KEY ISSUES: SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Plantation Timber Industry Biosecurity Plan
The National Industry Biosecurity Plan (IBP) for the plantation timber industry, launched in October 2007, presents the first nationally coordinated and consistent approach to managing and reducing the risk of plant pest incursions under the new response arrangements.
The plan builds on the Generic Incursion Management Plan for the Australian Forest Sector (May 2000), which was developed prior to the establishment of the current plant health system.
Development of the IBP
Plant Health Australia (PHA) led the development of the IBP in partnership with A3P, Australian Forest Growers (AFG), Forest and Wood Products Australia (formerly the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation), the Australian Government and the state and territory governments.
The significant linkages now established through the IBP will ensure plantation timber growers are well placed to manage serious exotic pests and disease risks. The IBP provides insurance that the Australian plantation timber industry will be properly prepared to respond to an outbreak.
Identification of pests
The development of the IBP involved identifying the pests that affect the plantation timber industry worldwide, and prioritising them according to their risk to Australian producers.
The risks posed by pests and diseases such as Gypsy moth complex (Lymantria dispar) were analysed, and measures identified to reduce the chance of any pests reaching Australia’s borders. Strategies were also identified to minimise the threat posed by these pests in the event that they reach our borders.
Development of contingency plans
A3P, through its membership of Plant Health Australia, will now consider the next phase of activity on plant health issues including the development of specific contingency plans for the identified emergency plant pests. Further updates on plant health issues will be included on the A3P website and in A3P’s weekly newsletter Canopy.
Download the Plantation Timber Industry Biosecurity Plan from www.planthealthaustralia.com.au
Timber Information
Free technical information on the source, selection, properties and other atributes of plantation timber based products available for use in building and construction applications.