Milled timber at Cherbourg sawmill c1930
With a steady supply of timber and cheap inmate labour, the sawmill prospered. As well as a source of revenue for the settlement, building projects could be undertaken quickly and cheaply. The sawmill supplies timber to the Trade Training Centre workshop.
Timber is purchased from the Department of Forestry. Hardwood varieties like Iron Bark, Blue Gum and Spotted Gum and softwood varieties like Hoop Pine and Silky Oak are milled in Cherbourg.
In August 1935 the superintendent reported to the Chief Protector of Aboriginals, 7200 super feet of hardwood and 6800 super-feet of pine was sawn, 980 feet of chamfer boards were dressed.