Attachment C: Assessment Criteria

The following criteria were used to assess woodchip export licence applications for 1996: 

• the effect on the environment of obtaining the woodchips;   
• the existence, or otherwise, of a local market for the woodchips and if no local market exists, the prospects for development of such a market;   
• the financial resources available to the applicant;   
• the ability and experience of the applicant in relation to the marketing and export of woodchips;   
• where the whole or part of the woodchips are yet to be obtained by the applicant, the source of supply of the woodchips;   
• the terms of any agreement that the applicant has entered into or intends to enter into in relation to the woodchips;   
• the applicant's commitment to value-adding and processing activities in Australia both now and in the future;   
• the commercial reputation of the applicant including the applicant's experience and ability in marketing woodchips and consideration of an applicant's past adherence to export licence conditions; and   
• the possible economic, social and operational impacts of a decision to grant or refuse a licence application.

"I had particular regard to an applicant's commitment to value-adding and processing activities in Australia both now and in the future, and to the economic, social and operational impacts resulting from any decisions in relation to export licence applications," Mr Beddall said.

"I also had particular regard to the effect on the environment generally and, in particular, the desire to ensure areas which might be needed for a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system are protected pending completion of the Regional Forest Agreements (RFA) process," he said.