Forest Manager Warren Weaver (left) with Janelle and Hurford Hardwood Managing Director, Andrew Harwood inspecting a forest plantation.

Ms Saffin said it is good to see a local family business setting up on the site and providing a boost to employment in Kyogle.

“The Kyogle community worked hard after the devastating Norply fire in 2005 to keep local businesses going and save jobs in the town.

“This new mill expects to employ 25 people directly, as well has providing work for contractors and downstream processing positions at the Tuncester dry mill.

“I congratulate Hurfords on this project which involves an investment of more than $8 million and is employing local North Coast firms in the mill design and construction,” Ms Saffin said.

Hurford Hardwood Managing Director, Andrew Hurford, says the shed will be 90 per cent completed by Christmas with remaining construction work and fitting of equipment to be carried out next year.

Janelle is also visiting a Hurford Forests’ property at Warrazambil Creek north of Kyogle today to view examples of native and plantation forestry.

“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to show Janelle what we are trying to achieve here on the North Coast in the next few years,” Mr Hurford said.

Hurfords have purchased over 5000 acres of land in recent years and commenced a eucalypt planting program with 30,000 to 50,000 seedlings planted each year. The company aims to commence sustainable harvesting of these plantations within 25 years.

The Hurford group of companies has been wholly owned and managed by three generations of the Hurford family for more than 75 years, and is now a forest grower, sawmiller, manufacturer and wholesaler.