Environmental consulting services for WA’s strategic industrial areas

Led by the state’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and delivered by DevelopmentWA, strategic industrial areas (SIA) have been designed to support the resources sector and associated industrial activities and connect key infrastructure to skilled local workforces.

The government’s mission is to create globally competitive, multi-product industrial precincts in appropriately zoned locations. SIA put businesses and primary resources closer together and better support the heavy industries that generate large investment, employment and value for the state.

RPS has provided environmental support across five SIAs – Oakajee, Anketell, Ashburton, Maitland and Kemerton.

Engaged by DevelopmentWA and associated contractors, RPS' team of environmental consultants worked during the site selection phases to assess the suitability of proposed SIA locations.

RPS provided a range of services for five SIAs including environmental literature reviews, environmental assessment reports, GIS (geographical information systems) mapping and analysis, biological surveys, water monitoring, modelling, and planning advice. 

1. Oakajee Port: a new iron ore export port and rail project north of Geraldton

RPS environmental consultants undertook an assessment of existing environmental and biological studies, conducted GIS analysis and mapping, developed an environmental management framework and completed an environmental impact assessment.

2. Anketell: a new multi-user port and industrial area in the Pilbara

Our team completed surveys and assessments during the planning phase in preparation for the subsequent subdivision and development of industrial land and proposed Anketell Port. Our services included:

• Project scoping and technical advice
• Environmental report and environmental impact assessment
• Site opportunities and constraints assessment
• Flora and fauna surveys
• Surface water and groundwater monitoring and modelling, and hydrological assessments
• Urban design and planning

3. Ashburton North: in the Pilbara region and designed for gas and downstream processing industries

Our services included a review of historical biological surveys and environmental reports, an environmental gap analysis report, baseline environmental mapping, flora and fauna survey and finalise the environmental assessment report.

4. Maitland: 2,500ha of land to facilitate the processing WA’s natural resources in the Pilbara region

RPS helped define the key environmental characteristics of the site, conducted policy reviews and identified potential impacts and mitigation measures. Our consultants also described the planning and environmental approvals framework and future governance for the Maitland SIA.

5. Kemerton: selected as a site for strategic and heavy industry in the state’s south-west regionRPS developed the Local Water Management strategy, which encompassed groundwater management, surface water management, waste water treatment, wetland management, and post-development monitoring, investigation and reporting.