Published on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at 9:11:00 AM

The City of Vincent is calling on the State Government to explore all opportunities, including compulsory acquisition, to ensure the two concrete batching plants move out of Claisebrook.

Heidelberg (formerly Hanson) and Holcim have been at 71 Edward Street and 120 Claisebrook Road for more than 35 years. These sites have the potential to be redeveloped into high density housing, which is a matter of State significance.

While it is not the decision-maker of the companies’ planning applications, Council has not supported any approval extensions or condition amendments such as increases to operating hours.

Council remained firm in its push for the concrete batching plants to relocate away from Claisebrook at last week’s meeting.

Vincent will make a submission to the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) to reinforce its opposition to Heidelberg and Holcim’s proposals to amend decommissioning conditions.

Both plants currently have time limited approvals until 31 December 2027.

The City has offered its Works Depot in Osborne Park as an alternative location for Heidelberg to relocate to.

Mayor Alison Xamon has written to Planning Minister Hon. John Carey MLA and the State Government and asked that they intervene to ensure the companies permanently move out of the area.

“This saga has been the most critical planning issue we have faced over the past few years,” Ms Xamon said.

“The ongoing existence of these plants has stopped Claisebrook from living up to its true potential as a high density, mixed-use hub filled with transit-oriented development right next to the city.

“Residents and businesses have been suffering from the noise, dust and visual amenity impacts of these plants for decades.

“It is time for them to be gone, once and for all.”

The plants are inconsistent with the Local Planning Scheme No. 2, Local Planning Strategy and the North Claisebrook Planning Framework.

Ms Xamon said the State Government should elevate current Improvement Plans to Improvement Schemes to enable the WAPC and Vincent to plan much-needed high density housing in close proximity to the Perth CBD.

“We appreciate the State Government’s support on the Improvement Plans that help transition the two plants out of Claisebrook, but more needs to be done to ensure the companies stop their stalling tactics by trying to extend time limit extensions,” she said.

“As the sites are just minutes away from the CBD and close to public transport, we believe the Government should acquire them and develop high density housing of at least 12 storeys.

“This will not only help fulfill our planning framework’s vision for the area to become a high-quality mixed-use precinct but also complement the State’s recent push to build more homes and meet the population growth and housing demand in Perth.”

The WAPC will reconsider its decision on Holcim’s application to extend their timeline for decommissioning until 31 December 2028 and make the call on Heidelberg’s amended development application in the coming months.

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