Development application referrals
The department reviews contaminated site investigations and approves site management plans in addition to providing advice to local government, industry and the community on legislative and technical requirements for contaminated land matters.
Land recorded on the EMR usually requires a site investigation and, where necessary, remediation when a development application is made to subdivide the land or change its use (e.g. from industrial to residential use).
Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, development applications, that must be referred to the department include for example:
- Material change of use and/or;
- Reconfiguration of lots for land that is listed on the Environmental Management Register/Contaminated Land Register (EMR/CLR) triggered under the Integrated Planning Regulation (e.g. land on the EMR/CLR);
The department may require contaminated land investigations to be conducted at this time.
The department recommends that contaminated land issues be addressed as early as possible in the planning stage for a development project. Contaminated land assessment and remediation can be a lengthy process and, where possible, should start prior to the IDAS process.
Last updated: 29 October 2004