Light Industry Program

Our industrial areas comprise 1000s of small businesses and their economic contribution is critical to our way of life.

The community also values clean rivers, waterways, and natural ecosystems, which can sometimes be impacted by industry. Therefore, we work with business and industry to help reduce their impact on the environment.

A report issued by the Auditor General in 2014 outlined the dire state of the Swan and Canning rivers. The report found industry significantly contributes to poor water quality in the rivers by contaminating storm and groundwater, which directly connect to the rivers.

The businesses within Welshpool, Canning Vale, Cannington, and Willetton play a crucial role in protecting our environment by preventing contaminants from entering the river system. The stormwater network within these areas connects directly with the river. On-site disposal of stormwater isn’t possible because of high water tables.

Our Compliance Plan (PDF 500KB) sets out our purpose, how we achieve this through the Industry Inspection Program, and how this plan links to the Strategic Community Plan. Our focus is to:

• support businesses meet their City approval and environmental obligations, through advice, guidance, and compliance
• educate proprietors on legislative requirements and best practice environmental measures
• promote awareness of the effects industrial premises have on water quality within the Canning River systems.

Helpful information and forms

• Wash down bay guidelines (PDF 870KB)
• Wash down bay approval process flow chart (PDF 60KB)
• Mechanical equipment wash down for onsite wash down discharge (Water quality protection note 68)
• Self-assessment checklist (PDF 120KB) to carry out your own inspection and identify areas for improvement
• Apply for planning approval or lodge a request for planning advice
• How to apply for an Occupancy Permit, under the Building Act 2011 (PDF 600KB)
• Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage

If you are submitting a Waste Water Application for a wash bay, you are required to provide the following information with the application. Failure to complete this form or provide the requested information will cause the application being refused or returned. Support information for applications:

• Wash bay connected to Leach Drain (PDF 770KB)
• Wash bay connected to Recycling Facility (PDF 500KB)
• Wash bay connected to Storage Tank (PDF 500KB)

The Perth Natural Resources Management have developed Light Industry fact sheets to enhance understanding and help industry meet environmental requirements.

To find out more about the Light Industry Program, please contact us on 1300 422 664 or visit the Department of Water, Environment and Regulation website for information on programs in WA.