Investigation into sites for industrial development

11/6/95

Planning Minister Richard Lewis today announced plans to identify a new general industry site in the metropolitan region to ensure an ongoing supply of suitable land for large industrial uses.

Mr Lewis said the Western Australian Planning Commission would head an investigation into possible locations for an industrial site, similar to the Canning Vale industrial area, with the support of the Ministry for Planning and LandCorp.

A second study is also proposed to develop an Industrial Land Buffer Policy to protect existing and new industry from surrounding incompatible land uses.

The site selection study and the buffer policy will be prepared in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Minister said it was vital to have the input of industry representatives when planning for the future needs of such an important contributor to the State's economy. 

"The protection of industry and the promotion of new industrial employment opportunities are extremely important to the development of the metropolitan region," Mr Lewis said.

"Although recent studies have indicated that industrial land supply is currently adequate, there has been an increased uptake in these areas, particularly in Canning Vale, which highlights the need to identify land for this use in the future.

"Given the long lead times required to plan for industrial areas, it is important to undertake the study now to maintain an adequate supply of land into the next century."

Mr Lewis said preliminary site investigations would assess the availability of land, its proximity to major transport services including road and rail, and integration with existing planning schemes and communities.

"The study will identify the most appropriate site for general industry and provide concept plans for the internal layout and transportation needs of the selected site," he said.

The Minister said the State Industrial Buffer Policy would protect the integrity of key industrial sites and at the same time protect the rights of landowners who may be adversely affected by industrial activities.

"The policy will address land uses on the periphery of ports and major infrastructure such as sewerage treatment plants and power stations, and establish broad principles for the protection of these areas," Mr Lewis said.

"The new industrial policy will improve certainty of industry and protect adjacent land uses from adverse effects."

Media contact:  Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377