THE Kwinana Industries Council has lodged a renewed application to create a Special Control Area to guarantee land access for new industries, including the outer harbour plan, in the Western Trade Coast.
The move follows a recent report from the Environmental Protection Authority assessing the impact of dust in Mandogalup which could pave the way for residential development near the industrial precinct.
KIC director Chris Oughton said the WTC was WA’s most strategically important primary heavy industrial area, generating about $16 billion annually.
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READ NOWBut Mr Oughton said the development of “sensitive or incompatible land uses” within the industry protection area could adversely affect the economic potential for the State.
Mr Oughton said he was also concerned that it could limit the potential of the proposed outer harbour development.
It is the second time the KIC has lodged an application with the WA Planning Commission to create the SCA.
Mr Oughton said the first application, lodged in 2013, was “never approved, declined or progressed”.
“The KIC intends to work closely with the relevant authorities to proactively protect the future of the WTC,” he said.
“We consider the formal introduction of a Special Control Area to be the most effective strategy to prevent future land use conflicts around the WTC.”
Mr Oughton said the creation of a special control area was a public process.
“The WAPC will call for public submissions prior to making a decision,” he said.
“Industry supports this open and transparent approach and strongly encourages the WAPC to accept the application and to initiate the statutory process.”
He said there was a need to provide statutory protection to the Western Trade Coast to future-proof its growth.
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