The state government is hoping to deliver greater planning certainty to suburbs around Kwinana by agreeing to introduce legislation securing a buffer zone between industrial and residential land uses.
The state government is hoping to deliver greater planning certainty to suburbs around Kwinana by agreeing to introduce legislation securing a buffer zone between industrial and residential land uses.
The Kwinana industry buffer zone is designed to protect the Western Trade Coast industrial precinct, which encompasses established industrial areas at Kwinana and the Australian Marine Complex, along with newer industrial areas at Latitude 32 and Rockingham.
Premier Colin Barnett has agreed to introduce legislation to “provide greater certainty for businesses and residents in and around Western Trade Coast”.
“This zone will provide important protection for both vital industries and people who live nearby,” Mr Barnett said in a statement.
“It will ensure that industries that provide jobs and play an important role in our economy are not faced with future restrictions on their operations that may result from encroaching residential development.
“It will also protect residential populations into the future from potential impacts of industry including reduced air quality, risk, noise, odour and amenity.”
He said concerns about the strength of the existing buffer zone had been identified by the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs, as well as the Department of Environmental Regulation.
“The new measures will be developed by the Department of State Development and the Department of Planning,” Mr Barnett said.
The chairman of the Western Trade Coast industries committee, Phil Edman, welcomed the news.
“The premier’s announcement will encourage businesses in the area to invest in their operations safe in the knowledge there is a clear and agreed industry zone to stop urban encroachment and protect both the welfare of the community and the longevity of the industry,” he said.
Mr Edman said businesses in the area were planning to invest more than $2 billion over the next five years.
Kwinana Industry Council president David Honey said he was pleased to have Mr Barnett directly engaged in the discussion and was delighted with his commitment to work closely with industry on drafting the proposed Kwinana Industry Buffer zone legislation.
“The contribution of businesses within the WTC is hugely beneficial to the state and local community, and the certainty provided by this decision will enable the continued investment, innovation, training and employment,” he said.
Businesses within the Western Trade Coast area contribute more than $14.7 billion in direct sales to the state economy with 11,000 direct employees.
Latitude 32 has been earmarked by LandCorp as a major source of new industrial land over the next 30 years.
