Sawmill success sees increase in higher-value timber products

Increasing on-island processing and growing jobs in our sustainable forest industry is a key priority for the Rockliff Liberal Government. 

Our $10 million On Island Processing Program is helping boost value-adding of Tasmanian timber across the State, including at Bakes Sawmill which today officially opened their upgraded mill at Gowrie Park. 

Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis, said that, supported by a $147,688 grant from the Rockliff Liberal Government, the sawmill had successfully completed installation and commissioning of new wood treatment equipment. 

“This new equipment will re-direct 420 cubic metres of timber per annum to produce treated timber for a range of products, adding value to what was previously chipped residue wood.” 

Instead, the wood treatment equipment allows Bakes Sawmill to value-add and treat the timber to produce: 

• Building cladding products; 

• Building framing timbers for internal and external use; 

• Landscaping and garden products in a range of profiles; 

• Products for the oyster industry (suitable for use in salt water and in the marine food industry), and 

• Treated natural logs for cabins. 

“Bakes Sawmill is one of seven Tasmanian timber processing facilities to share in a $6 million investment through the first round of the On-Island Processing Program to help the forestry sector turn existing wood supplies, as well as wood residues, into higher-value products. 

“To date, successful local projects are adding value to the current timber harvest, optimising the use of wood residues and waste, reducing the need for imported wood products and supporting the local construction industry. 

“The Program is also helping to improve timber recovery processes that will see more local wood replacing imported timber, increased output of treated pine products and an expansion of the amount of sawn timber and by-products generated from lower grade logs. 

“Everyone knows the Rockliff Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of the forestry sector which supports more than 5600 jobs in regional Tasmania. 

“Tasmanians also know that they cannot trust Labor when it comes to forestry. Given half a chance they will do a deal with the Greens and shut down this industry which is vital to our building sector and also providing fibre for a plastic-free future. 

“Only the Rockliff Liberal Government can be trusted to stand up for Tasmania’s forestry industry,” Minister Ellis said.