Published on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 5:01:47 PM
The City of Vincent is urging the State Government to step in and pursue compulsory acquisition of the long-contested concrete batching plant sites in Claisebrook.
Last month’s decision by the WA Planning Commission to approve changes to conditions regarding the decommissioning and remediation of the sites has disappointed the City, which is calling for the companies to be held accountable for making the sites safe and ready for much-needed future high density residential development.
Heidelberg and Holcim used the Part 17 Significant Development Pathway* to amend previous approval conditions set by the WAPC in June 2024.
This included requirements for the sites to be decommissioned within six months of the plants ceasing operation, including contamination investigations, any necessary remediation, and the removal of structures.
City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon has been pushing for the plants to be moved so the area can be developed into a mixed-use, high-density urban community.
“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,” Ms Xamon said.
“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.
“Without Claisebrook being redeveloped in line with the City’s planning framework, it will be incredibly challenging to achieve the infill density targets set by the State Government and the WAPC.”
Ms Xamon said that removing the conditions for Holcim and Heidelberg to be responsible for decommissioning and decontaminating the sites could derail future redevelopment.
“If the structures remain following the closure of the plants, it will be impossible to ascertain the extent of contamination, let alone remediate the sites to make them safe for development.
“These multinational companies appear to be using whatever means possible to remain in this prime inner city location at the expense of much needed, high density development right next to the city.”
*The Part 17 Significant Development Pathway was a temporary initiative introduced by the State Government in 2020 to encourage major developments as part of its COVID-19 economic recovery program. On 1 March 2024 it was closed to new development applications and was replaced by the Part 11B Significant Development Pathway.
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