Caboolture sawmill expansion project complete

The Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Project is now complete, which will support an internationally competitive sawmilling business for the Sunshine Coast gateway region.

The project was officially opened today by Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm.

As a result of the project, the site has doubled its production capacity and is currently processing 370,000m³ of locally-grown sawlog.

The upgrades have also enabled the sawmill operator, Australian company Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (AKD), to install the latest technology to improve the recovery of structural timber from the sawlog resource – making operations more efficient. 

The expansion project also installed an acoustic barrier, which has improved the surrounding environment. This has meant production was able to move to a two-shift operation with minimal impact on the local community.

The ability to run the two shifts has created more than 100 new and permanent skilled manufacturing jobs at AKD’s Queensland site. This additional 100 jobs in Caboolture will support a further 763 jobs in the regional economy, according REMPLAN modelling.

The $41 million project was made possible thanks to $10 million from the Australian Government, with AKD providing the remaining $31 million.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting local jobs, businesses and economies to ensure communities can thrive – which is what the Caboolture Sawmill Expansion is all about.

“This project will leave a lasting legacy for the region, by supporting skilled jobs, better environmental outcomes, and a more efficient local sawmilling business.”

Quotes attributable to Regional Development Assistant Minister and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“The expanded sawmill enables a local business to provide quality structural materials for Queensland’s housing construction industry, reducing the state’s need to import timber from elsewhere – supporting local skills and business well into the future.

“The Australian Government is proud to have pitched in $10 million to make the project a reality, which has already allowed more houses in the state to be built with Queensland grown timber, providing a real boon for the local building supply chain.”

Quotes attributable to AKD CEO Shane Vicary:

“The project has secured the future of the Caboolture sawmill in Queensland. We are very thankful to the Australian Government and especially Catherine King for being here today. We are also grateful for the support of the local Moreton Bay Council and our log supply partners at HQP.

“The Caboolture Team has done a fantastic job in delivering the desired outcomes of this project, providing security to existing and new employment, and opening the door for further growth opportunities for the site.”