More than 50 locals are looking for a job after the closure of Parkside’s Nannup Mill. The mill ceased operations yesterday after almost 100 years as a direct result of the Labor Government’s decision to ban hardwood harvesting in Western Australia.
“The closure of Nannup Mill is devasting for the employees, for the local community and for the businesses that have supported the timber industry for decades,” Shadow Minister for Forestry Steve Martin said.
“Labor welcomed Parkside’s investment in the timber industry just a few years ago and then shut down the industry without any consultation with locals or the industry.”
“We can expect to see more mill closures and job losses before the end of the year thanks to the Labor Government.”
After originally planning to cease operations at the end of December 2023, Parkside Timber brought the date forward, notifying workers just before Christmas. The company’s Greenbushes Mill closed its doors in May last year.
“This comes as another massive blow to timber workers in Nannup and around the state. We know that over the Christmas period at least 50 families have been forced to consider their future and if they will stay in town,” said Mr Martin.
“Some of these workers have worked at the mill for nearly 50 years and their families have worked there for generations. What we are going to see is a massive loss of skills that won’t ever be replaced.
“This is a direct consequence of the Labor Government’s short-sighted policy decision and complete lack of consultation with industry. Labor are knowingly destroying a sustainable industry that has supported small communities in Western Australia for well over a century.
“We are already experiencing the consequences of Labor’s poorly thought-out decision. There are widespread shortages of timber used in construction, heritage builds, furniture manufacturing and firewood – just to name a few.
“Where will our timber supply will come from? If hardwood is no longer processed in WA, the only way to source it will be through importation from domestic or even international markets.
“This is not only a slap in the face to the hundreds of workers capable of processing timber here, but will have detrimental effects on the environment.
“Unlike the sustainable Western Australian hardwood harvesting industry, we know that the timber coming out of Brazil and Indonesia is not ethically or sustainably logged, processed or transported.
“Yesterday’s mill closure is just more evidence that Labor do not care about small, regional businesses.”
