We are committed to reducing our reliance on the use of chemicals for our forest management activities, where an equivalent or better economic, ecological or environmental outcome is possible.
Where chemical use is required, it’s our preference to use low toxicity and low residual formulations less frequently, while taking strict measures to ensure the impact of their application is minimised. The protective measures we take include:
- guidelines for the responsible storage and application of chemicals, and the disposal of any residues
- centralised control of herbicide purchases
- contract conditions for supply and application of herbicides and fertiliser, aerially and ground-based, that encourage best practice and innovation (e.g. use of low-drift nozzles and GPS tracking technology in aerial herbicide application)
- staff and contractor training in chemical application techniques and regular monitoring via in-house quality control systems
- prompt reporting and investigation of any incidents
- evaluation of alternative chemical products and application technologies to reduce environmental and operator risks and improve effectiveness
- specifying buffers around sensitive areas based on risk assessment.