7 July
2006 - An environmental assessment of the proposed
brickworks on Perth Airport has been released
to the public, the Australian Ministers for Transport
and Regional Services, Warren Truss, and the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
The Westralia Airports Corporation
(WAC), in cooperation with BGC Australia, has
sought approval to build a brickworks on the Perth
Airport site.
Mr Truss is responsible for
making a decision on the proposal taking into
account a number of factors under the Airports
Act 1996, including potential impacts on the environment.
In considering the potential impacts on the environment,
Minister Truss sought advice from Senator Campbell
which he is required to obtain under section 160
of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999.
A rigorous environmental impact
assessment has been undertaken. This followed
exhibition of the proposal documentation for public
comment for 90 days – the longest public comment
period of any jurisdiction in Australia.
Pursuant to Section 94 of the Airports Act 1996,
the Minister for Transport and Regional Services
has 90 days from when the assessment report advice
was given to him to make a decision on the proposal.
A decision will be made within the period following
consideration of the information provided.
Given the considerable public
interest in the development, it is appropriate
for the assessment report to be made available
for the public.
The report is available on the
Department of Environment and Heritage website
at http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/publications/perth-airport-brickworks.html
Rob Broadfield / Kylie Butler
