EARLY-BIRD NOTIFICATION

Coming soon

Your chance to comment on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for proposed dealings involving intentional release of genetically modified cotton: DIR 064/2006

Application

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received an application (DIR 064/2006) under section 40 of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) from Monsanto Australia Limited (Monsanto) which, if approved, would involve a limited and controlled release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the Australian environment.

Monsanto is seeking approval for a limited and controlled release of up to 24 GM cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) lines that have each been genetically modified to enhance water use efficiency.

The proposed release would take place at up to 10 sites in New South Wales and Queensland over a maximum total area of 10 hectares per season during each of the 2 growing seasons between September 2006 and June 2008. The trial would involve proof of concept, early stage research to assess the agronomic characteristics, water use efficiency, yield and fibre quality of the GM cotton lines under optimum watering and water stress treatments. Seeds would also be collected and stored for further studies including possible future releases (subject to additional assessments and approvals).

Purpose of this notification

As the Gene Technology Regulator, I would like to advise people who have previously expressed interest in knowing about work with GMOs in Australia that they now have the opportunity to access information about this application, including the application itself.

You can obtain a copy of the application from my Office (see contact details below). When contacting the office, please quote the reference number DIR 064/2006. As the application is quite lengthy, you may prefer to view a summary of the application, which is posted on our website with this document (under ‘What’s New’) along with a set of Questions and Answers. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the summary and/or the Questions and Answers, please contact us and we will post it to you.

A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application is now being prepared with input from a broad range of experts, agencies and authorities, including State and Territory Governments, relevant local councils, key Australian Government agencies, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee. The RARMP is expected to be released for public comment in late June 2006. The Act specifies a 30 day minimum consultation period. However, at this stage I anticipate allowing six weeks for submissions to be received.

If you have questions about the application, or how you can provide comment, please contact us at:
The 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 

(Dr) Sue D Meek
Gene Technology Regulator
29 March 2006

RELATED DOCUMENTS:

DIR 064/2006 - Cotton licence application summary

Questions & Answers on Licence Application DIR 064/2006: Limited and Controlled Release of Genetically Modified cotton