Third Large Western Australia Sawmill Announces Closure

A third large sawmill located in southern Western Australia (WA) has announced it plans to close prior to the official ban of native logging coming into effect in 2024, according to a report by ABC News (5-4-23).

Citing an undersupply of logs, Redmond Sawmill, based near Albany, WA, will shut its doors at the end of June after nearly 30 years of business, with its current owner having invested an estimated $12 million (AUD) into the facility. Approximately 20 employees will be out of work. The logs processed at the Redmond Sawmill are used to make floorboards, decks, and other timber products.

In an interview with ABC News, Corey Matters, the managing director, said the company has not been supplied enough logs to stay afloat through the winter (North America’s summer). Under the company’s contract with the Forest Products Commission, it was scheduled to receive 8,000 tons of material by December, averaging 660 tonnes per month.

“During the warmer months, they’re supposed to deliver above 660 tonnes [per month] to ensure that we have stock available for those wet months. This year, they haven’t done that. That’s despite the fact two large sawmills have closed,” Matters told ABC News.