Logging ban forces another mill closure

Opposition spokesperson Steve Martin has called on newly-appointed forestry minister Jackie Jarvis to ‘immediately’ assist workers who have been left blindsided by the closure of Parkside’s Manjimup mill.

The Queensland-based timber business confirmed it would be closing the hardwood processing mill on South West Highway in preparation for the state government’s ban on hardwood logging, which is due to come into effect in 2024.

Business News understands about 30 people are employed at the plant, half of whom are set to be made redundant when the facility is closed on Friday.

It is also understood remaining staff will be transferred to the company’s smaller processing operation in Nannup, which will close in the next two years.

Shadow forestry minister Steve Martin said the closure of Manjimup mill had come significantly earlier than expected.

“This is a clear sign that minister Jarvis needs to bring forward the transition package available to affected employees, businesses and communities,” he said.

“The government’s response has been hopelessly inadequate and far too slow.”

Mr Martin claimed the state government had failed to consult with industry before making the decision and had no transition plan in place to support local jobs in the South West.

“This is yet another blow for the small communities of the South West region.

“These communities need the minister for forestry to bring forward the support measures in the Native Forestry Transition Plan.”

Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis took on the forestry portfolio in the 2022 cabinet reshuffle following Dave Kelly’s exit late last year.

Issues facing the forestry industry have only compounded since the state government announced in 2021 that it would ban hardwood logging by 2024.