Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers shuts down

Tributes have flowed for a family owned and run sawmill in the North Burnett after its owners made the tough decision to shut up shop after more than half a century.

Wally Krause, the owner of Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers Pty Ltd.

Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers has announced it will close down after more than 54 years in business in the North Burnett township.

Owner Wally Krause announced the closure this week, saying a combination of health issues and difficulty getting workers had sealed the decision.

The family-run sawmill specialised in producing railway sleepers and timber products for landscaping, and was established in Cloyna by Wally’s father Eric in the 1970s to supply sleepers to Queensland Rail.

After relocating the business to Eidsvold timber was sourced from local farms and the forestry.

Owner Wally Krause announced the closure of the Eidsvold mill this week, saying a combination of health issues and difficulty getting workers had sealed the decision.

Mr Klause said in his announcement that he moved down from Hervey Bay when he was 14 and started work in the mill with his brother Jack.

“In the early 80s, Jack and I bought the mill off the old man,” he said.

“We still cut sleepers in the original mill [for] about eight or so years, and then we upgraded the mill and started not only cutting sleepers, but cut landscaping sleepers as well.”

Wally’s brother Jack Klause died in 2018.

Once they had the mill “running right”, Wally would do the “bush work,” which consisted of “felling trees and snigging logs”.

“This went on for a lot of years until we put a contact to do the bush work for us and I came back into the mill to work with Jack again.

“We worked together until I lost my best mate and brother over six years ago and Lyn and I have been running the mill.

“It’s been a good business to us. We’ve always enjoyed having it and we’re disappointed we have to shut,” Lyn said.

“The business has been for sale for quite a while. We’ve had some interest, but it’s never sold.

“It’s harder to get workers and as you get older, you start to get some health problems.”

Inside the workshop of Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers.

Looking back on how the business has evolved over the years, Lyn said “there used to be next to no paperwork”.

“Nowadays, it’s all you do,” she said.

The family has luckily not had “any dramas” while running the business, but feel it’s time to enjoy retirement and a well deserved rest.

“Over the 52 years that I have been in this business, I have worked with a great bunch of men. Some of them I will never forget because of the fun I had working with you all,” Mr Klause said.

An inside look into Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers.

“Last but not least, we would like to thank all the property owners that we bought timber off over the years, we couldn’t have kept the mill going without you - and thanks to all the businesses that we dealt over years.”

Family, friends, and customers bid their farewells and wished the family well.

“All the best in future endeavours Wal, retirement well deserved,” posted Laurie Spencer.

An inside look into Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers.

“Great history, Wally. Your Mum was amazing [including] your brothers characters - what an era. Enjoy your next journey, cheers,” said Kristine Haager.

“Remarkable job with the mill. You will be missed in the industry. Time to have a rest old mate, and play with all those Stihl’s,” said Allan Gail Rixon.

Originally published as Eidsvold Sleeper Mill & Landscaping Timbers shuts down