Timber Towns Victoria (TTV), Media Release, 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.