The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will not assess the proposed Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct, determining that other decision-making processes would be able to manage potential impacts.
The EPA’s decision states that any environmental impacts associated with the construction and operational-related noise impacts would be localised, intermittent and short in duration and could be adequately regulated under Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
When the EPA conducted a seven-day public comment period on the referral, 953 comments were received.
EPA Chair Darren Walsh said these public comments were considered as well as other advice and additional information from the proponent before a decision was made that the likely environmental impacts of the proposal were not so significant as to warrant formal assessment under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
Mr Walsh said the EPA took into account that the proposal was located adjacent to existing entertainment venues and considered that any approval under noise regulations would ensure that cumulative noise emissions from all activities across the Burswood Peninsula could be managed.
“We recognise the community’s concerns but are comfortable that there are other regulatory mechanisms in place to address potential issues,” he said.
“The EPA has also been advised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation that conditions can be applied to control the number and types of events, their times and duration, maximum allowable noise levels, and the approach to managing noise impacts,” he said.
The EPA decision also noted concerns raised during the public comment period in relation to the removal of three artificial ponds and the potential impact to terrestrial fauna.
“We understand that prior to and during the draining of the artificial ponds, the proponent intends to engage experienced zoologists to safely capture and relocate any fauna present,” Mr Walsh said.
The joint Burswood Park Board-Venues West proposal is to develop an outdoor amphitheatre for live music, multi-use track and event building for motor racing, cycling and community sport, a pit hardstand area, landscaping, screening vegetation and associated public transport links.
Across a 28.21ha development envelope between Optus Stadium and Crown Casino, the proposal’s operational elements include one three-day Supercar Championship a year, with races Friday to Sunday during daylight hours. Sporadic day and evening events, including concerts, are also proposed for the precinct.
EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997
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