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Government calls for input on timber legislation review

TIMBER INDUSTRY stakeholders have been invited to have their say in the Queensland Government’s review of the Timber Utilisation and Marketing Act 1987.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said it was important to ensure legislation kept pace with developments in the marketplace and contemporary regulatory principles.
“The Act was initially created to protect consumers regarding the quality and suitability of treated timber products,” he said.
“In recent years industry has assumed greater responsibility for issues such as product quality through industry codes and certification schemes.
“This review will consider whether market interventions controlling the sale and use of certain timber are still justified, and whether there are other ways to achieve the intent of the legislation.”
The Timber Utilisation and Marketing Act 1987 currently:
• prohibits the sale of timber that is susceptible to attack by lyctids (powder post beetles)
• prescribes controls requiring approval or preservative treatments
• provides authorisation for use and branding in relation to treated timber offered for sale
• prescribes specifications for moisture content of certain timber offered for sale.

To assist the review, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries has released an issues paper for discussion.
“The purpose of the issues paper is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the key issues and put forward comments or policy options for consideration,” the Minister said.
For a copy of the issues paper and details on how to make a submission visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or contact Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
The closing date for submissions is 14 August 2009.