30 March 2025 - SJ Shire - Electors Annual General Meeting - TOMORROW!!

If you’re tired of drinking polluted water, dicing with death on your local roads or wondering when the sprawling housing developments are going to stop, why not go along to your local Annual General Meeting of Electors of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale?

It's on tomorrow evening (31 March 2025) at 6:30PM at the Council Chambers, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Civic Centre, 6 Paterson Street, Mundijong.

Watch local government in action (or inaction) and be entertained as local characters and former councillors leap to their feet to ask pointed questions and make statements to the gathered administration.

It’s a great FREE night out and gives you a chance to have your say.

See you there or Live Stream the meeting HERE.

15 November 2024 - Council to Push Ahead With Water Testing at Permapole

The following Notice of Motion to be tabled at next Monday's council meeting demonstrates the level of concern surrounding local resident John McEwan's recent laboratory test results showing contaminated water escaping from the Cardup Industrial Area.

31 October 2024 - Water Pollution in Cardup Makes The Front Page

15 October 2024 - The Poisoning of Cardup (Latest Media Release)

Wars have raged around the world for millennia. The majority of most wars have two primary causes, politics or religion. And whilst the current conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine grab the headlines, a little war is being fought here in the quiet semi-rural suburb of Cardup.

But this war is not being fought with hypersonic missiles or exploding pagers, it’s a battle of words and wits being played out between the Cardup residents and the Western Australian government, it’s agencies and big business.

There is a lot of money at stake here. A hell of a lot of money, billions of dollars, maybe more. And when you are talking sums like this a lot of people, some good, some bad, get involved.

The crux of the issue centres on a relatively small strip of light industrial land wedged between the South Western Highway and the homes of the people who live in Cardup. This land is occupied by three main companies. One churns out millions of tonnes of pre-stressed concrete, one makes treated pine products and the third manufactures plastic. Together, the pollution created by these companies is slowly turning Cardup into an environmental disaster area of apocalyptic proportions.

Looking first at the concrete plant, Permacast. This operation has major contracts to produce vast amounts of concrete for the WA government’s ill-fated Metronet project. This project, overseen by the WA Labor government’s transport minister, Rita Saffioti, is already millions and millions of dollars over budget and is becoming a huge embarrassment to the government as it appears that this white elephant will never make a profit or attract the patronage predicted. However, the government’s resolve to blunder ahead with the project has not been dampened, so much so that the Public Transport Authority has actually used taxpayer’s money to buy and install equipment at the plant to ensure that the concrete keeps flowing. And all this whilst the company concerned, Permacast, was fined over a quarter of a million dollars in June 2024 for undertaking expansion work without any development approval.

The pollution concerns involving noise, dust, heavy vehicle traffic and ground water contamination from this industrial area have been well documented. However, the government agency concerned, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has basically washed it’s hands of the whole affair referring resident’s complaints back to the local Serpentine-Jarrahdale shire council.

Remember that it is this same shire council, who had voted unanimously to reject Permacast’s retrospective development application on two occasions, were overruled by another government agency, the Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel (MODAP) in March 2024. MODAP could see nothing wrong with a vast industrial complex in the middle of a residential area. This same shire council were now handed the poisoned chalice (no pun intended) by the government and given the unenviable job of dealing with the resident’s environmental concerns.

One resident was so concerned by what was assumed to be contaminated water flooding from the industrial area during the winter rains, that he decided to take a sample and have it analysed at his own expense – a job one would have thought that government environmental agencies would be doing.

The results of this analysis were both astounding and frightening. The test performed by a Nata accredited laboratory in Myaree in September 2024 showed one sample having an Arsenic level of 170 μg/L which is a figure 1,600% higher than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines of 10 micrograms per litre.

A similarly alarming result was demonstrated when testing for Chromium. One water sample showed a level of 850 μg/L which is horrendous when you consider that the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that “… In general, the chromium concentration in groundwater is low (<1 µg/litre). In the Netherlands, a mean concentration of 0.7 µg/litre has been measured, with a maximum of 5 µg/litre…”

Bear also in mind that residents of Cardup have no access to a reticulated mains water supply. They rely solely on rainwater or bore water. As it can be safely assumed that this contaminated water leaches down into the groundwater, any resident consuming this water would run an extreme risk of developing cancer of the bladder, lungs, liver, and other organs. Coming in contact with arsenic can also contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, reduced intelligence in children, and skin problems, such as lesions and discoloration.

Luckily, if “lucky” is the correct word, most residents are aware of the pollutants emanating from this site, albeit that up until now most of the evidence has been anecdotal. They purchase bottled water for drinking but many still use bore water for washing and in their swimming pools. If contaminated to a similar degree, these people will still have an increased risk of illness or even death.

Given that the two major contaminants identified are Arsenic and Chromium a reasonable person would deduce that these likely emanate from the company making the treated pine products, Permapole, and not Permacast who churn out the concrete for Rita Saffioti’s train set.

Timber treated with Copper Chrome Arsenate or CCA (also known as chromated copper arsenate and copper chromated arsenate) has a variety of names that include ‘CCA treated timber’, ‘tanalised timber’, ‘pressure treated timber’ and ‘permapine’. CCA is a water-based heavy metal mixture used to preserve timber. The heavy metals used include carcinogens, mutagens and potential teratogens including arsenic, chromium and copper.

CCA is used to protect timber, in both land based and marine environments from natural degradation through the activity of termites, wood-borers, crustaceans, molluscs and decay by soft rot fungi and bacteria. CCA treated timber is hence not subject to normal biodegradation during accepted uses or once discarded, and can persist in the environment.

Irrespective of the source of all this pollution, the WA government is actively looking the other way whilst its citizens are slowly but surely being poisoned. Stopping companies that pollute is a time consuming and costly exercise. It is far easier to allow them to continue. They are making money, which means more taxes and they create jobs, which makes governments look good.

And, as in any war, people and animals may die along the way. Trees and bush may get destroyed. They call that collateral damage. And also, as in the other wars, one army may appear bigger and stronger than the other. A typical “David & Goliath” scenario.

Although the people of Cardup may have lost a recent battle, this war continues and we are not ready to run the white flag up the pole just yet.

12 September 2024 - Permacast Admit Guilt and Fined

Whilst Permacast thought that "...they had got away with it...", magistrate Brian Mahon obviously felt differently. Read the full story below.

05 March 2024 - MOJDAP Meeting Live Stream

Those wishing to view proceedings at tomorrow’s MOJDAP meeting in Perth may do so by CLICKING THIS LINK.

The meeting will be live streamed via YouTube and starts at 9:30AM.

28 February 2024 - Upcoming DAP Meeting Announced

By now, those who put in submissions to council with regard to the Permacast issue should have received thier official documentation.

The Development Assessment Panel (DAP) meets next Wednesday to hopefully endorse the SJ Shire’s decision to reject Permacast’s retrospective development application.

The DAP Presentation Request Form will enable you to put in a presentation to the DAP for consideration at next Wednesday's meeting. 

Bear in mind that the time constraints are very tight and you will need to email your submission / presentation to daps@dplh.wa.gov.au no later than close of business on Friday 01 March 2024.

For those wishing to partake or support residents at this meeting, a videoconferencing room has been booked at the following location:

Serpentine-Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre

2 Paterson Street,

Mundijong WA 6123

Doors open at 08:45.

For those who would prefer to connect via their own device from home or work, the ZOOM link will be available tomorrow and will be distributed via email and the CRAP website.

Monday 19 February 2024 - Council Meeting

Don’t forget to get your questions and submissions into the SJ Shire by 2:00PM this afternoon and head along to enjoy the air conditioning at the Shire offices this evening at 7:00PM for the meeting.

19 January 2024 - Permacast Digs In

DWER have today advised that the cacophony of noise and other pollution currently emanating from Permacast (in addition to that normally experienced) is due to "...earthworks, including compacting, to seal the main driveway into the premises from Robertson Road ..."

Whilst it is acknowledged that this work is being undertaken to "...comply with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Notice issued by DWER...", it is intriguing that Permacast are prepared to expend an inordinate amount of time, money and effort on upgrading premises that do not have development approval.

One only hopes that no "secret deals" have taken place thus giving Permacast the confidence to embark on such an upgrade as, should their retrospective development application fail, all this work and expenditure will have been in vain.

16 January 2024 - Time Is Running Out

Want to make a difference but can't find the time? 

Want to make your voice heard about the illegal Permacast concrete plant but don't want to register with the Your Say SJ website?

This might help. Just download the official format Serpentine-Jarrahdale Submission Form from this website (available in Word or PDF format), fill in your name and address details and email it to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au and you're done. It's as easy as that!

If you prefer you can post it (not recommended) or drop it off at the shire office, 6 Paterson Street, Mundijong.

If you don't like the pre-filled wording feel free to change it (Word version only) to say want you want to say.

But remember - THIS FORM NEEDS TO BE AT THE SHIRE OFFICE BY 5:00PM THIS FRIDAY, 19 JANUARY 2024

So get to it and help make Cardup rural again.

22 December 2023 - Letter in "The West Australian" Newspaper

At least by publishing this letter, it appears that "The West Australian" newspaper acknowledges that the Permacast facility is "non-approved" or in other words "illegal".

15 December 2023 - Permacast Updated DA Submission Finally Available

After a protracted period of time, Polevine/Permacast have finally submitted an updated version of their argument as to why they should be allowed to continue operating heavy industry in the rural Cardup area.

A copy of the updated documentation may be downloaded from here.

As expected, the SJ Shire have given residents less than a month to download, read, digest, fact check the information and prepare a response before the deadline for submissions (objections) on Friday 19 January 2024 at 5:00PM. Given the Christmas holiday period, this deadline is not considered particularly fair and equitable to residents but no less than we have come to expect from the boys and girls at SJHQ in Paterson Street, Mundijong.

01 December 2023 - DWER Investigation Update

Earlier today DWER issued an update via their website of their investigation into Permacast and the results may be viewed here.

As the results of the sound and vibration testing conducted by DWER appear to differ markedly from the "real life" experiences of Cardup residents, DWER have been asked various questions in regard to calculation methodology, type of equipment used, its calibration and compliance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

DWER have indicated that they expect to be able to respond early next week.

28 November 2023 - Questions Raised In Parliament

As Permacast scrambles to legalize its concrete production activities in Cardup, recent questions raised in the WA Parliament have focused the spotlight firmly on the illegal heavy industry and are causing certain parties to squirm uncomfortably.

On 08 November 2023 the honourable Dr Brian Walker MLC asked Stephen Dawson, who was representing Rita Saffioti on that day, questions in regard to the Metronet works and its lawful compliance.

Dr Walker said, “I refer the minister to the reply she was good enough to provide to my question without notice 1231 of 12 October 2023 on the expectation that companies contracted as part of the Metronet rollout should execute their contracts in a legal manner.

(1) What services is Permacast and/or its subsidiaries contracted to provide to Metronet from its site off Soldier Road in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale?

(2) What due diligence did the government undertake before issuing a Metronet contract to Permacast to ensure that the company was in compliance with all local and state laws; and, did that process involve liaison with the local shire?”

Mr Dawson responded as follows, “I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) Permacast is contracted to provide precast components for a number of Metronet projects.

(2) The contracts for each project requires Metronet alliances to perform due diligence as part of the procurement process.”

The following week, on 16 November 2023, Dr Walker posed further questions to the minister Stephen Dawson, again representing the Minister for Transport, with regard to lawful compliance. On this occasion he asked, “I refer the minister to the reply she was good enough to provide to my question without notice 1382, asked on 8 November 2023, about Permacast and the expectations that companies contracted as part of the Metronet rollout should execute their contracts in a legal manner.

(1) Has the government abdicated all responsibility for Metronet contractors to the relevant Metronet alliance?

(2) If yes to (1), what recourse do ordinary citizens, including those in the 29 residential properties abutting Permacast’s unlicensed facilities in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, have when impacted by what amounts to an illegal operation undertaken by an alliance contractor?

(3) If no to (1), will the government exercise its obligations as the initiator of this particular contract to suspend all Metronet work on the site until such time as Permacast has complied in full with the local planning laws and requirements; and, if not, why not?”

In response, the Hon Stephen Dawson replied, “I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide the following answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport.

(1)–(3) Compliance matters are being addressed by the responsible authorities.”

So, we await with interest what answers the “responsible authorities” come up with and the likely effects on the Permacast operations, the completion schedule for the Armadale rail upgrade works and, more importantly, the long-suffering residents of Cardup.

Video can be seen here.

20 November 2023 - Tumbling Container Update

In discussion with WorkSafe earlier today, a senior investigative officer confirmed that WorkSafe were aware of the recent safety incident, had viewed photographs and had spoken to Permacast with regard to the occurrence. She further indicated that more than one report of the container fall had been received by WorkSafe.

Permacast have indicated to WorkSafe that they are in possession of an “engineering report” and it is hoped that it might contain recommendations that may ensure the safety of workers on the Permacast site in the future.

In a report by Reverberate Consulting dated 31 July 2023 it stated,

“…The use of 40ft storage containers as the prime method of shielding noise to surrounding residential areas is questioned… It is unclear if shipping containers can withstand high winds, especially when stacked… The stacking of containers may create additional workplace hazards.”

As we are currently unaware what, if any, steps Permacast are preparing to take to ensure worker safety, our current advice to the many Permacast employees that read this website is, “Stay well clear of the western side of the Great Wall of Cardup when there is a strong easterly blowing”.

14 November 2023 - More "Testing" at Permacast Scheduled

In a communication received from DWER today, residents are advised that more "testing" will occur at Polevine's (aka Permacast) premises tomorrow, 15 November 2023. As previously, residents are encouraged to ring the Pollution hotline (1300 784 782) to report all incidences of noise, pollution and dust. Recent advice received has indicated that the human body may be more sensitive in detecting noise and vibration than some scientific instruments, particularly in regard to positioning and calibration of said testing equipment. Therefore, your reports are important to help DWER gain a better perspective of the problems caused by this illegal heavy industry operating in Cardup.

Resident's attention is also drawn to clause 5.1 of the new Environmental Protection Notice (202313) which states,

"... Prior to 5 January 2024, Polevine Pty Ltd may conduct testing between 8:00am and 5:00pm on a date or dates specified in writing by the CEO..."

This would appear to permit more frequent "testing" (i.e. operation of stressing beds etc.) perhaps even on a daily basis? It is hoped that DWER will closely monitor this operation to ensure that "testing" is not seen as an opportunity to churn out more concrete products, perhaps to satisfy construction requirements for the Armadale rail line which is scheduled to close for major upgrade work starting on 20 November 2023.

13 November 2023 - Extension of Time Sought from SJ Shire

Formal application was made to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale today requesting an extension of time for residents to voice their concerns in regard to the illegal Permacast concrete plant. Reasons underpinning the EOT request were;

• Whilst the SJ Shire website publication date is shown as 08:34AM on 02 November 2023, most residents were unaware of the existence of the additional information provided by Harley Dykstra until around 10 November 2023 when they received the information in printed form via Australia Post. This effectively shaved a week of the public response period.

• The information contained in the revised Development Application is confusing and ill prepared. As such, a meeting with council has been requested by Mr John McEwan. Until such time that the requested meeting is held and the issues clarified, it is impossible for residents, and other interested parties, to reach an informed decision about the issues raised.

• DWER have indicated in an email of today’s date that they intend to reveal an explanation of the “back flip” in regard to the Prescribed Premise classification of the Permacast/Polevine operation. However, they have indicated a two week time frame for the release of this information. Again, this does not allow residents, and other interested parties, time to review, understand and challenge said release prior to the existing SJ Shire closing date.

It is hoped that the SJ Shire will respond promptly on this issue.

11 November 2023 - Collapse of Sea Container Sound Wall at Permacast

Early on Saturday morning a Cardup resident heard a very loud thumping sound coming from the Permacast facility. Although not unusual for loud noises to emanate from this plant, this noise was more sudden and percussive rather than the normal droning vibration.

Another resident exercising later in the area looked across to the Permacast premises and noticed that several sea containers had fallen from the recently erected "sound wall". It was this collapse to which the earlier noise was attributed.

It is thought that strong wind gusts in the area at the time dislodged the containers and caused them to topple. It is also thought that the containers were not secured in any way but merely stacked on top of each other.

Given the risk of severe injury or death from falling containers, this incident has been reported to various government agencies including WorkSafe and DWER. Pictures of the aftermath can be viewed on the Photos page of this website.

10 November 2023 - Latest DWER Update Regarding Noise Test

Intriguingly, DWER's 'official' noise level test results seem to differ markedly from what local residents are saying. Most have indicated that noise and vibration levels from the Permacast/Polevine plant appear no better. However, the official line received today from DWER reads as follows,

"... The test results indicate that changes to operations and infrastructure to minimise noise emissions from the premises appear to have been effective.  Further fine tuning of controls are still being undertaken by Polevine and DWER is considering a request by Polevine for a further test at the premises mid-late next week to confirm that ‘business as usual’ activities will be in compliance with the assigned levels of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.  I will be able to provide further feedback following this test..."

Residents will no doubt include their 'real world' experiences of noise and vibration from the Permacast plant as part of their submissions to council (due by 30 November 2023) objecting to the latest proposed retrospective development application.

09 November 2023 - Revised Retrospective Planning Application from Permacast - ACT NOW!!

Quietly posted a week ago onto the SJ Shire's website, on 02 November 2023, is the long awaited revised retrospective development application by Permacast. 

Authored by Permacast's long time consultant, Harley Dykstra, these documents purport to demonstrate how Permacast now propose to upgrade their operation to minimize any effects on Cardup residents.

Needless to say, most Cardup residents are highly sceptical about the effectiveness of the proposed measures or even if any of the new rules will be adhered to. A wall of old sea containers painted green is hardly an effective sound attenuation device and ironic considering that Permacast actually manufacture 'sound walls'.

In an attempt to bulldoze this application through, Cardup residents have been given until 5:00PM on Thursday 30 November 2023 to lodge a submission objecting to the retrospective planning application.

Submissions may be lodged by one of the following ways:

• Email your feedback to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au stating the following reference number: PA23/198

• A written submission, submitted by mail or in person to 6 Paterson Street, Mundijong, including the reference number: PA23/198

Irrespective of the proposed measures to be implemented, the simple fact remains that a massive illegal concrete manufacturing plant has been allowed to grow in a rural area. It is too big. It is in the wrong location. Cardup is not the Kwinana strip!

If you are happy to live with a massive concrete plant on your doorstep together with the knock-on effects on your health (physical and mental) and your property being devalued, do nothing.

If you want to see your council maintain its original decision, i.e. refusal of retrospective development approval, submit your concerns and experiences as detailed above no later than 5:00PM on Thursday 30 November 2023.

03 November 2023 - DWER Environmental Testing at Permacast Update

With regard to Wednesday's testing at the Permacast premises, The Department of Water and Environment Regulation have advised as follows;

"... The test that occurred on Wednesday was completed as intended, and I believe will provide a good indication of whether or not the noise emission control measures have been successful.

However, this will require DWER Noise Branch to conduct an analysis of data collected from two external monitors within adjacent properties and readings obtained inside one of the houses, which may take several days to complete.  There is no firm timeframe for results, but they have indicated mid-late next week.

Once I have these results, I will be able to provide some further feedback..."

Several residents rang the DWER hotline during the morning only to encounter a recorded message. This was later identified as a technical fault and the noise and vibration complaints were logged accordingly.

31 October 2023 - Permacast Environmental Testing Tomorrow

Following numerous unexplained cancellations, don't forget that the testing of Permacast's pollution mitigation measures are due to be put to the test tomorrow.

Environmental Enforcement for the Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER), has advised the following;

"... Testing has been rescheduled to Wednesday 1 November 2023 commencing at approximately 8:30am and continuing for several hours.

This testing is in accordance with the ... Environmental Protection Notice that restricts testing to between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm..."

Reports of noise, dust and vibration should be rung through to the Environmental Hotline on 1300 784 782  to assist DWER with their investigation. This is important. Make the call.

28 October 2023 - Why has DWER Done a Backflip?

In an email from the SJ Shire dated 27 October 2023, the following statement was made, “…DWER have formed an updated view that the (Permacast) operations do not meet the definition of a prescribed premise, and therefore no licence to operate will be required of DWER…”

In view of known pollution issues from this illegal facility, C.R.A.P. find this statement both intriguing and concerning.

Under the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 (Prescribed Premises), Schedule 1, Part 2, Category number 77, the description of that category reads as “…Concrete batching or cement products manufacturing: premises on which cement products or concrete are manufactured for use at places or premises other than those premises…” and the Production or design capacity of “…100 tonnes or more per year…”

As the Polevine/Permacast operation obviously produces concrete far in excess of the quantity stipulated C.R.A.P. fail to understand how or why DWER have reached the conclusion that it no longer meets the definition of a prescribed premise.

DWER have been contacted for an explanation.

15 October 2023 - Status Updates from SJ Council Meeting held 09 October 2023

The main points advised by council at last Monday's meeting with residents were as follows:

1. The DAP Decision of Deferral was to enable the Applicant/Operator to work closely with DWER to come up with a range of changes for the site and work towards reaching agreement to enable them to continue working in a compliant manner. This includes issues relating to Dust, Noise and other health related impacts. Andrew explained that the Shire had asked for urgent DWER intervention. Once the Shire was able to get DWER to site, it was seven days after that the Prevention Notice issued. The Shire has advised DWER and Permacast that, irrespective of the prevention notice being lifted, development approval is also required to be secured.

2. It was the Shire’s understanding that the Operator is working with DWER on such matters as noise barriers, changes to the consistency of concrete (such that the mix is more liquid in form) to create less vibration. The Shire also understands there are Acoustic Curtains being installed, changes to seal the entire site, and changes to the drainage network.

3. If DWER are satisfied the Operator can recommence safely subject to a range of additional infrastructure and management practices being added, the Operator still needs to resubmit revised plans to the Shire, for advertising and community comment, and reporting to Council to endorse a recommendation to the Development Assessment Panel. The view of DWER is central however to understanding whether additional infrastructure and revised management practices can make the site compliant.

4. If the Prevention Notice is lifted, this is signalling to the community and the Shire that the Operator are safe to recommence work in line with revised processes. However, the Shire is still clearly advising that development approval is needed, and a licence to operate from DWER is needed. Mere recommencement should not take place until and unless these approvals are secured.

Other action items to come out of the meeting included:

• Agreed random checks

• Shire Officers to ask question of DWER in regard to who will police plant operation hours etc.

• The Shire to write to MRWA regarding the Trucks on Karbro Drive

• Group (CRAP) work towards creating a Stakeholder Group

• SJ Shire to advise DWER of concerns raised about Dam testing

11 October 2023 - Permacast Test Pour Delayed

The proposed test of the stressing beds at Permacast's premises this Friday (13 October 2023) has been delayed. It was proposed to pour concrete slurry with a lower viscosity to determine if this would help reduce noise and vibration levels from this equipment when in operation.

In an advice received from DWER via the SJ Shire today it stated,

"... DWER have reviewed the request by Permacast to conduct a test pour this Friday 13 October 2023 and determined that for it to occur, DWER will need to issue an amended notice to Permacast.

As a result, DWER advised Permacast and its Lawyers this morning that it could not approve the test pour for this Friday and a new notice would be issued next week with a planned approval for the test pour to be Friday 20 October 2023.

We will notify the residents of the test pour once we have progressed the updated notice and confirmed the date... "

It is still unclear how Permacast intend to address it's other identified environmental issues such as dust emission, groundwater contamination and heavy vehicle traffic etc.