City wins bitumen plant appeal

as posted here

The City of Gosnells has combined with the local community to successfully defend an appeal over a controversial bitumen plant.

In March, the City refused an application by engineering company Downer EDI to build the plant at 5 Marion Rd, Maddington.

Mayor Olwen Searle welcomed the appeal decision.

“The City was concerned about the potential impacts the proposal might have on nearby residents – some of whom live only 80 metres from the site,” Mayor Searle said.

“The City reacted to the appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal by using a combination of legal advice to coordinate the case and lead the arguments, and expert evidence to analyse the potential impacts of the proposal.”

Mayor Searle said the City had also joined with local ratepayer association and community representatives to enable them to give evidence about amenity and lifestyle impacts and to help reinforce the Council’s concern.

On 19 October the SAT dismissed the appeal – finding in favour of the Council.

“The decision has also provided guidance for any future situations where industrial land owners may propose to develop sensitive land uses near residential land,” Mayor Searle said.

as posted here