MOJDAP Presentations

Ladies & Gentlemen

Due to the proximity of our property to the Permacast site, which is approximately 1 km away, our major concern is the noise being emitted from this facility.

In 2022 we became aware of loud droning noises, occurring regularly throughout the week.

This noise was accompanied by vibrations which were occasionally so severe that the ceiling of the house would shake. On these occasions, the vibrations were of a low frequency and fluctuating, suggesting that there are variables in the process that would allow the vibration to be controlled to some degree.

This noise has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing; when we moved to Cardup in 2003 it was with the knowledge that the area was semi rural and tranquil. The current continual disruption and noise creates a great deal of stress and anxiety in what should be a peaceful residential area.

Upon contacting the Shire regarding this disturbance, we were informed the noise was being generated by the Permacast site. Until this time, we were aware the site existed, but had not been impacted by its operation. The Shire suggested we register a formal complaint, which we did, citing noise date, time, duration etc. Nothing further was heard from the Shire, yet the noise and vibration continued to increase during this time.

In March 2023 we received a communication from the Shire indicating that Permacast was seeking retrospective approval to their existing facility. This was the first time we had been made aware that the facility had been operating without permission since 2006. They were also seeking approval for an extension which would see the site more than double in size and capacity.

Given the already intolerable level of disturbance being generated by the site, any further increase in size or capacity will only lead to louder, more frequent noise and vibration levels, in addition to significantly higher emissions and pollution, which we have significant concerns about.

Given the lack of planning permission obtained, it can be inferred that there has been a similar lack of environmental impact evaluation conducted. This is concerning given the reliance of the local residents on ground water for their supplies of potable and domestic water. Without appropriate controls in place, emissions and run off from the Permacast facility are likely to impact our water supplies.

In addition, the area zoned 'Bush Forever' on the southern boundary of Lot 60 has been used as a general dumping area for concrete waste and facility refuse. A road and gateway through this 'Bush Forever' zone has been constructed to give access to Norman Road,

further demonstrating their disregard of local planning rules and regulations. The zoning of 'Bush Forever' was designed to preserve valuable habitat and breeding areas of endangered flora and fauna.

Since 2006 their business has grown to such an extent that they are now considered one of the leaders in supply of pre-stressed concrete products. It is a shame that over this same period of time, their business ethics and consideration of their environmental impact have not grown with them.

The close proximity of the Permacast facility to Court Grammar School is also cause for concern. Our grandchildren attend this school and apparently it has been suggested to them that they bring their own drinking water. The school uses filtered bore water for their potable water supply. On several occasions we have witnessed cement trucks traveling along Bishop Road to the intersection of Soldiers Road. This poses a significant risk of injury to children and carers given the heavy congestion in the area at pick up and drop off time. 

There has been significant damage caused by these trucks to curbs and roadside verges. These issues would not occur were the facility to be located in an appropriate industrial area, away from schools, homes and narrow roadways.

The local community has had no opportunity to comment on or restrict the size of the Permacast facility, because it has been allowed to operate under the radar. If we could turn back the clock to 2006 when Permacast should have applied to the Shire for planning approval and sought community consultation, I am sure it would not have been given the go ahead in this particular area.

It is a mockery to apply for retrospective permission, and they continue to demonstrate their contempt for the regulations by going ahead with their expansion before approval has been given. The Cardup community deserves better.

Thank you