New legislation for Kwinana buffer zone

The State Government is expected to implement new legislation to protect the integrity of the Kwinana Industrial Area buffer zone.

Kwinana Industries Council director Chris Oughton said he hoped the Western Trade Coast Industry Protection Bill would prevent residential developments from encroaching on designated industrial land.

Mr Oughton said KIC had been trying to have the buffer zone legally protected for a number of years, particularly after the sale of land within its boundaries to developers.

He said the buffer was of critical importance to the industry within the region.

"We have been fighting for this for about three years - it's just absolutely crazy to allow residential development so close to industry," Mr Oughton said.

"The KIC could not be more supportive of new legislation to protect the buffer zone."

While Mr Oughton welcomed progress on the issue, he also recognised the rights of land owners who had purchased plots within the zone.

Premier and Minister for State Development Colin Barnett said legislating to create the Western Trade Coast Protection Area would provide greater certainty for businesses and residents in and around the Western Trade Coast, which included the Kwinana Industrial Area, Rockingham Industry Zone, Latitude 32 Industry Zone and the Australian Marine Complex.

Mr Barnett said new laws would also protect residential populations in the future from the potential impact of industry including reduced air quality, risk, noise, odour and amenity.