BGC Brickworks site preparation to go ahead: Airport

Site preparation for the controversial BGC Brickworks is expected to commence shortly, Westralia Airports Corporation has announced.

The project had met with protests from environmental groups, as well as state and local governments because the airport's federal status puts it outside normal planning controls.

The full text of an announcement from the airport is pasted below

Perth Airport wishes to advise that it expects BGC to start site preparation for its future brickworks shortly.

General Manager Property, Mr Neil Kidd, said the completion of several more conditions set by the Commonwealth Government meant pre-construction works could now begin.

"Perth Airport is working closely with BGC, the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the community to make sure the brickworks meets each of the 60-plus conditions that will make it one of the cleanest in Australia," said Mr Kidd.

"In order to proceed to this stage Perth Airport and BGC have agreed on a detailed Construction Environment Plan and an Environmental Management System.

"These documents outline how BGC will minimise any potential impacts from building its brickworks and have been submitted to DOTARS, which has subsequently issued the works permit.

"BGC has also reached an in-principle agreement with Main Roads WA, as well as the City of Swan and Shire of Kalamunda, in respect to contributions for road maintenance and upgrades," he added. Mr Kidd said Perth Airport would continue to liaise with the Community Reference Group as the project continued.

Preliminary site works are expected to start shortly, while construction of the brickworks is expected to start in approximately two months.