Upper Swan clay quarry approvals secure 10-year extraction licence

Upper Swan clay quarry approvals secure 10-year extraction licence

Land Insights successfully secured Upper Swan clay quarry approvals for Austral Bricks, enabling long-term extraction at two key sites in Perth’s northeast. In July 2025, the City of Swan approved Development Applications and Extractive Industry Licence renewals for both the Almeria and Apple Street clay pits. As a result, extraction can now continue for another decade under a robust compliance framework.

To achieve this outcome, we prepared detailed planning documentation that addressed both local and regional scheme requirements. Specifically, we aligned the applications with the City of Swan Local Planning Scheme, the Metropolitan Region Scheme, and State Planning Policy 2.4 – Basic Raw Materials. This strategic alignment ensured the proposals supported orderly development, while preserving access to essential clay resources near metropolitan growth areas.

In addition to planning compliance, we developed and integrated a comprehensive suite of Environmental Management Plans. These covered dust, noise, visual impact, stormwater, weed control, rehabilitation, and fuel storage. Each plan followed current EPA and DWER guidance and was tailored to the unique conditions at each site.

Furthermore, extraction is limited to short annual campaigns, with strict controls on truck movements, hours of operation, and progressive rehabilitation. Because of these measures, both sites have maintained an excellent compliance record, with no significant environmental incidents or complaints over many years.

Ultimately, these Upper Swan clay quarry approvals ensure the continued supply of high-quality raw materials to Perth’s construction sector—while protecting local amenity and environmental values.

📄 Learn more about our extractive industry and environmental approvals
🔗 Read about State Planning Policy 2.4