The illegal operation of a sawmill was under the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s microscope with the council unanimously calling for the closure of the company. Source: Mandurah Mail
The Council refused the development’s application based on a lack of information provided to allow adequate assessment and the possible adverse impacts on the amenity of the area.
“The site area on Jarrahdale Road is zoned ‘special use’ and a sawmill is a use which can be considered in this zone at the discretion of Council,” said shire chief executive officer Richard Gorbunow.
“We believe the impacts to our community are too great, especially given the lack of information which has accompanied the application.
“Further investigations with planning staff indicate that the existing use rights have lapsed.
“The applicant was advised accordingly but has continued to operate illegally.”
The National Trust owned site’s existing rights lapsed in the late 1990s and it is understood recently the site had been operating for about a month.
Local surrounding community members have been consulted with 19 of the 26 submissions received were opposed to the operation of the sawmill in their immediate local area.
Some of the reasons for community opposition included noise and dust issues, potential contamination to Gooralong Brook and concerns regarding safety and traffic management.
“A sawmill operated in this area for many years, before the Shire prepared a Town Planning Scheme,” said Mr Gorbunow.
“Issues such as noise, dust and traffic, were not considered issues in the past when the saw mill first operated, as Jarrahdale was a timber town.
“These issues are now important to the community and as such, the Shire advised the applicant that more information was needed to allow Council to further consider the planning application.”
The applicant will be advised in writing of Council’s decision and would be required to cease operations. If operations do not cease, Council will consider their options from a legal standpoint.
