Perth Voice Interactive

“I WANT you out,” new Vincent mayor Alison Xamon has told two concrete companies that for more than 20 years have brought dust, noise, and heavy trucks to a Claisebrook neighbourhood.

The plants owned by companies Hanson and Holcim have operated on time-limited approvals since the early 2000s, and the current approval expires June 2024.

But Ms Xamon says neither company has made a serious effort to prepare for the deadline, which they’ve known about for five years, and they’re both now asking the state government for more extensions.

“I would like to make it very clear that I think that Holcim and Hanson have proven themselves to be extremely poor corporate citizens,” Ms Xamon said at her first full council meeting on November 21. 

“This has been a matter which has dragged on for decades, and is ridiculous.

“I think the fact that five years ago a final decision was made, and that there has really been no genuine movement by either of those companies to actually ensure that they have moved their operations, is absolutely appalling.”

Many locals want the plants gone to give the neighbourhood a chance to flourish with new housing. 

Hanson is keen on a land swap to move their plant to Vincent council’s current depot in Osborne Park, which could be freed up if the council depot moves to a Mount Claremont site they’ve been offered by the state government. 

But that’ll still take “years, not months” according to Vincent council staff, and Hanson wants the state government to grant an extension to continue operating in Claisebrook in the meantime.

Holcim has a long-term plan to move its Claisebrook operation out to a bigger site in Welshpool, but has asked for another seven-year extension to give it enough time to prepare. 

“By asking for a seven-year extension, I think it’s a very cynical approach,” Ms Xamon said.

“To be very clear to Holcim and Hanson, I’m the mayor, I’ve been elected for the next four years: I don’t like you, and I want you out,” Ms Xamon said. “I want to get that on the record.”

A Hanson spokesperson said the company was in “talks” with the WA government.

“Hanson has been constructively engaging with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Main Roads WA and local authorities about the relocation of the plant and suitability of alternative sites,” they told the Voice.

“Hanson has also worked collaboratively over the past three years with the City of Vincent regarding a potential relocation site. These discussions have been positive and are continuing.”

Councillors endorsed shifting the City’s depot and Hanson’s plant relocating there. 

A business case will be prepared and community consultation will follow. 

Councillors also voted to agree “not to object to the shortest possible extension to Hanson’s current planning approval in order to undertake a smooth and orderly relocation”.

However they’re objecting “in the strongest possible terms” to the state government granting any extension to Holcim’s approval.

by DAVID BELL