The warmer days have certainly arrived and one Millicent business operator can gradually cut back his operations.


We are nearing the start of the first month of summer but wood merchant Paul Hogan is still making deliveries.


This is the 18th year that Mr Hogan has been selling and delivering redgum from his Millicent base.


His client base is in the hundreds and stretches from Port MacDonnell to Robe.


“Demand for firewood began much later this year,” Mr Hogan said.


“It had been relatively mild until late May and then demand for wood was steady.


“There was a big storm in Millicent last December and there was a lot of fallen timber.


“This has not impacted my sales this year but it might down the track.”


At a time of rising commodity prices and soaring cost of living expenses, Mr Hogan is pleased he has been able to keep his redgum prices as the same as 2023.


Mr Hogan has been prepared to invest heavily into the business such as the purchase of a front-end loader five years ago.


He also shifted from rented premises in the Millicent CBD and purchased a showroom and large block on Rendelsham Road.


Mr Hogan has a rare day off at the moment as he also operates a year-round commercial cleaning business.