News
30 July, 2024
Jimna’s timber tale tapped out
Jimna's longstanding hardwood industry came to an end on July 23, closing a significant chapter in the town’s history.
town’s history. For decades, Jimna and surrounding regions such as Elgin Vale and Sandy Creek were bustling with sawmills and timber harvesting operations, contributing significantly to the local economy and community life.
The closure, which was initially slated for December 2024, came earlier than anticipated due to new environmental regulations.
These changes, aimed at preserving natural habitats, forced the premature halt of timber operations in the local National Park and State Forest areas surrounding Jimna.
The decision to accelerate the closure has been met with a mix of resignation and nostalgia from those directly affected.
Local families, who have deep roots in the timber industry, are particularly hard hit.
Many workers had grown up in the trade, following in the footsteps of their fathers and uncles.
The industry has been a vital part of their lives, with several generations contributing to the growth and success of local sawmills.
The final days of timber harvesting were captured in photographs taken by Mark Pratten, a fourth-generation timber harvester, on July 23.
According to Sarah Eaton and Mr Pratten, the legacy of Jimna’s timber industry leaves a void in the town’s economic and cultural landscape.
“The hard wood forests will now stand silent, untouched, unseen, prone to the spread of weeds and ravaging of wild fires,” they said.
The closure has created significant challenges for the local workforce.
With many workers now faced with the need to seek employment elsewhere.
The transition is especially difficult for those who have known nothing but the timber industry as their career path.
Looking ahead, they say the community faces the challenge of adapting to the loss of this economic driver
