Expansion means more jobs in the Maranoa

Mungallala sawmill will hire more full-time workers for its new timber line

BOOM TOWN: 16 new full-time jobs will open to Maranoa locals with Queensland Cypress Supplies in Mungallala expanding. Picture: Paul Donaldson BUN301113SAW8

FORTY-FOUR new jobs will be open to Maranoa locals, as Queensland Cypress Supplies in Mungallala expands its business to meet increasing demand.

Throughout the next five years, QCS will be able to harvest up to 26,000 cubic metres of cypress pine from the state forest north of Mungallala and the sawmill's output is predicted to double.

"Plans to build a new timber line on the site are expected to create enough work for another 16 full-time workers,” Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said.

"The work will include loggers, truck drivers, bench staff and stackers, alongside 12 jobs during construction of the timber line and 16 ongoing indirect positions.”

The sawmill has received a $250,000 Rural Economic Development Grant to fund the expansion, which the owner says is needed now more than ever.

"Considering the many expressions of interest shown by buyers and potential buyers and consistent forecasts of strong underlying demand, there is a definite need for the expansion of the current business,” Queensland Cypress Supplies owner-operator John Shelswell said.

In Mungallala, the 16 permanent jobs in the local sawmill will make a huge difference to the town of 136.

"The stimulus of the local economy is borne by local business, and I'd like to congratulate John Shelswell and the team from QCS in receiving the state grant,” Maranoa Regional Council portfolio chair for economic development Cameron O'Neil said.

"I think it is a welcome investment by the State Government into a major business in a small town.”

The increase in job opportunities will be a win for locals, and Cr O'Neil expects the flow on effects will also make a difference further afield.

"The effects will be felt across the region,” Cr O'Neil said.. "Even though the Maranoa is geographically very large, we are relatively small in population, so creating jobs for 16 more people is a real positive.

"It will have a significant impact not only on Mungallala, but in neighbouring communities like Mitchell as well.”