Shire timber policy put on slow burn

Discussion became heated at the Harvey Shire Council meeting last Tuesday after councillor Bill Adams submitted a motion to develop a Wood Encouragement Policy in the shire.

Cr Adams submitted a motion that Harvey shire chief executive officer Annie Riordan develop a policy addressing the advantages of the use of timber as a preferred construction material in the residential and industrial building industry within the shire.

Greg Meachem from Timber Insight gave a presentation at the beginning of the meeting discussing the positive uses of timber and how it is commonly used in iconic buildings around Australia.

Cr Adams stressed this was an encouragement policy aimed at giving greater recognition to the use of timber, and in no way was enforcing the sole use of timber on the community.

“We should acknowledge this is a request for an encouragement policy,” Cr Adams said.

“It is important that we recognise the benefits of timber over other materials.”

Cr Wendy Dickinson seconded the motion and discussed the historical link WA had with the timber industry, adding the policy would support local jobs and the timber industry.

Cr Craig Carbone argued against both Cr Dickinson and Cr Adams saying timber may not be the most appropriate material.

“Any builder that comes into contact with timber will run a thousand miles in the opposite direction,” Cr Carbone said.

The council agreed that staff bring back the policy in the form of a draft for consideration.