Yarraman residents are baffled by the recent closure of a major local employer, the Yarraman Pine sawmill in Mill Street.
The sawmill, which is owned by Finlayson’s, now has just a skeleton staff on hand.
southburnett.com.au has been told the 20 or so workers at the plant received a letter from their employers saying the closure was temporary.
However, no date for the re-opening is known.
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said there were no issues between the Department and Yarraman Pine.
A spokesperson for HQ Plantations said there was no legal dispute with either Finlayson’s or Yarraman Pine.
“We have got a long-term contract to supply soft pine to Finlayson’s,” he said.
southburnett.com.au has approached both Finlayson’s and Yarraman Pine for comment.
This is very troubling indeed for a community like Yarraman that has a limited employment sector. The effects could be very damaging locally and into surrounding towns, communities and businesses.
Let’s hope this is temporary and not a sign of the times.
The need for an alternate employment sector is becoming extremely clear.