Korean-based Dongwha Timbers opened its $76m plant at Bombala, New South Wales last week. Source: ABC News
Bombala’s mayor said he is excited about the opportunities that an expanded softwood processing mill will provide for his region.
Premier Barry O’Farrell, and the Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson attended the launching ceremony.
The mill will produce treated pine products and provide employment and training opportunities for the local community.
Mayor, Bob Stewart said the mill has had a chequered history.
“This is the final outcome after a very long journey.
“There were times that we never thought we’d get the facility that was so much sought after but it all changed back a few years ago when the Dongwha people came to town,” Stewart said.
He said it had been a challenge to make the plant a reality.
“We’re going to forget about those negative parts and just move on and really have a great community with the timber industry moving ahead and our agricultural sector and some tourism.
“We couldn’t be more pleased than what’s happening here at the moment,” he said.
The former State Member for Monaro Steve Whan was instrumental in the development of the softwood industry in Bombala.
Now an upper house MP, he said a 20-year timber supply agreement would assure employment and training opportunities in the shire.
“We had to work really hard to make sure that when wood supply contracts were granted, that it stayed a condition of those contracts that it was processed locally.
“Otherwise we may not have seen this happen.
“But just to be able to be here today and share in the excitement of it is just hugely exciting,” he said.
