The City’s Industrial Premises Program assesses the environmental performance and legislative compliance of industry in Cockburn. The Program identifies premises that do not comply with minimum standards. The City also helps industry prepare for climate change and provides information on sustainability actions such as minimising waste and recycling.
If you are opening a new business or leasing premises to a new tenant, please check that the property's existing planning approval permits the proposed activities on the site. If you or your tenant are found to be breaching the planning approval for the property, you may face a penalty of up to $50,000 with a daily penalty of $5,000.
For more information, please view the City’s Change of Use Guidelines and application checklist for industrial premises.
- All parking must be accommodated on site.
- Landscaping installed and maintained in accordance with the City's Town Planning Scheme.
- All buildings require approval from the City of Cockburn. Previously unapproved structures must receive retrospective approval from the City’s planning services.
- Transportable or non-permanent structures will be approved for a period up to 12 months, and structures must be removed after this time. You may request an application for extension, but this will be for a maximum additional six month period.
- Liquids must be stored appropriately to prevent accidental spills from entering the environment. All new and used liquids must be stored on sealed surfaces, in a covered storage area or placed inside a workshop. Any structures to contain or prevent accidental spills must comply with Australian Standards.
Abrasive blasting/spray painting
All abrasive blasting/spray painting operations must be carried out inside approved enclosures that comply with the relevant Australian Standards. This includes a sealed floor to ensure that all blasted material is collected for recycling and/or disposal. The enclosed structure must prevent dust or spray paint crossing the boundary of the premises. Penalties apply for businesses that do not comply with regulations.
Negative impacts on the environment can be deemed a breach of the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004. You must be aware of, and comply with, the following legislative requirements:
Please note that if blasting sand, dust or paint (liquid waste) passes over a boundary or enters the environment the owner/occupier is liable to an on the spot fine of $250 or $500, or up to $5,000 in court plus a daily penalty of up to $500 a day for a continuing offence.
Please contact the City if you have any concerns about a neighbouring property.
All existing and proposed trafficked and storage areas on lots within the Industrial Zones are to be suitably paved and drained to comply with the provisions of the City’s Town Planning Scheme, to ensure stormwater is disposed of on-site and no dust nuisance occurs.
All proposed paving and drainage use must fall into one of three categories:
- Untouched unused
- Storage or laydown areas
- Trafficable and parking areas.
Crushed compacted limestone is not a permitted sealing material. Stormwater is not permitted to flow over the property boundary either onto the neighbour’s property or the road verge. Please note that any alternative materials must not be installed without the prior approval of the City’s Manager Engineering Services.
Sites must be kept tidy to prevent the risk of accidents. Fines may apply for any spillages, and if the site is classified as a contaminated site. Please be aware of the requirements of the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004.
Washing down of vehicles/plant/equipment
Washing down is not permitted unless the area is connected to sewer or an approval for an on-site waste water disposal system has been granted by the City. Please note the Water Corporation’s requirements for vehicle and machinery wash-down areas. You must apply to the City to install an apparatus for the disposal of treated liquid waste discharge, and to the Water Corporation for an Industrial Waste Discharge Permit.
All industrial sites are entitled to receive a recycling bin from the City. Please contact the City if you would like one delivered.
Waste bins must not be stored in car parks. All waste must be stored either inside buildings or in an enclosure approved by the City’s Environmental Health Services Manager.
All waste classed as controlled waste must be collected and disposed of by a licensed controlled waste contractor. Industrial premises should keep a copy of the receipt from the controlled waste contractor for future references, so that council officers can verify all waste is being disposed of in the correct way. Please contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for information on controlled waste contractors.
In accordance with Schedule 2 of the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004, the burning of waste and vegetation is not permitted.
Vegetation should be mulched or composted. Other waste must be reused or recycled or sent to an approved landfill site. Waste materials must not be stored for long periods of time.
Please note that some high impact activities may require a registration or licence from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Please contact Health Services for more information on industrial premises on 08 9411 3444 or email us.