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Timber workers registration

Within Western Australia, workers in specific roles within the timber industry are required to possess a valid timber workers registration.

These registrations are mandatory under the provisions of the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 and regulations therein.

Forest Products Commission (FPC) is the agency responsible for managing and issuing timber worker registrations.

The following information will guide you through the process of obtaining your registration, as well as answering some of the questions you may have about the registration process.

Do I need to register as a timber worker?

The requirement to register depends on the role of work you perform. Here are some of the categories of work for which registration is required:

  • Chainsaw Operator
  • General Hand (Swamper)
  • Handfeller Softwood
  • Handfeller Hardwood
  • Log Haulier
  • Machine Feller
  • Minor Forest Produce Operator
  • Mobile Plant Operator
  • Skyline Operator
  • Skyline Chokerman
  • Supervisor
  • Tree Marker Softwood
  • Tree Marker Hardwood
  • Sandalwood

If you’re unsure that the work you perform requires registration, visit our offices or get in contact with us so our staff can give you the best advice.

Before you can register

In order to register, you need to have successfully completed a course of recognised training relevant to your role.

There are a number of Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) who provide recognised training under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

To assist in finding a training provider in your area, you can refer to the Forestworks training directory at www.forestworks.com.au/directory.

Once you have successfully completed your training, you should be issued a certificate showing the relevant units of competency.

Full registration

If applying for a full registration, a copy of your competency certificate must be submitted with your application, as this helps us ensure the right training has been completed for each role.

Probationary registration

If you are applying for probationary registration, we prefer that you can show you are enrolled in the right unit for each role. This can be demonstrated through providing your enrolment paperwork or other documentation from the training organisation which lists the relevant units of competency being undertaken.

Overseas trained applicants

You will need to contact a Registered Training Organisation to have your qualifications converted to Australia’s national training scheme.

This can generally be achieved by enrolling for the relevant course and applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

You will need to contact the individual training organisation to find out their process for RPL enrolments.

Again, once you have been certified under Australia’s national training scheme, you must ensure a copy of the competency certificate is submitted with your application.

How to register

To register, simply complete the application form (103kB PDF), and lodge it in person at any FPC office.

A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 must be paid at the time of application. Your registration fee can be paid for in cash (in person only), or non-negotiable cheque/money order payable to Forest Products Commission.

Once your application has been received and the appropriate fee paid, it will be reviewed and you will be advised of the registration decision either on the spot or within 14 days should your application need to be referred.

Registrations are valid for a period of three (3) years.

Things to know once registered

Once your registration has been approved, your certificate of registration and wallet card will be posted to the address indicated on your application.

Your wallet card must be kept on you at all times when undertaking your timber industry role.

Officers from the FPC and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) are permitted to inspect worker registrations, and you are required to present your card to authorised officers from these departments on demand.

Failing to present your card when required can result in fines and further liabilities.

The card is issued to the person named on the card for their sole use. Your registration card must not be handed to any other person for their use, or for the purpose of them impersonating you to work, or to seek work within WA’s timber industry. Doing so could see you liable for fines or prosecution.

Moving or changing address?

If you move or change address during the registration period, it is important that you keep us informed of your new contact details.

To inform us of a change or address or phone number, simply contact our LOIS Systems Support Officer (details below) who can update your details on the spot.

Replacing your registration card

You may have your wallet stolen, it may have ended up in the wash or you’ve misplaced it. This isn’t a problem as cards can be easily replaced.

To arrange a replacement card, simply contact our LOIS Systems Support Officer who can arrange a replacement card to be sent to you.

If you are approached by an authorised officer from FPC or DEC while waiting for a replacement card, simply advise them that you are waiting for your card to be replaced and when you reported the issue. The authorised officer is permitted to ask for further identification (such as a drivers license or other photographic ID) to confirm your identify.

Renewing your registration

Generally within 4-8 weeks of your registration expiring, you will receive a renewal notice to the address listed on your original application.

Cancelling your registration

Simply surrender your registration card to any FPC office, or send it to us by registered mail with a note advising it is no longer required. Upon receipt of your card, your registration will be cancelled.

Contacts and more information

If you have any questions regarding timber workers registration, help is only a phone call, visit or email away.

You are welcome to visit any FPC office, where our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions or resolve any issues you may have.

If you’re unable to visit our offices, feel free to call, write or email us with your questions.

Contact the LOIS System Support Officer with your questions on (08) 9363 4600, or you can send an email to info@fpc.wa.gov.au.

If you’d like to write to us about timber worker registrations, send your mail to the following address:

Attn: LOIS – System Support Officer
Forest Products Commission
Locked Bag 888
PERTH BC WA 6849

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