Gap Ridge Solid Waste Depot – Change of Use Approval

Gap Ridge Solid Waste Depot – Change of Use Approval

Land Insights successfully secured development approval for a change of use to Industry – Noxious at Lot 102 Exploration Drive in Karratha’s Gap Ridge solid waste depot. This approval enables the expansion of operations at the facility, allowing it to process over 500 tonnes of cardboard waste annually—supporting the Pilbara’s growing recycling needs.

The Gap Ridge solid waste depot had previously operated under an “Industry – General” land use classification, processing solid waste streams with a primary focus on cardboard baling. With increasing demand from major resource sector clients, the facility required licensing as a prescribed premises under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, triggering a change of use under the City of Karratha’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8.

Land Insights led the development application process to change the use from Industry – General to Industry – Noxious, addressing key planning requirements including amenity, transport, environmental impacts, and alignment with State Planning Policy 4.1 (Industrial Interface). The application demonstrated that the proposal posed no risk to nearby land uses, with the closest sensitive receptor located over 1.6 km from the site.

Importantly, no new buildings or physical changes were needed to accommodate the increased volumes. The Gap Ridge solid waste depot continues to operate from its existing approved infrastructure, which includes cardboard baling facilities, waste handling bays, truck access, and administration areas.

This approval allows North West Alliance—a joint venture between Veolia and Emu Nest—to increase its recycling output and help divert valuable resources from landfill. It also reinforces Land Insights’ expertise in navigating complex land use approvals that span both planning and environmental legislation.