City statement on decision to refuse asbestos dump in Mirrabooka

The City of Stirling is pleased that community concerns have been acknowledged by a Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) decision to reject a proposal to dump asbestos near homes and schools in Mirrabooka. 

The proposed dumping of asbestos at 501 Alexander Drive has caused significant concern among the community and Councillors – both in the City of Stirling and in the City of Bayswater – since the City received the application for a solid waste depot at the site in March. 

While the City did not have a decision-making role on the application, Council made its opposition very clear at every opportunity regarding the asbestos and hazardous waste, as well as the broader use of the land. 

The local community also stepped in, calling on the State Government to reject the application on health grounds, and the City received more than 400 public submissions on this issue during consultation. 

Mayor Mark Irwin wrote to the Minister for Planning on behalf of Councillors to express their views about the application before it was considered by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). 

The WAPC approved the application but with conditions that prevented asbestos or hazardous waste materials being dumped at the site. 

After the approval, Mayor Irwin again wrote to the State Government to express Council’s concerns, addressing a separate licence amendment application under consideration by DWER to store asbestos at the site. 

This week’s decision by DWER to refuse that licence amendment application will come as a significant relief to residents of Mirrabooka and Dianella. 

“This is simply an inappropriate use of a site that is set among sensitive land uses such as homes and schools,” Mayor Irwin said. 

“As a community we know enough about asbestos to know that this is the right outcome. 

“I want to congratulate the City and local Councillors for advocating for their community and to the residents for making their voices heard.” 

The applicant has appealed conditions of the WAPC planning approval to the State Administrative Tribunal, and they have the right to appeal the licencing amendment refusal. 

Landfill operations can continue at the site under existing approvals that do not allow asbestos or solid waste depot activities.