Australia’s Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) is responsible for administering the national regulatory system that seeks to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology and managing those risks.
 

The Regulator is currently assessing licence application DIR 058/2005 from Deltapine Australia Pty Ltd for a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) cotton lines:

The application proposes a small scale field trial of insect resistant GM cotton lines on one or two sites over a maximum total area of one hectare during the 2005–06 summer cotton growing season in the Shires of Narrabri, NSW and Emerald, QLD. The purpose of the trial is to produce seed for future releases (subject to further assessments).

The Regulator has prepared a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) for the proposed release, incorporating a range of licence conditions (including containment measures), that would be imposed if a licence was issued.
 

The Regulator invites written submissions on the RARMP in order to finalise the plan. This document will then form the basis of the Regulator’s decision on whether, or not, to issue the licence. The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the Regulator’s website under “What’s New” or by contacting her Office (see below). Please quote the application number in any correspondence.
 

Submissions should be forwarded by close of business on 7 October 2005.

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, PO Box 100 WODEN, ACT 2606
Telephone: 1800 181 030    Facsimile: 02 6271 4202    E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au

Application for Licence for Intentional Release of GMOs Into the Environment: Application No. DIR 058/2005 Small Scale Field Trial of GM Insect Resistant (VIP) Cotton

DIR 058/2005 - Application for licence for Limited and controlled release of insect resistant (VIP) GM cotton Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan

DIR 058/2005 - Cotton RARMP summary

DIR 058/2005 - Technical Summary

Related document - The biology and ecology of cotton

Questions & Answers on Licence Application DIR 058/2005 - Limited & Controlled Release of Genetically Modified Cotton Lines

DIR 058/2005 - cotton licence application summary