Have your say on draft timber encouragement policy

Have your say on draft timber encouragement policy

Published on 10 January 2020

Council is seeking community feedback on a draft Timber Encouragement Policy.

This draft policy aims to encourage the use of timber as Council’s preferred material for the construction and fit out of Council buildings and infrastructure, wherever possible and appropriate. Its purpose is to ensure that the use of timber is considered at the initial stages of a project, specifically when the brief for a project is being developed.

Accompanying guidelines aim to provide guidance in the implementation and administration of the policy.

Council resolved to investigate and prepare a draft policy for community review at its 1 October 2019 Council meeting.

The objectives of this draft policy are to:

Stimulate sustainable economic development within the Gippsland timber and timber products industry and encourage value adding products within the timber industry; Encourage the use of timber in the construction and fit out of Council buildings and infrastructure; Recognise the benefits of timber that make wood a sound choice for Council buildings and infrastructure; Share information and encourage education regarding the benefits of using timber in construction and fit out of buildings and infrastructure; Demonstrate local and national leadership by enacting this Timber Encouragement Policy in respect of Council buildings and infrastructure; Encourage the use of timber in demonstration projects across the municipality; Align with opportunities for State and Federal funding; Reinforce Council’s preference for quality timber buildings in the development of briefs for projects; and Promote the industry as a renewable resource, capturing the environmental benefits of the resource.

Once adopted, the policy will be reviewed every four years.

To review the full draft policy and provide feedback, please go to www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

This consultation opportunity is open until 5.00pm on Friday 14 February 2020.

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be consolidated and presented to Council for consideration at a future Council meeting.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“As a Council, we recognise the importance of timber manufacturing and forestry product industries to our local community and the wider Gippsland region. It’s vital to our local economy and provides significant local employment. We want to ensure this draft policy aligns with community views and encourage anyone interested to review it and have their say.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Michael Leaney

“While we cannot control external pressures and policy, we can support the local timber industry by encouraging the use of sustainable, locally sourced products in Council projects. We want to lead by example and are committed to continue working with our business community, timber industry and government to ensure sustainable economic development and employment in Baw Baw Shire.”