Find out about the City of Cockburn's approach to air pollution and community advocacy. Learn about the regulatory framework for air pollution and the responsibilities of industries in Cockburn in maintaining air quality.
Air pollution can take several forms including tiny particles, liquids or gas and can affect or injure humans and animals, or damage plants or materials.
Polluting substances can come from natural sources and human activities such as cars, fires, industry, agriculture and business.
Air pollution is regulated under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and is overseen by multiple government bodies.
The City of Cockburn handles:
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Inspections: Routine inspections of industrial premises within the city limits
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Development assessments: Evaluating proposals that might lead to pollution
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Premises surveys: Conducting checks on sites likely to cause or currently causing pollution, such as industrial premises
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Complaint investigations: Looking into reports about air pollution including issues like smoke, dust, and odours.
Find out more about air quality monitoring in Western Australia.
If you experience issues related to air pollution (excluding Cockburn Cement Limited), you can report it to the City’s Health Services team by completing the Public Health Complaint Form or by emailing [email protected].
Since 1955, Cockburn Cement Limited (CCL) has been a leading manufacturer of cement and lime for the mining, agricultural, and construction sectors. In September 2022, the company announced redevelopment plans for up to 35 hectares of its Munster site for light and general industrial use. CCL is part of the Latitude 32 Industry Zone, overseen by Development WA.
CCL operates under the regulatory framework of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), with a licence under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (the Act). CCL operates a Continuous Emission Monitoring System to comply with its operating licence.
In March 2023, Cockburn Cement was found guilty of six counts of breaching the Act or causing unreasonable odour between 22 January 2019 and 29 April 2019.
DWER is working with CCL to identify opportunities to further mitigate odorous emissions from their operations including granting approval for CCL to trial an engineering solution to reduce odours.
For more information refer to:
If you experience issues related to air pollution potentially caused by Cockburn Cement, you can report it to the Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) Environment Watch by emailing [email protected] and direct to Cockburn Cement, who are required to record and respond to all complaints. The Cockburn Cement complaints line is 1800 156 826 or [email protected].
Air pollution at the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment plant is regulated by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation through a licence under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
Much of the City of Cockburn is located within the Kwinana Air Quality Buffer zone.
Industries in Kwinana estimate and measure their emissions levels each year. These levels are documented and published in the National Pollutant Inventory.
For more information on air pollution regulations and monitoring contact the City’s Health Services team on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].
View the Environmental Protection Act 1986.