Perth Voice Interactive

TWO controversial Claisebrooke concrete batching plants have been given another extension to operate for 3.5 years, but with a firm timeline from the WA Planning Commission to move out. 

Holcim and Hanson were read the riot act by WAPC chairman David Caddy, who said they would have to lodge alternative site applications and commence building by 2025 or else would be forced to shut down. 

“We will be monitoring the condition milestones closely to ensure these are met and the site is remediated ready for redevelopment by the end of 2028,” Mr Caddy said. 

Claisebrook Collective spokesperson Pauline Holdaway said the community had been through a “rollercoaster” while the two companies lodged a succession of extension applications and believed they had received adequate time previously. 

“The community has lost faith, confidence and patience that the concrete batching plants will move on voluntarily.” Ms Holdaway said. 

“It is inconceivable to entertain that corporations of this size and maturity do not have a risk management or succession strategy for these sites. The reality is that they have just not been pushed to enact these succession strategies and have been allowed to extend their operation time on the subject sites at their will.”

Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said the council was “very disappointed” at the WAPC’s extension.

Ms Xamon said restaurants, cafes, businesses and apartments had sprung up in the precinct, however the concrete plants had put a pause on further development potential.

“The existence of these plants prevents the delivery of high density, transit oriented mixed-use development on these sites, which would complement the growth of the area,” Ms Xamon said.

The approved extension is one of many that Holcim and Hanson have received over the 22 years they have been settled in Claisebrook, and an independent 2024 report by consultants Pracsys found that the immediate closure of the plants could lead to “price shocks” in the concrete market.

Planning minister John Carey said the Cook government was committed to moving the plants out.

“The complexities of moving these plants have been extremely challenging to date, with a number of government agencies and the City of Vincent continuing to work with the plant operators to progress relocation,” Mr Carey said.

Hanson spokesperson Rob Golaszewski told the WAPC’s special development committee meeting their plant couldn’t relocate within the proposed timeframe without affecting concrete supplies to the city and requested the approval be extended until 2031.

“Hanson are committed to securing land and development approvals to relocate the East Perth concrete batching plant in line with the City of Vincent’s strategic planning objectives for the area,” Mr Golaszewski said.

by IMOGEN WALSH