Adopted by Council on 15 December 2014

Policy Goals

• To stimulate sustainable economic development within the Gippsland timber and wood products industry and encourage value adding products within the timber industry.
• To encourage the use of wood in the construction and fit out of Council buildings and infrastructure.
• To recognise all of the benefits that make wood a smart choice for Council buildings and infrastructure.
• To share information and encourage education regarding the benefits of using wood in construction and fit out of buildings and infrastructure.
• To demonstrate local and national leadership by enacting the Wood Encouragement Policy on Council buildings and infrastructure.
• To encourage the use of wood in demonstration projects across the municipality.
• To align with opportunities for state and federal funding.
• To reinforce Council’s preference for quality wood buildings in the development of briefs for projects.
• To promote the industry as a renewable resource, capturing the environmental benefits of the resource.

Policy Implementation

Latrobe City Council recognises the importance of the forest and wood products industry to both Latrobe City and the broader Gippsland region. Central to Council’s commitment to job retention and creation is supporting significant local industry in order to secure jobs and leverage further investment.

Council will encourage the increased utilisation of wood in Council assets by:

1. Ensuring that all briefs for new Council projects incorporate the requirement to use wood as the preferred material for both construction and fit out purposes, where wood is deemed a suitable material for the proposed application;
2. Seeking those who can find, practical, efficient, versatile and cost-effective building and design solutions using wood when sourcing design and architectural expertise;
3. Ensuring that all comparisons to the cost of building with other materials will take into account all long-term and life cycle benefits of using wood;
4. Where possible, sourcing locally produced wood products for construction and fit out purposes;
5. Being a champion of the forest and wood products industry, by establishing this policy and demonstrating commitment to the further development of the local forest and wood products industry.
6. Actively seeking demonstration projects that showcase the use of wood within the municipality.
7. Actively working to attract new, innovative wood products manufacturers to Latrobe City.

In using wood as a preferred construction material for Council infrastructure, Council will have regard to:

1. The utilisation of wood products that meet the Australian Forest Standard, Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and / or Forest Stewardship Council certifications. Maintenance required throughout the life of the project;
2. Pest and fungus protection; and
3. Using wood only when it is the right material for the selected application.

This policy has been reviewed after giving proper consideration to all the rights contained within the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006; and any reasonable limitation to human rights can be demonstrably justified.

Timber Towns

Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) is an incorporated Local Government Association. Latrobe City Council is a member of Timber Towns. For more information about Timber Towns visit the website.

Timber Towns