3 I none n Commend the efforts taken by the applicant and the Gene Technology Regulator in investigating and minimising the hazards and subsequent risks that might accrue due to the planting of the genetically modified wheat, and we would welcome their preparedness to incorporate our additional recommendation when undertaking the trials. HGT Concerned about HGT of antibiotic The risk of harm occurring as a result of genes to soil microorganisms. HGT from the GMOs to microorganisms in Recommends that the applicants the soil has been considered in the context carry out studies on soil samples of this limited and controlled release taken from the fields to re-assure the (Event 5) and was considered negligible. community that these transformative events do not pose an undue (short and long term) risk. C Supports the Regulator's suggestions Dispersal of GM plant material has been to erect a 1.2 m high fence, 10 m considered in Event 3 of this RARMP and exclusion zone, 200 m isolation zone in detail in previous RARMPs (eg DIR and rodents control measures. 071/2006; Event 8) and reference Concerned about birds, insects and documents prepared by the OGTR and water dispersing the GMOs. risks were considered negligible. Suggests trial site should be located Neither of the sites have any history of much more than 50 m from waterway flooding. or surrounded by channels to divert Licence conditions have been imposed excess water. requiring regular inspection of all fences Any physical confinement strategies and rodent control measures. should not only be put in they should also be monitored frequently and evaluated with regards to their stability. GT Notes that L. em The scientific literature referenced in the Triticum aestivum Thell has a low rate of out-crossing submission was considered in the and that if out-crossing occurs, it is preparation of the (Events 4 & 5). facilitated by wind dispersal, and in The control measures imposed are turn is dependent on prevailing considered to be adequate to restrict gene weather patterns and conditions. flow to non-GM plants in relation to this Wind-borne cross fertilisation of application. wheat is higher in warm, dry weather, which has to be assumed, given the environmental conditions prevalent in the location the wheat is going to be trialled. Suggests the 10 m monitoring zone be monitored during the trial and the 200 m isolation zone be increased.
3 I n none Commend the efforts taken by the applicant and the Gene Technology Regulator in investigating and minimising the hazards and subsequent risks that might accrue due to the planting of the genetically modified wheat, and we would welcome their preparedness to incorporate our additional recommendation when undertaking the trials. HGT Concerned about HGT of antibiotic genes to soil microorganisms. Recommends that the applicants carry out studies on soil samples taken from the fields to re-assure the community that these transformative events do not pose an undue (short and long term) risk. The risk of harm occurring as a result of HGT from the GMOs to microorganisms in the soil has been considered in the context of this limited and controlled release (Event 5) and was considered negligible. C Supports the Regulator's suggestions to erect a 1.2 m high fence, 10 m exclusion zone, 200 m isolation zone and rodents control measures. Concerned about birds, insects and water dispersing the GMOs. Suggests trial site should be located much more than 50 m from waterway or surrounded by channels to divert excess water. Any physical confinement strategies should not only be put in they should also be monitored frequently and evaluated with regards to their stability. Dispersal of GM plant material has been considered in Event 3 of this RARMP and in detail in previous RARMPs (eg DIR 071/2006; Event 8) and reference documents prepared by the OGTR and risks were considered negligible. Neither of the sites have any history of flooding. Licence conditions have been imposed requiring regular inspection of all fences and rodent control measures. GT Notes that Triticum aestivum L. em Thell has a low rate of out-crossing and that if out-crossing occurs, it is facilitated by wind dispersal, and in turn is dependent on prevailing weather patterns and conditions. Wind-borne cross fertilisation of wheat is higher in warm, dry weather, which has to be assumed, given the environmental conditions prevalent in the location the wheat is going to be trialled. Suggests the 10 m monitoring zone be monitored during the trial and the 200 m isolation zone be increased. The scientific literature referenced in the submission was considered in the preparation of the (Events 4 & 5). The control measures imposed are considered to be adequate to restrict gene flow to non-GM plants in relation to this application.
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