Victoria tightens rules on chemical usage

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2007 came into force on 24 July 2007, considerably improving the framework for monitoring agricultural and veterinary chemical use in Victoria.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) acting manager for the chemical standards branch, Russell McMurray, said that the revised regulations seek to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits associated with the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

Significant changes include regulatory record keeping requirements and new label and advice note requirements. A new addition is notification requirements for those who intend to conduct agricultural chemical spraying within 200 metres of schools, hospitals, aged care services or children's services.

"The new requirements will help protect these sensitive areas, by ensuring school principals and facility managers are better informed and have an opportunity to manage any potential risks that may arise," said McMurray.

Further information on Victoria's chemical use legislation is available on the DPI website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards.