452010 FWPA_MR_standardsSRG.pdf - Forest and Wood Products ...

4 May 2010
New reference group seeks to reform codes & standards
The FWPA Board endorsed the industry codes and standards strategy with a key element for effective
communication and consultation with the industry. As a result, the standards reference group (SRG) has
been formed with 13 industry members.
After receiving expressions of interest from a broad range of industry nationally, 13 were chosen including:
Kim Harris – Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts, David Marlay – Hyne, Simon Dorries – Engineered Wood
Products Association of Australia, Peter Juniper – Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry
Council, Rod McInnes – Timber Queensland, Craig Kay – Tillings, Richard Schaffner – Wespine, Peter
Robson – Boral, Gary Demby - McCormack Demby, John Harrison - Harrison's Timber, Frank Moretti –
Gunnersens, Vince Corlett- Nannup Timber Processing and David Gover – Gunns Timber Products.
The reference group will be chaired by FWPA Managing Director, Ric Sinclair with Standards & Codes
Manager, Neil Evans coordinating the development process. Mr Sinclair said FWPA is looking forward to
providing this value-added service to the industry. “Since the outcome of the standards workshop held in July
2009, the Board and Management have prioritised the industry’s view that FWPA should take a greater role
in the standards development process.”
“Standards will play an important role in the coming years and discussion between FWPA and Standards
Australia will include finding ways to deliver more timely and cost effective standards. The next part of the
strategy seeks to streamline existing processes. “
Following discussions with industry and prior to the development of the discussion paper it became apparent
the issue of timber standards was very much broader than first anticipated. Meetings with Standards
Australia have been very positive but Standards Australia admits that the high number of standards on
timber (150) is not sustainable and a system is needed to prioritise their workload.
The Strategy Paper for the coordination of timber standards and codes for the forest and wood products
sector can be found on the FWPA website under Corporate Publications.
The SRG will meet in late May and at their first meeting, they will discuss the objectives of the group and
develop a work program for the development of new codes and standards for the next 12 months. Outcomes
of the meetings will be circulated to those that expressed interest in being part of the Industry Network. The
network will be the engine room for proposing work activities and the SRG will assist FWPA in prioritising the
work program.
About Forest and Wood Products Australia
FWPA aims to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian forest and wood products industry through innovation by
investing in effective and relevant R&D and promotion of the industry’s products, services and values. FWPA undertakes industry-level
activities where a collective approach delivers more effective and valuable commercial outcomes than individual action. We deliver services
that support the industry’s capacity as a major exporter and mainstay of regional communities in many parts of Australia.

“FWPA needs feedback on standards development to improve performance and market growth of forest and
wood products.” Neil Evans encourages individuals wishing to participate by registering for the network by
contacting Lorraine Reyes via email: lorraine.reyes@fwpa.com.au or 03 9927 3222.
More information:
Neil Evans
Standards & Codes Manager
neil.evans@fwpa.com.au
03 9927 3240