The state government has identified 37 areas for future industrial estates in the metropolitan and Peel regions, which are expected to meet long-term demand for industrial land.
The department of planning and WA Planning Commission report, titled Economic and Employment Lands Strategy: non-heavy industrial, states that demand for industrial land to the year 2031 is expected to increase by 4,726 hectares.
The report said it will be approximately 10 years before the market can achieve a balance in supply with demand.
“It is therefore crucial that priority be allocated to facilitate the release of the remainder of existing industrial estates (representing 1,758 ha),” the report stated.
However, this still leaves a shortfall of 3,000 ha if no further action is taken – a point acknowledged by planning minister John Day.
“By 2031, it is predicted that there will be a shortfall of 3,000 ha of land available for light and general industry” Mr Day said.
The 37 land parcels identified in the report total nearly 13,000 hectares but the report said the developable land fit for future industrial use will be substantially less following rationalisation of the sites.
The strategy identifies which sites will be investigated in the short (0-4 years), medium (4 -10 years) and long term (10+ years).
Sites available within the next four years are all south of the river, and adjacent to existing industrial estates, such as Jandakot airport, Forrestdale, Kwinana, Canning Vale and Maddington.
Medium term sites include some very large parcels of land, including at North Ellenbrook, Bullsbrook and Pinjar in the north, along with Baldivis, Cardup and Mundijong in the south.
Areas earmarked for long-term potential include land adjacent to the Neerabup, Latitude 32 and Maddington industrial estates.
“The timing for making the sites available would be based on the necessary feasibility studies, public consultation and investigation required for them to be re-zoned for light to general industrial purposes.” Mr Day said.
As part of a detailed site selection process, several sites identified were afforded a higher priority based on their attributes and characteristics as well as input from stakeholders, including landowners and local state government agencies.
The report said the Urban Development Program (UDP) and associated land release program for industrial land will ensure a coordinated and informed approach to the monitoring and delivery of the sites.
“This will help to provide certainty for industrial land developers, business operators and residents over the next 20 years,” Mr Day said.