Mr Edman said he was appalled to learn the Department of State Development and Landcorp had granted Puma Energy a 24-month option on land opposite Wells Park on Kwinana Beach Road.
The Liberal MP said the park was popular among families and children after recent redevelopment.
Mr Edman said that despite chairing the Western Trade Coast Industry Committee (WTCIC), he was not aware of the proposed plant until it was approved. ‘I was not involved in any discussions in relation to this decision, nor were the Kwinana Industries Council, WTCIC or the City of Kwinana approached, and I am appalled,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘The park is alive with adults and children alike enjoying the facilities provided, sharing picnics and each other’s company.’
Mr Edman said an undetected leak from a gas-holding tank could be devastating.
‘The vapour is volatile and can travel quite some distance; what happens when someone lights a candle or a mosquito coil?’ he said.
‘An explosion could occur resulting in horrific consequences.’
A Department of State Development spokeswoman said Puma Energy was granted an option on a 9.5 hectare site in the port precinct and ‘separated from the park by a substantial buffer of vegetation’.
‘Granting Puma Energy the option to lease the land is the first step in a comprehensive process that will include obtaining local government, environmental, planning and regulatory approvals,’ she said.
Mr Edman said he would lobby both agencies to reconsider their decision and look at alternative locations in the Kwinana Industrial Area.
Puma Energy’s parent company Trafigura Beheer was contacted for comment but did not responded before the Courier‘s deadline.
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