Business
Many businesses are involved in the use and transport of untreated pinewood, such as:
- The movement of construction pine or articles derived from pine, such as pinewood pallets, crates, boxes, dullage and packaging.
- Use of pinewood as part of building and site construction works.
- Storage of pinewood material on business sites.
For businesses operating or conducting business within described Restricted Movement Zones (RMZs), the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 impose restrictions.
Movement restrictions apply to untreated pinewood that has been exposed to the environment for 72 hours or more. Storage of pine must be within a suitable building, or if impractical, kept fully enclosed in plastic wrapping or another authorised material to prevent EHB infestation.
Breach of regulations may result in penalties of up to $2000.
The WA Building Code also requires that pine used as a primary building element be treated to ensure durability. In Restricted Movement Zones, EHB non-susceptible materials such as treated pinewood MUST be used (refer to Building page).
The following industry groups may be affected by EHB issues, although this is by no means a definitive list:
- Building
- Pallet hire
- Transport/logistics
- Reconstituted Limestone Blocks
- Demolition
- Removalists
- Liquor
- Hardware
- Timber
- Furniture
- Forestry
- Landscapers
- Waste
Minimising risk
It is recommended that business consider the EHB regulatory impact of untreated pine use on current activities, and develop procedures to meet compliance standards.
Assessment of business activity should include the following:
- Current compliance with existing EHB regulations.
- Existence of pinewood articles on-site for 72 hours or more .
- Existing storage facilities.
- Current movement of untreated pinewood in and out of RMZ areas.
- Use of treatment processes and facilities.
- Current means of disposal and destruction procedures.
- Use of pinewood in building construction.
Development and implementation of a risk management plan is recommended for any size business where untreated pinewood is identified as part of the business activity cycle.
EHB Response staff conduct ongoing visits to RMZ-based businesses in support of containment efforts, and assistance with EHB regulation compliance can be provided.
Click here to undertake a survey to identify EHB risks and any changes required.
Permit to remove untreated pinewood
If pinewood has been exposed to potential EHB infestation, business and residents cannot remove these articles from Restricted Movement Zones (RMZ) without treatment or authorisation. This requirement also applies to pinewood waste.
Click here to download an application form.
Completed forms should be sent back to info@agric.wa.gov.au or faxed to (08) 9336 2397.
For further advice and assistance, contact the EHB Response staff (Regulations) - Logan Stace 0427 083 193 or Terry O'Rafferty 0427 993 673.
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