Former forest wars front line Spring Bay Mill for sale for $15 million
The former Gunns Wood Chip Mill at Triabunna was an epicentre in the “forest wars” before it was taken over and dismantled by environmentally conscious investors. Now it’s for sale.
Tasmania
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Once the largest wood chip mill in the world and now an environmentally conscious visitor and events destination, the East Coast’s iconic Spring Bay Mill is officially up for sale.
“Spring Bay Mill is officially for sale for 15 million,” the business website states, inviting potential buyers to contact owner, Graeme Wood for more details on the “once in a lifetime investment opportunity”.
The 43 hectare waterfront site at Triabunna was bought for $10 million by founder of the hotel booking website Wotif Mr Wood and entrepreneur Jan Cameron in 2011. Ms Cameron later sold her interest in the site to Mr Wood.
He formally retired the location from its forestry operations and transformed the former wood chip mill into an environmentally conscious destination that features a restaurant, function centre and accommodation which was officially opened in 2022.
The Mill’s controversial dismantling was the subject of a parliamentary inquiry in 2014.
Despite opposition from the state government and other logging industry supporters over the shutdown of the mill, the inquiry concluded the tourism plans should be supported.
In 2016 Mr Wood revealed to TasWeekend he was close to pulling the pin on the $50 million development because of what he called “political interference”.
“If they interfere too much, I’ll go away,” Mr Wood said at the time. “I’ve got so many investment opportunities outside Tasmania.”
At the peak of its operations the mill was processing 600,000 tonnes of wood chips per annum, the equivalent to about 100,000 clear felled trees.
Former owner Gunns shut down milling operations in 2011 citing “volatility” in the international market and a planned exit from native forest based operations.
After a period of intense regeneration the property is now home to more than 25,000 endemic plants, up-cycled industrial infrastructure and environmentally friendly building services.
“Spring Bay Mill isn’t just about bin systems or cutting emissions to meet a quota,” the Spring Bay Mill business website says.
“It’s about rethinking our entire relationship with the planet. It’s about understanding that every decision we make impacts the world around us.”
The property hosts six premium event spaces, accommodation options including beach shacks, workers cottages, ridge quarters and glamping.
For more details contact graeme.wood@springbaymill.com.
Mr Wood was contacted for comment.
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