Annual Report 2008-2009 - Department of Transport

40
Industrial buffers
On behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission, the Department
undertook a comprehensive review of the State Planning Policy for industrial
buffers. This policy aims to ensure that appropriate buffer distances exist
to separate industrial land uses and essential infrastructure from sensitive
land uses so that land-use conflicts are minimised.
This policy was first gazetted in 1997. Following analysis of the public
submissions received during the review, substantial modifications were
made.
The Western Australian Planning Commission approved the release of the
draft revised policy in June 2009 for public comment.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies/
Kimberley gas precinct
In December 2008, the State Government announced James Price Point as
the preferred site for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) precinct in the Kimberley.
In response to this announcement, environmental approvals are being
sought from both the State and Federal Governments. The Department has
commenced work on the social impact assessment that is required as a
component of these environmental approvals.
The social impact assessment will identify and assess the anticipated social
impacts of the proposed LNG precinct on Broome and the surrounding
region of the West Kimberley. It will also develop mitigation, management,
monitoring and evaluation plans to manage the identified impacts.
It is expected that the social impact assessment will be completed by
November 2009.
*This activity also relates to Goal 3 and 4.
www.dsd.wa.gov.au/KimberleyLNG
Basic
raw
materials
The Department leads a group comprising State agencies, local government
and industry tasked with investigating a range of issues associated with the
provision of basic raw materials (sand, gravel, limestone, rock) in the Perth
Metropolitan, Peel/Mandurah and South West regions.
An applicants’ manual was completed and published in February 2009. It
provides guidance on the processes that industry and the State and local
governments need to follow when approval for extractive industry operations
is sought.
Mapping of basic raw materials resources has commenced with assistance
from the Department of Mines and Petroleum, and initial maps are expected
to be produced by August 2009. These maps will enable the State and
local governments to protect significant basic raw materials through local
planning schemes, and avoid approval of land uses which would render the
raw materials inaccessible.
Development of a basic raw materials strategy and revision of the State
Planning Policy on basic raw materials are underway. These are expected to
be completed by the end of 2009.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies/
Road and Rail Transport Noise
A State Planning Policy for road and rail transport noise was completed and
adopted by the Western Australian Planning Commission in May 2009. The
Department developed the policy with assistance from the Department of
Environment and Conservation and Main Roads WA. The policy guides land
development within the area of influence of rail and major road corridors
and freight handling facilities. It represents a coordinated, whole-ofgovernment
approach and considers land-use planning, freight networks
and infrastructure planning and provision.
The policy sets the framework for the coexistence of transport operations
and urban development, providing predictability for the freight industry and
infrastructure planners and providers, and ensuring long-term certainty
for transport infrastructure corridors and facilities through compatible
land-use development. It also provides guidance for developers seeking to
develop land adjacent to existing or planned roads and railways.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies/