Victoria’s Timber Towns Mourn the Closure of the Swifts Creek Mill
Victoria’s Timber Towns Mourn the Closure of the Swifts Creek Mill
20 February 2026
Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) has acknowledged the closure of the historic Swifts Creek sawmill in East Gippsland, marking the end of an era for a region still feeling the aftermath of the Victorian government’s decision to close the native forest industry.
TTV represents municipal councils across Victoria’s north, east and west, with President Cr Karen Stephens stressing that the recent closure highlights the ongoing challenges communities face as they transition away from native forestry and the need for continued government support.
“This mill closure is the glaring outcome of ad-hoc decision by government that have lasting impacts across communities at so many levels. The Swift Creek community need genuine government support that has dependable outcomes.” says Cr Stephens.
The Swifts Creek mill was established by the Ezard family in the immediate aftermath of the 1939 Black Friday bushfires and operated for decades as a hardwood sawmill, supplying structural timber, pallets, and general hardwood products from mountain ash, alpine ash, silvertop ash, and messmate.
Speaking to The Weekly Times, long‑time community advocate Stephen Richardson said the mill’s closure leaves Swifts Creek facing significant uncertainty. “Swifts Creek is in real trouble,” Richardson said. “The promise to put all those timber jobs somewhere else locally hasn’t been kept.”
Cr Stephens said the situation in Swifts Creek reflects broader issues affecting timber towns across Victoria, where the loss of industry has flowed through to local businesses, services and community stability.
“The consequences of the government decision is being felt by every household, business and person within the community”
TTV maintains that regional communities built on forestry continue to underpin local jobs, regional economies and essential building and fibre supply chains, and that government support must reflect the scale of transition underway.
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About Timber Towns Victoria
Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) is an incorporated Local Government Association formed in the early 1980s, representing the interests of municipal councils in forestry matters on both public and private land. It represents timber regions, including Wellington Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Latrobe City, Baw Baw Shire, Moorabool Shire, Ballarat City, Colac Otway Shire, Moyne Shire, Glenelg Shire, West Wimmera Shire and Gannawarra Shire.
According to Cr Karen Stephens, TTV President: “Timber Towns Victoria continues to be a strong advocate for the community and industry to the State Government on the impact that changes to legislation have regarding the timber industry and our communities.”
Quick links
- Catastrophic Fires Highlights Coordinated Fire Management Is Essential – Timber Towns Victoria 21 January 2026
- Breakthrough timber engineering in the Green Triangle celebrated – Timber Towns Victoria 4 December 2025
- Timber Towns Victoria Acknowledges Mill Closure in Yarram – Timber Towns Victoria 12 November 2025
- Timber Towns Victoria tours Wellington Shire region showcasing timber towns businesses and communities 10 October 2025
For more information, contact Timber Towns Victoria President, Glenelg Shire Councillor Cr Karen Stephens, 0488 900 645 or email secretary@timbertownsvictoria.com.au