East Gippsland: Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA receive $500,000 grant

An East Gippsland building business has received a half a million dollar government grant to expand on the site of an old sawmill.

David Johnston

less than 2 min read

March 26, 2024 - 2:26PM

The Weekly Times

Victorian Labor has done ‘absolutely nothing’ about the state’s ‘record high’ debt

Former timber workers have been given the chance to stay local with an East Gippsland business receiving a $500,000 state government grant to expand.

Newmerella-based Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have already started employing workers who lost their jobs in the timber shutdown in roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication and administration.

Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame director Lachlan Heather is from a multi-generational family of native hardwood timber workers from nearby Orbost.

Timber workers rally, Morwell. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

He recently moved back to the town to establish the steel truss and frame business on a former timber mill site after seeing a market for steel products and access to a local workforce with a suitable skillset.

“With the benefits of steel truss and frame becoming more prevalent, now is the time to take this opportunity to invest in Orbost and the district,” Mr Heather said.

“The forestry transition fund grant ensures our business will have the necessary equipment and facility to grow and is placed in a position to offer employment at a time it is most needed.”

Successful fund applicants that provide direct and ongoing employment to former timber workers receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant.

Gippsland MP Tim Bull. Picture: Supplied

Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said the business had “more capacity grow” and called on the government to commit even more following its decision to end timber harvesting.

“This kneejerk decision by a Premier on his way out the door has ripped hundreds of jobs out of our community with no solid plan to keep these families in the region,” he said.

“It would be good if the new Premier ensured these workers were all being looked after individually, as I know that is not the case.”