State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the sawmill had received $100,000 in funding from the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund — with plans to assess how it could use pine logs to extend its production line.
“Ryan and McNulty have been a long-time major employer in Benalla and by taking up the Victorian Timber Industry Innovation funding they are able to investigate and make changes now so they can be in the best position to grow in years to come,” Ms Symes said.
The funding is part of more than $2.4 million in grants distributed across the state to extend the use of plantation timbers to make new products in different ways.
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General manager Greg McNulty said for almost 80 years Ryan and McNulty had been part of the Benalla manufacturing landscape, providing timber jobs for generations.
The sawmill employs around 50 staff, and produces a range of products for the building industry.
“The Victorian Timber Innovation Fund allows us to explore how we can utilise plantation-based timbers to ensure the longevity of the business and secure local employment opportunities,” Mr McNulty said.
Through the Victorian Forestry Plan, Ryan and McNulty has previously received funding to develop a business transition plan to support the move to plantation-sourced timber.
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State Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund offered the opportunity for the industry to embrace innovation and new ways of working for a future industry that had plantation timber playing a central role.
“The Victorian Timber Innovation Fund is supporting businesses to develop new ways of working with new sources of supply, and retaining local jobs while doing so,” Ms Thomas said.
The state government is working to transition the native forest industry to a range of new opportunities by 2030 through the Victorian Forestry Plan, setting up a strong plantation-based sector.
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