BHP Ltd v Blacktown City Council [1989] NSWLEC 175
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Land and Environment Court
of New South Wales
CITATION : BHP Ltd v Blacktown City Council [1989] NSWLEC 175
APPLICANT
BHP Limited
PARTIES :
RESPONDENT
Blacktown City Council & Anors
FILE NUMBER(S) : 10452 of 1988
CORAM: Cripps J
KEY ISSUES: :-
Land And Environment
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act
Clean Air Act 1970
LEGISLATION CITED: Building and Construction Industry Long Service Payments Act 1986
Local Government Act 1919
Clean Water Act 1961
Noise Control Act 1975
Noxious Trades Act
CASES CITED: Parks Development Pty Ltd v. Cambridger Credit Corporation and Anor;
ACR Tarding Pty Ltd v. Fat-Sel Pty Ltd NSWRLR 67
DATES OF HEARING:
DATE OF JUDGMENT:
04/01/1989
LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES:
JUDGMENT:
<P><TT>His Honour: This is an appeal by Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited
(BHP) against the refusal of the Blacktown City Council on 7 September 1988 to
consent to its application for designated development. Pursuant to the
provisions of s.64 of the <U>Land and Environment Court Act</U>, the Minister
for Planning and Environment became a party to the appeal. Persons who had
objected to the application before the Council were notified of the appeal. E J
Hobson, D E Reed, Rooty Hill Progress Association, H R Scruton, N Heffernan, N J
Keele were admitted to be heard at the hearing of the appeal <U>as if they were
parties</U> (see s.97 of the <U>Environmental Planning and Assessment Act</U>).
Although there was some doubt whether the Rooty Hill Resident Action Group
Incorporated (RHRAG) was entitled to be heard as if it were a party, no
objection was taken to its representation by Mr Brezniak, Solicitor, and Mr
Robertson of Counsel until the 9 March <A
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and thereafter by Ms. Paine from the Environmental Defenders Office.
Accordingly, I have, with the consent of all parties, treated RHRAG as if it
were a party.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The appeal was heard in the Class 1 jurisdiction of the Court and, in
accordance with s.37 of the <U>Land and Environment Court Act</U>, I was
assisted by Senior Assessor Jensen and Assessor O'Neile. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The Council tendered all objections received by it and I have considered
additional written submissions from persons who wrote to the Court but who did
not give oral evidence, for example, Father N P Grady. Mr Reed was the only
local resident who gave evidence in the proceedings. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>History of Development Application</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>BHP first made a development application for a Mini Mill at Lot 7
DP701186 Kellogg Road, Rooty Hill, to the Council on 13th October 1987. The
development was relevantly "designated development" and the application was
accompanied by an environmental impact statement. BHP has asked the Court to
grant development consent to an amended application. I shall return to the
details of the application as submitted to Council by BHP and to its proposed
amendments in due course.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Prior to the lodgment of the application, the then Minister for Planning
and Environment, the Hon R J Carr MP, directed the Council, pursuant to s.101 of
the <U>Environmental Planning and Assessment Act</U>, to refer the application
to the Secretary of the Department for determination by the Minister. The
Minister took this course because he was of the opinion, I infer, that the
application was of significance for State or regional environmental planning.
</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>In accordance with the provisions of the <U>Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act</U> and upon Council's request, a Commission of Inquiry was
established and a public hearing was held before Commissioner Woodward between
16 February 1988 and 17 March 1988. Commissioner Woodward reported to the Hon D
Hay, Minister for Local Government and Planning in May 1988. The Commissioner
recommended that the Minister grant consent subject to conditions referred to in
his Report. The Commissioner's Report was lengthy and comprehensive and
identified all relevant environmental issues including those of regional and
State significance. The Commissioner found that the proposed Mill was consistent
with the regional planning and development objectives for western Sydney because
of the location of suppliers of processed scrap material and the availability of
customers for the rod and bar product. He also identified the employment
opportunities likely to be generated by the Mini Mill and the advantage to the
western part of Sydney of the establishment of a major industrial complex. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>On 18 May 1988, the Minister revoked the previous direction. Thereupon,
the Council became obliged to consider the application. The application was
re-advertised and people who had previously made submissions were advised that,
although the Council would consider all earlier objections, if any person wished
to exercise his or her right of appeal to the Court under the <U>Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act</U>, it would be necessary for that person to make a
further submission. Thereafter, the Council received approximately 1375
submissions by way of objections of which 1226 were pro forma letters. Three
submissions were in favour of the Mill and a petition headed "No Mill for Rooty
Hill" but including no other information was forwarded to the Council.
Previously, the Council had received more than 1300 individual submissions and
petitions with approximately 5200 signatures.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The Council's Chief Town Planner prepared a comprehensive report for the
Council in which he recommended that development consent be granted subject to a
number of conditions. The Chief Town Planner's report was tendered but he was
not called as a witness. It is here relevant to</TT>
<P><TT>note that all planners who gave evidence have paid homage to the high
quality of the Council's Town Planner's report. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>On 14 September the Council resolved to refuse the application on the
following grounds:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>industry proposed to be operated by the is a prohibited development
within meaning of Interim Development Order No. - Municipality of Blacktown - as
an and hazardous industry. other buildings by reason of the processes the method
of manufacture and the of the materials used and produced on of the noise,
odour, smoke and dust this to the decision of the New South Wales Court
<U>Fat-Pty. Limited</U> (1987 11 NSWLR 67) and of the <U>Environmental Planning
and (b) The development if approved would transform locality of Rooty Hill from
a to heavy industrial, amenity the neighbourhood. The change in the be effected
by a development of this bulk, external appearance and height and industrial
would be contrary to the public In particular the Council rejects proposition
that it is acceptable to the amenity of the village of Rooty and the natural
environment adjacent to will inevitable in the development of the purposes land.
In the Council's this development will not merely erode that amenity but change
it so that the dominant feature of industry rather than a residential and area
accommodating a small or hazardous industries" were prohibited. The definition
of "offensive or hazardous industry" was as follows:</U></TT>
<P><TT><U></U></TT>
<P><TT><U></U></TT>
<P><TT><U>industry which, by reason of the processes of the materials used or
produced, requires from other buildings and includes those Trades Act</U> 1902
as amended".</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>This was similar to the Model Provisions which, however, made no
reference to the <U>Noxious Trades Act</U>. As a result of the decision of the
Court of Appeal in <U>ACR Trading</U>, the local planning scheme was amended to
incorporate two new definitions distinguishing between offensive and hazardous
as follows:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>or not forming part of a larger undertaking) which, reduce or minimise
its impact have been employed, council considers should still be required to in
a location isolated from other development (a) because such isolation is
necessary as an (b) because it represents a significant hazard to health or life
or property or the 'Offensive industry' means an undertaking (whether when in
operation and when all measures proposed to or minimise its impact have been
employed, council considers should still be required to in a location isolated
from other development discharge the time of the Commission of Inquiry, the old
definition of "offensive or hazardous industry" had not been amended and the
Commissioner left open the question whether the subject application came within
the definition as interpreted in <U>Fat-Sel</U>. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The Commissioner also identified and dealt with what were then considered
to be the principal environmental matters arising for consideration. On appeal
to the Court, the Court has all the powers and functions of the Council with
respect to the application and undertakes what is described as a de novo
hearing. But, of course, the Court has no budget to pursue its own independent
inquiries and relies upon the parties to identify the issues for determination.
The Commissioner had previously undertaken a full environmental assessment and,
as I have said, dealt in detail with what the parties then identified as the
major issues. The work of the Commission of Inquiry and the quality of the
Blacktown Chief Town Planner's Report has enabled me to accept with confidence
that the only real issues for determination are those nominated by the parties.
All parties have accepted the findings of the Commission of Inquiry concerning
the environmental and planning benefits of the proposed development i.e. that if
approved will provide employment opportunities for a large number of people in
the western part of Sydney and, because it was a major industrial complex, will
be of advantage to the region generally. The issues before the Court related to
the nature and extent of the adverse local environmental impacts and whether
those impacts should outweigh the admitted regional benefits so as to require
that consent be refused. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>On behalf of the Council and the objectors, it was submitted that,
notwithstanding the evident regional advantages consent should be refused
because of the adverse local impacts. On behalf of the Company, it was submitted
that the local adverse impacts will not be as severe as the objectors claim and
those that will result can be attended to by the imposition of appropriate
conditions. In the resolution of the ultimate issue i.e. whether or not to grant
consent and, if so, subject to what conditions, it became necessary for the
Court also to consider, as well, the availability of alternative sites for the
Mini Mill by reason of the development being "designated development" and also
because of the Director's requirements made pursuant to the Regulation.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Before turning to the planning merits, there are two legal issues for
determination. The first is whether the development is relevantly "hazardous" or
"offensive" or both. The second is whether it is open to the Court to entertain
BHP's amended proposal (or any part of it). If the Court has the power to
entertain the amended application, a further question arises whether, in the
exercise of its discretion, it ought to grant consent for the application as
amended. With respect to the second matter, it should be noted that it is BHP's
case that if its amended proposal cannot be entertained, it seeks development
consent for the application which was before the Council. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>The Amendments</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>In order to understand whether it is open to the Court to entertain the
amendments proposed by BHP, it is necessary to describe in some detail the
development as proposed and the suggested amendments.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The subject site is approximately 27.09 hectares. It is located at
Kellogg Road, Rooty Hill, and has a frontage to the full length of the southern
side of the dead end leg of that road. A creek flows through the land near the
south eastern corner. The surface towards the southern part of the site is
relatively flat with a slight upward grading towards Kellogg Road. The land is
topographically</TT>
<P><TT>and dimensionally suitable for a large industrial development. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>There are major industrial developments to the north and north west,
namely, Humes Concrete Plant Factory and Frozen Food Specialists Pty. Limited.
Frozen Food Specialists Pty. Limited undertake activities in a large building
known as the Kellogg building. To the east, the site adjoins a substantial
vacant allotment which is zoned for industrial purposes and which separates the
subject land from the "Nuragingy" Recreation Reserve. The southern boundary of
the site is the railway line through Rooty Hill. The major part of the western
boundary of the site (being that section of the site not bounded by the
Kellogg's building) is intended for an expressway to be known as the Phillip
Parkway. Station Street runs north and south to the west of the site and is
fully developed with good quality residential cottages along its western side.
To the north of Station Street is the Kellogg building and to the south is a
large Works Depot occupied by the Blacktown Council. The Works Depot is covered
with buildings and paved parking areas. It is proposed that the expressway will
adjoin and run parallel to Station Street on its eastern side and will thus pass
between the residential development on the western side of Station Street and
any existing factory buildings to its east. As the proposed expressway moves
south, it will curve away from Station Street generally following the western
boundary of the subject site and pass between the subject site and the Council
Works Depot referred to above. Approximately two thirds of the dwellings in
Station Street will be separated from the site by Station Street, the proposed
expressway (Phillip Parkway) and industrial properties. The remaining cottages
in Station Street will be a considerable distance from the western boundary of
the site.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>In its application to the Council, BHP proposed the erection of a number
of industrial buildings most of which will adjoin and interconnect to produce a
very large building approximately 400 metres in length. It is proposed to melt
scrap in an electric arc furnace, cast billets, reheat billets by the use of a
natural gas fired reheat furnace and, finally, to roll finished steel into bars
and rods for use in the building construction industry. The building complex
will be oriented in a north south direction and will have substantial
protuberances to the east giving an "E" shaped configuration to the complex. The
main manufacturing processes will take place within the "E" shaped complex.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Two access ways were originally proposed - one from near the bend in
Kellogg Road and the other from the eastern dead end of the street. A
weighbridge and security cage were to be located on the second access road. The
first mentioned access way was to be located about 12m from the boundary of the
Kellogg building and was to run north south.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Immediately to the south of the Kellogg property and on the western side
of the first mentioned access way, in line one after the other, was proposed a
large electrical switch yard, a separate office and amenities building, and a
workshop/store. Immediately behind these three facilities was proposed an
elongated parking area for 150 cars. The substantial area of land between the
buildings and the western boundary of the property (being the proposed
expressway) was proposed to be landscaped to include a continuous tree planted
elevated mound strip, the length of the expressway boundary, to provide
screening from the expressway and from the urban development further to the
west, particularly the residential development in Station Street.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Immediately to the south of the main building complex was proposed an
open slag treatment area, dust control plant, referred to as the bag house, and
a settlement pit. On the eastern side of the main building complex, and within
the "E", was to be located a large open supplementary scrap storage area. The
two separate access ways were to be linked by a connecting road immediately
south of the main complex and passing between that building and the slag
treatment area. It is proposed that there will be two high, slender chimney
stacks and a fume extraction conduit of considerable size rising high above the
arc furnace building (also referred to as the melt house). </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The buildings are to be constructed primarily of steel frames with metal
colour bond cladding. Internal absorption treatment of the cladding is proposed
as needed.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>At the hearing, BHP tendered amended plans which varied the plans placed
before Council in the following manner:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>1. The large fume extraction conduit above the arc furnace will be about
1 metre higher than originally southern exposed position to behind the main
building and the "E" configuration. The revised dust one in the original
proposal,</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>4. The external scrap storage is to be reduced in size to workshop/store
building is to be moved from its position south of the office and amenities
factory all is to be from a proposed eastern roadway at the end of Kellogg Road
and an emergency access only entire main building complex is to be shifted will
make the proposed development more economically efficient. In particular, the
proposed relocation of the baghouse will be cheaper to install and will be less
costly to maintain, with the result that people close to the Mill, particularly
those in Station Street, will be better protected against noise. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The present application is for "designated development". In order to
determine whether it is open to the Council, and hence the Court, to entertain
the amendments, regard must be had to s.85 of the <U>Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act</U> which provides:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>"(1) Notwithstanding section 84, where -</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) a development application referred to in s.84 which has not been
determined by the consent authority is amended, or substituted by an subsequent
development application, or the development application so referred to is
withdrawn and a subsequent development application is made with respect to
substantially the same development; and</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) the consent authority has with respect to that development
application referred to in section 84 complied in all respects with that
section,</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>the consent authority may, if it is of the opinion that there is no
necessity, by reason that the amended or subsequent development application
differs only in minor respects from the former development application, to
comply with s.84 with respect to the amended or subsequent development
application, decide to dispense with further compliance with that section in
relation to that application, and compliance with that section in relation to
the former development application shall be deemed to be compliance in relation
to the amended or subsequent development application".</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>It must always be a question of fact and degree whether what is proposed
by way of amendment should be the subject of a fresh application or not. (See
<U>Parkes Development Pty. Limited</U> v. <U>Cambridge Credit Corporation &
Anor.</U> 33 LGRA 196.) Section 91 of the <U>Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act</U> authorises a consent authority to grant consent subject to
conditions and conditions may be imposed if, inter alia, they relate to "any
matter referred to in section 90(1) of relevance to the development the subject
of the consent". As Hope JA observed in <U>Parkes Development</U>, a
construction of the powers of council that would require every material
variation of the plans to be re-advertised could give rise to immense
administrative problems and long delays. He also noted that a construction which
would allow councils to approve significant variation of plans without notice
would frustrate the apparent purpose of the legislation. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>In the present case, it is submitted on behalf of the Council and the
objectors that if BHP wishes any or all of the amendments, it must undertake the
whole process anew including the preparation of a fresh environmental impact
statement and advertisements. BHP has submitted that all or some of its
amendments ought be allowed, but if not, it asks the Court to assess its
application without the amendments. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>In my opinion, the amendments can be entertained by the Court and, if
development consent is to be granted, there is no reason why it should not be
granted in accordance with the amended plans. The amended plans do not alter in
any way the substance of the development - it remains a Mini Steel Mill and it
will function exactly the same way as that contemplated by the original
application. Its output will be the same, the number of trucks coming to the
site will remain the same, visually it will be slightly reduced in height and
its environmental safeguards will remain the same (except that they will become
slightly more efficient). In short, the development as amended will be no
different from that which BHP originally proposed. The proposal to move the
complex 10 metres to the north and to relocate the baghouse are, in all the
circumstances of this case, relatively minor in the overall context of the
development. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Although the Council and the RHRAG have suggested that there may be some
hidden environmental consequences if the amendments are allowed, no credible
evidence has been forthcoming to give any substance to these theoretical
objections. I have already referred to the skill and expertise of the Council's
planning department. I am entitled to infer, I think, that if there were any
matters of substance in opposition to the suggested amendments beyond mere
speculation, I would have heard about it. In my opinion, the Court has a
discretion to consider the amendments and it is appropriate that I do so. I have
had regard to the circumstance that the development has been the subject of
intense scrutiny by the Department of Planning when it was called in by the
Minister, it was the subject of a public inquiry and it has been exhaustively
assessed during the six weeks Court hearing. In these circumstances, and bearing
in mind the relatively minor nature of the amendments, it would be absurd that
the entire environmental assessment process should start again. There is no
credible evidence that the amendments will be other than beneficial to both BHP
and the residents in the immediate locality. Having determined that I have the
power to entertain the amendment, I also think it relevant when considering
whether I should accede to BHP's request, if consent were granted to the
original proposal and if an application were made for modification to a consent
granted as originally asked for, the views of the people presently represented
before me would be the people entitled to be heard. Those people are not, in my
opinion, disadvantaged or prejudiced by the amendments and, accordingly, I
propose to consider them and, if development consent is to be granted, to grant
it subject to the plans as amended.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>"Offensive" and "Hazardous"</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>As I have said, prior to the amendment and in common with the Model
Provisions, the local planning scheme defined "offensive or hazardous
industries" in a composite way. In <U>ACR Trading Pty. Limited</U> v. <U>Fat-Sel
Pty. Limited</U> 11 NSWLR 67, the Court of Appeal held that an industry would
not cease to be a "hazardous or offensive industry" by reason only that the
special features of the particular way in which the industry is conducted would
not require "isolation from other buildings". It was pointed out that the
prohibition extended to a "broad classification which is concerned with the
"'industry' and not the particular use". Kirby P instanced an example of what
could occur if a narrower view were accepted. His Honour gave the example of an
industry using nuclear materials. In these circumstances, His Honour observed,
it would be entirely appropriate to require the materials to be the subject of
strict regulation and isolation and the mere fact that the appellants had used
every precaution to avoid the danger would not make the industries any the less
"offensive or hazardous". As I have said above, the Model Provisions have been
amended and two new definitions have been included in the local planning
instrument.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The parties have identified the "hazardous" or "offensive" aspects of the
development as those relating to noise. In this regard, reference should be made
to the separate heading "Noise" in this judgment. To the extent that a
suggestion lingers that it could relate to other matters (and I did not
understand that to be the Council's case) there is no evidence that anything
else about the development would be "relevantly hazardous or offensive". As will
be seen, after noise attenuation measures have been undertaken, the level of
noise at houses in the locality will be marginally above the optimum conditions
set out in the SPCC's Noise Manual Guidelines but still within the extreme
limits. In these circumstances, in my respectful opinion, it could hardly be
said that the Mill needs isolation from other development as an additional
"safety precaution" or that after attempts have been made to attenuate noise,
the development represents a "significant hazard to human health or life or
property or the biophysical environment".</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Contrary to BHP's submission, I am prepared to assume that noise
emanating from an industrial activity is capable of being encompassed by the
phrase "emission of any polluting discharge" as that phrase must be relevantly
understood. However, in the present case, when all measures are taken to reduce
or minimise the impact of the noise generated by the Mill, I do not think, for
reasons set out above, that the undertaking, or any part of it, is required to
be in a location isolated from any other development whether that development be
development external to the site or part of development on the site. As will be
seen, the noise levels in Station Street, being the existing background noise
together with that caused by BHP's</TT>
<P><TT>activities, will be no greater than noise levels in many other parts of
the metropolitan area.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>There have been a number of submissions concerning the meaning and
difficulty of application of the new definitions of "hazardous" and "offensive".
Whatever difficulties there may be in the many hypothetical illustrations
explored in submissions, I am of the firm opinion that what BHP proposes is
neither "hazardous" nor "offensive" as those terms must be relevantly understood
and, accordingly, the development is not prohibited.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>Merit Environmental and Planning Issues</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>There were four identified environmental and planning issues, namely,
general planning amenity (including the visual impact of bulk, height, etc.),
noise, traffic and alternative sites. Although it is necessary to deal
individually with these matters, I keep in mind that I must consider the
cumulative effect of all the adverse consequences and weigh them against all the
benefits for the purpose of determining whether consent should be granted and
that consent is not to be granted merely because no one single identifiable
issue is sufficient to justify refusal. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>General Planning Amenity</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>As I have said above, I have considered a number of written objections
submitted to the Council and to the Court. Only one local resident gave evidence
in the proceedings. Although Station Street was identified as the closest
residential area to the development, no one from Station Street was called. When
the development was first proposed by BHP there was a belief among a large
number of residents of Rooty Hill that BHP proposed building an integrated steel
works at Rooty Hill similar to the integrated steel works at Port Kembla and
Newcastle. So much is made clear from the many letters of objection. It is also
clear that objector perception in this regard was incorrect. Not only was BHP
not proposing to build an integrated steel works but the environmental
consequences of the Mini Mill bear little similarity to the steel works at Port
Kembla and Newcastle. The purpose of the Mini Mill is to recycle scrap for bars
and rods. Many of the fears entertained by the objectors (albeit reasonably
entertained upon an assumption that what was proposed was an integrated steel
mill) concerning air and water pollution now no longer have any rational
foundation. Furthermore, as I shall endeavour to explain when I deal with the
separate issue of noise pollution, although it may have been reasonable for
people to have believed the development might create an unacceptable level of
noise, it is now clear that the noise from the electric arc furnace and the
rolling mill can be satisfactorily attenuated. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>It appeared to be submitted by the objectors that I should take
cognizance of the fact that the subject site should not have been zoned 4(a)
(heavy industry). It was suggested that because the site is immediately adjacent
to a residential street, it should have been zoned 4(b) (light industry) to act
as a sort of buffer. Indeed, in final submission it was submitted that any heavy
industry, not merely a Mini Mill, is unacceptable for the site notwithstanding
that it is zoned for that purpose. It is said by some planning experts that
people must have had "expectations" that there would be no heavy industry on the
subject land. (Although planning experts opined about these "expectations", I
have not received any direct oral evidence about this matter other than from Mr.
Reed who, in any event, does not live in Station Street.) </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>I am obliged by law to have regard to the environmental planning
instrument (see s.90(a)(i)) and to the circumstance that the land is zoned 4(a).
That, of course, does not mean that because the land is zoned to permit heavy
industry, BHP has an entitlement as of right to establish a Mini Mill on the
site. However, I cannot refuse BHP's application upon the sole ground, as has
been urged by some of the expert planners called in these proceedings, that the
land was zoned incorrectly. But to the extent that I can have regard to the
appropriateness of zoning, it is important, I think, to note that the subject
site has been zoned 4(a) since 1970. The zoning followed the Sydney Regional
Outline Plan (SROP) which identified areas of Sydney for industrial development
taking into account proximity to roads and railway lines. I would necessarily
have to have regard to the circumstance that SROP identified the proposed
Phillip Parkway as an expressway travelling along the western boundary of the
industrial land separating it from Rooty Hill. I appreciate that what I have
said above could be described, to some extent, as speculation but, in my
opinion, it is reasonable speculation in answer to the somewhat extravagant
claim that the land was incorrectly zoned. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>I do not pay a great deal of attention to BHP's claim that the majority
of people now living in Station Street came to live there in the last 10 years.
First, because I do not think people in Station Street should be subjected to
unacceptable environmental impacts, if they exist, merely because they knew the
land was zoned for heavy industry. Secondly, the impact of the development will
extend well beyond the people who live in Station Street. However, I do place
importance upon the circumstance that the land has been zoned for heavy
industrial use for almost 20 years. Furthermore, I would assume, contrary to the
view urged by some in these proceedings, that people generally make intelligent
inquiries and receive intelligent answers. A hypothetically reasonable person
would have known since 1970 that since it would be open to the Council to grant
development consent for some form of heavy industry on the subject site, it was
at least possible that heavy industry would be established on the site. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>But as I have said above, although a large number of people objected in
writing to the development and although it is asserted on their behalf that
their "expectations" would be that there would be no heavy industry, only one
resident gave evidence. I do not want it thought that I am making any criticism
of the way the case was presented on behalf of the objectors. Their views,
particularly with respect to noise and traffic, were comprehensively presented.
It would be undesirable for the Court to be flooded with residents giving
evidence when it is unnecessary. But because only one person gave evidence, it
is not easy to determine the present status of the objections beyond accepting,
as I do, that opposition to the Mill remains strong. Although I have had regard
to all the written objections, it is difficult to appreciate the extent and
reasonableness of all the objections. For example, a number of people objected
on the ground that the water in the area was likely to be polluted by reason of
BHP's activities. The evidence demonstrates that will not occur. A number of
people were concerned that the air would be polluted. Although there is
undoubtedly a potential for the emission of fumes if the baghouse fails, the
earlier objections were based upon an assumption that BHP could not prevent air
pollution. The evidence makes it plain that BHP can prevent any air pollution
and although it was asserted that if the safeguards failed some air pollution
would occur, no credible evidence was called denying BHP's claim. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>At one stage in the proceedings it appeared to be suggested by an expert
called by the Council that I should have regard to perceptions notwithstanding
that those perceptions were irrationally based. (I should also point out in
fairness that this submission was rejected, in terms, by the very people on
whose behalf it was said to be made viz. the members of the Rooty Hill Residents
Action Group. Indeed RHRAG asserted that their perceptions concerning, for
example, noise and traffic, were not irrationally based and that the Council's
purpose in describing them as irrational was to demean and debase the quality of
objections reasonably held). Although it may be appropriate in circumstances far
removed from the present case to have regard to what might be loosely called
irrationally based perceptions, it would be quite inappropriate, in my opinion,
for me to have regard to irrational perceptions concerning, for example, water
pollution. The question I have to determine is whether there is any substance to
the objections that have been made by the residents and if there is, whether
those objections can be attended to by conditions or so operate to require that
the consent should be refused. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>There can be no doubt that the proposed complex, if built, will be of
considerable height and bulk and will be larger than any other building complex
in the Rooty Hill area. Being located on relatively low lying land, its
visibility will be less than it would be if it were located on higher areas. It
will be visible from the industrial land near Kellogg Road, from a substantial
part of Station Street and from elevated land around Rooty Hill, most of which
has been residentially developed. However, many of the viewing points referred
to above would be a considerable distance from the mill. Its most significant
impact will be on people living in and about Station Street. However, the
buildings while large, are of modern design, of neat appearance and will be of a
colour chosen to blend into the background. Furthermore, it cannot be overlooked
that the building will be located in a 27 hectare site and approximately 350
metres from the nearest house in Station Street. The residents of Station Street
presently are exposed to the Kellogg building and the Council depot. It is
self-evident that a large building located at a distance is not as obtrusive or
overbearing as one located on an adjoining allotment a few metres away. The land
is separated from the houses by Station Street itself and, as will be seen, it
is proposed that a freeway will separate the houses from the subject land.
Accepting, as I do, that, although no person from Station Street has given
evidence, </TT>
<P><TT>the visual amenity objection is still maintained, I do not think the
impact will be as severe as is submitted. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Furthermore, I do not think the complex will pose real problems for the
users of the Nurragingy Reserve. First, because the subject land is separated
from Nurragingy Reserve by another industrial site which, I assume, will be
developed in the future. Secondly, because the size and nature of Nurragingy
Reserve, which I had the opportunity of inspecting, is such that, in my opinion,
the users of that Reserve will not be unduly troubled by the presence of the
proposed complex.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>Noise</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Unless acoustically treated, the operation of the Mini Mill and, in
particular, the operation of the electric arc furnace, will cause noise to an
unacceptably high level for people living in the vicinity of the development.
BHP has said that it can attenuate noise emission and no evidence has been
called to the effect that it cannot achieve the goals set for it by the State
Pollution Control Commission. Mr Challis, whose evidence in this regard I
accept, has expressed the expert opinion that it can and in this regard he was
not cross examined. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The Council and the objectors assert BHP's design goal of 40dB(A) at
night time on the basis of L90 ambient will have the result that the SPCC's
Guidelines with respect to properties on a busy road or near an industrial site
will be exceeded. Those Guidelines, it is said, establish a level of 40dB(A)
which will be exceeded by approximately 3dB(A) when BHP's noise is measured with
other background noise. There is no dispute between the parties concerning the
level of day time noise. The noise issue centres around whether the SPCC's
standard of 40dB(A) at night was relevantly "acceptable". The Council and the
objectors attach overwhelming significance to that part of the Guidelines in
which it is recommended that outdoor background noise for residential properties
on busy roads in industrial areas at night should be 40dB(A). In fact, the
Guidelines referred to in the SPCC's Noise Manual set an acceptable level of
40dB(A) and an extreme limit of 45dB(A). </TT>
<P><TT>It must be steadily borne in mind that the parties were arguing over a
difference of no more than 5dB(A) as an appropriate environmental goal for the
locality at night. Furthermore, it must be remembered that the Guidelines are
what their name implies, namely, guidelines only. There are indeed some internal
inconsistencies in the Guidelines themselves which are only capable of
resolution upon an understanding that they are guidelines only. Furthermore, it
must be remembered that I am not here concerned with noise emanation that can
sensibly be regarded as being injurious to health. The issue is whether the
noise generated by the mill when in production will lead to "unacceptable levels
to local residents at night". I accept the evidence of Mr Train that the
standards imposed by the SPCC with respect to the environmental goal for the
area and the design goal for BHP are acceptable and appropriate. Mr Train has
pointed to the facts that the area is close to a railway line, is an industrial
area, is to be separated from the residential area by a freeway and is in the
vicinity of a large council truck depot. Accordingly, I am satisfied, having
accepted the evidence of Mr Train, that the environmental goal established for
the area by the SPCC and the design goal it seeks to impose on BHP are
appropriate and reasonable. Furthermore, I reject the submission that the SPCC
has discriminated against the Rooty Hill community. Upon the evidence, I do not
think that the approach taken by the SPCC at Rooty Hill is inconsistent with the
approach it has adopted at Kurnell and Ingleburn. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>On the evidence before me, the levels of noise will not be "unacceptable"
accepting, as I do, that BHP can successfully attenuate the noise to meet the
design goal set for it. The result will be that provided noise can be attenuated
in the manner proposed, i.e. kept to a level of 40dB(A) at night on an L90
basis, the resulting noise level on adjoining residential area will, as a
result, rise by approximately 2dB(A) below what is considered desirable as an
environmental goal by the SPCC (that is, 45dB(A) L90 at night). Before departing
from this matter, I think it is important to observe that the L90 of 45dB(A) is
not unusual in the metropolitan areas of Sydney and is commonplace where
residences are in the vicinity of an arterial road. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Nurragingy will be closed at night time. In my opinion, it is therefore
not unreasonable to set a design goal of L90 50dB(A) at the boundary. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>Traffic</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Upon the construction of stage 1 of the Phillip Parkway (being that part
of the expressway from Woodstock Avenue across the railway line to Eastern Road)
almost all local traffic problems likely to be generated by the development will
be eliminated. BHP has offered to pay for half the cost of the Parkway being
$2.2 million indexed as at December 1987. When Stage 1 of the Parkway is built,
it will mean that many vehicles presently passing through Rooty Hill will use
stage 1 of the Parkway. It is fairly clear that BHP's offer of contribution to
the construction of stage 1 of the Parkway exceeds what could be exacted under
s.94 (assuming it was a council road). But Council wishes a condition of consent
that BHP also contribute to the upgrading of the local roads, a matter to which
I will shortly return. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Although BHP has offered to construct half of stage 1 of the Parkway from
Woodstock Avenue to Eastern Road, it has always been its case that the arterial
and sub-arterial roads in the area could adequately accommodate the traffic
coming to and leaving its developed site. BHP's development will generate
approximately 250 truck movements per day. It would seem to me that although
there may be some need to upgrade certain roads as, for example, Woodstock
Avenue between Station Street and Rooty Hill Road North and the overbridge in
Power Street, the likelihood is that trucks would not travel through the
residential part of Rooty Hill. It may be that unless the Parkway is built some
drivers, notwithstanding persuasion to the contrary, will stray into the
residential locality. Doubtless this is one reason why BHP has offered to
contribute to the Parkway. If the Parkway is not built, it would be reasonable,
in my opinion, to impose as a condition of consent that BHP contribute, pursuant
to the provisions of s.94 to the cost of upgrading local roads. Although the
upgrading of local roads together with a traffic management plan to discourage
vehicles entering the residential area of Rooty Hill would not be as
satisfactory an environmental result as the construction of Stage 1 of the
Parkway, I do not think the development application should be refused by reason
of traffic considerations. That is, I take account of the possibility that the
Government will not build Stage 1 of the Parkway before the Mill commences full
production (which would be about the end of 1990) and also of the unlikely
possibility that Stage 1 will not be constructed for many years hence, if at
all. Nonetheless, I do not think traffic considerations require that the
application be refused. I shall return to this matter later in the judgment.
</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>Alternative Sites</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>I do not propose to spend a great deal of time on the question of
alternative sites. A number of earlier sites were investigated and rejected. The
Commission of Inquiry also examined the question of alternative sites. The Court
is under an obligation to consider the question of alternative sites not only
because the development is a "designated development" but also because it is an
aspect of the assessment which the Director required the Council to undertake.
Since the development process began in 1987, a number of alternative sites have
been suggested. All but one, for one reason or other, have been eliminated.
Reference was made by Commissioner Woodward to Huntingwood but that site is now
no longer suitable. The Department accepts that BHP's site selection process is
appropriate and the Council appears to consider that BHP has adequately
addressed the question of alternative sites. However, RHRAG is not satisfied. It
called evidence that other sites have not been sufficiently explored. It is
difficult to attempt to identify alternative sites at this stage of the
assessment process. It having been established that almost every "alternative"
is no longer available or is inappropriate, further alternatives are then
suggested. The only remaining site suggested is one at Smeaton Grange. It would
seem to me, with respect, that even if Smeaton Grange were in fact demonstrated
to be a reasonable likely alternative, it has probably come too late in the
assessment process. If Rooty Hill were to be refused and Smeaton Grange
selected, doubtless someone would urge that there should be an alternative site
to Smeaton Grange, particularly those people who live in the vicinity.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Although the objectors originally nominated Huntingwood and Horsley Park
as "alternative sites", they were later rejected as being either unavailable or
inappropriate. Just prior to the hearing, it was submitted that Horsley Park was
an appropriate alternative site. At the hearing, however, it became apparent
that it was no longer available. The report that identified Horsley Park as
being a reasonably appropriate site dealt with Smeaton Grange and it was said
that "Smeaton Grange would only be feasible if a major new electricity
sub-station were constructed in the Minto area which would necessitate a
re-ordering of Elcom's future plans". It was suggested in that report that
unless Elcom's future plans were "re-ordered", the development costs of Smeaton
Grange would be "excessive". After it had become apparent that Horsley Park was
no longer available, it was then suggested that the electricity constraints
previously identified and referable to Smeaton Grange were not as serious as had
previously been thought. However, the flimsy material upon which it is now
suggested that Smeaton Grange is an alternative site persuades me that Mr
Mitchell's earlier view concerning it was correct viz. that it is not a feasible
alternative. I am of the opinion that Rooty Hill is a suitable industrial site
for the proposed mill. I accept that BHP's site selection criteria was adequate
and appropriate. This does not mean, of course, that because the industrial site
is appropriate, the Court would grant consent for that reason alone. It does
mean, however, that if the Court is otherwise satisfied that the development
should proceed, it would not refuse development consent because of an alleged
"alternative" site. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>I have come to the conclusion that, subject to the appropriate conditions
being imposed, development consent ought be granted to the amended application.
The parties have submitted draft conditions. I do not propose to give reasons
with respect to all 61 conditions. A reading of the conditions will make it
plain why I selected one or other suggestion. However, I do propose to give
reasons for conditions with respect to noise, traffic, s.94 contributions and
production rates.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><U>Conditions</U></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The noise conditions are intended to reflect the design and environmental
goals set by the SPCC. The RHRAG's suggested goals are rejected because to
impose them would be, in effect, to deny the development. The Department's
condition does not differ markedly from the Council's except that the Council
wishes a noise goal of 40dB(A) L90 day or night at Nurragingy Reserve whereas
the Department requires a goal of 40dB(A) L10 during the day and considers that
because the Reserve is not used at night, it is not necessary to impose any
separate night time requirements. It will be noted, however, that I have imposed
noise conditions in the form of performance standards. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The RHRAG and the Council seek a condition that no construction work be
undertaken on the site until stage 1 of the Parkway is constructed which, it is
believed, will occur towards the end of 1990. The Department seeks a condition
that the production on the site not commence until the Parkway is completed. Mr
Ayling, who has appeared on behalf of the Minister, informed me that the
Government had a commitment to construct Stage 1 of the Parkway with BHP's
contribution (if BHP is granted development consent) and that it would be
completed towards the end of 1990. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The construction of Stage 1 of Phillip Parkway will not only have the
effect of taking most trucks going to and leaving BHP's site out of the local
arterial and sub-arterial roads but will also be of considerable benefit to the
general locality because it will take other truck movements which would
otherwise pass over those arterial and sub-arterial roads. However, as I have
said above, I am not persuaded that the construction of Phillip Parkway is
essential in the sense that if it is not constructed development consent should
not be granted. Although BHP has committed itself to the half the cost of
constructing the Parkway, I do not think it is reasonable that work on the site
or production should be dependent upon the Parkway being completed i.e. I do not
think that any stage of the development should be conditional upon the Parkway
being completed although doubtless such an impact as the development will have
on the residents of Rooty Hill will be minimised as soon as the Parkway is
completed. I think it is appropriate to record in this judgment the public
statement made by Mr Ayling on behalf of the Minister that the Government would
construct the Parkway by the end of 1990. However, as I have said, this is not a
matter over which BHP has legally enforceable control. If Stage 1 of the Parkway
is not built, it is reasonable, in my opinion, for me to impose as a condition
of consent that BHP make a monetary contribution pursuant to s.94 to upgrade
local roads. If, however, Stage 1 of the Parkway is built or commenced by the
time BHP commences production, it is not reasonable, in my opinion, for BHP to
make such a contribution because it will have already contributed to the
resolution of the problems associated with its development to an extent far
exceeding that which s.94 would require. In my opinion, upon the facts as found
by me, the appropriate solution is that unless final tenders for Stage 1 of the
Parkway are accepted prior to the end of January 1991, BHP should contribute
money pursuant to s.94 to upgrade the local roads. I take account of the
statements made in Court that it will be "highly and inherently unlikely" that
Stage 1 will, in fact, not be constructed before the commencement of the
production of the mill i.e. towards the end of 1990. On economic grounds, there
is a good reason why that should be so because BHP has offered to pay half the
cost. However, the Government is required to undertake an environmental
assessment of the proposed Parkway and it is possible (although, as Mr Ayling
submits, not probable) that either Stage 1 of the Parkway will not be built or
that it will not be commenced by the beginning of 1991. In my opinion, the
appropriate condition is to impose a condition, pursuant to s.94, that BHP make
a monetary contribution to upgrade local roads, the amount to be indexed as at
the date of the consent but the imposition of the requirement conditional upon
the tenders for the Parkway not having been accepted by the 31 January 1991. I
appreciate that a consequence of this decision may be that BHP will be required
to make a contribution under s.94 and, sometime in the future, may be required
to contribute to the construction of stage 1 of the Parkway if it is legally
required so to do. I am not privy to the contractual arrangements between BHP
and the Government, although I would be surprised if, in the event the Parkway
cannot be built on environmental grounds, BHP is still required to contribute
$2.2 million. I am informed by Mr Ayling, on behalf of the Minister, that if
consent is granted and it is lawful so to do, it would be "highly unlikely" that
the Parkway will not be built by the end of 1990. If that is so, it will mean
that BHP will contribute $2.2 million as indexed to the construction of the
Parkway which will be of general benefit to the local area. If, for one reason
or another, Stage 1 of the Parkway is not built, then BHP will be obliged to
make a substantial, but lesser, contribution by way of s.94 to the upgrading of
the local roads. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Before passing from s.94 contributions, I should mention that BHP is
prepared to make a contribution to the local area traffic management study and
to the construction of a footpath in Station Street. The Council has sought a
contribution of $254,510.00 for the upgrading of the local roads and $41,069.00
for the construction of an overbridge and car road. It also seeks a contribution
of $340,000.00 for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Knox
Street and Power Street. Although BHP did not query the methodology employed by
the Council with respect to the s.94 contributions for the upgrading of local
roads, it did not agree that its claim for $340,000.00 for the roundabout was
reasonable. No attempt was made by the Council to justify the figure which seems
to be extraordinarily high. But doing the best I can and drawing upon the
general experience of the Court with respect to these matters, I think it is
appropriate to make an allowance for $80,000.00 for the roundabout. The
condition requiring contribution for the upgrading of the local roads, the
building of the overbridge and the construction of the roundabout are, as I have
said, conditional upon tenders for the Parkway not being accepted prior to 31
January 1981.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The objectors seek a condition that BHP contribute a sum for the
maintenance of the roads calculated by reference to tonnage. BHP submits that
such an exaction is not lawful. The matter need not be further explored because
I have come to the conclusion that, upon the assumption, that such a condition
would be within power, that it is not appropriate that it be imposed in the
present case. It is not sought by the Council (who has the obligation to
maintain the roads) and, in any event, BHP is prepared to contribute half the
cost of Stage 1 of the Parkway and if the Parkway is not constructed, it is
required to contribute a substantial amount to upgrade local roads etc..</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Finally, there was some dispute between the parties as to whether BHP
should be permitted to exceed its 250,000 tonne production by 2% (as contended
for by the Council) or whether there should be a limit of 250,000 tonnes
permitted to be increased by 10% during the construction stage and thereafter
production to be unlimited. I do not accept the submission on behalf of BHP that
it should have an unlimited production capacity. BHP has not made out a case for
unlimited production either in its environmental impact statement or in its
presentation to the Court. I do not think the matter is resolved in BHP's favour
by pointing to the circumstance that there will be a limited number of trucks
coming to the site and that the noise constraints are to remain the same.
However, I consider that an appropriate condition would be to permit the 250,000
tonne rate to be increased by 5%.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The formal order of the Court, therefore, is that development consent be
granted to development application DA87-216-7 by BHP Steel International Group
Road and Bar Products Division as described in the application to the Council
and as amended plans numbered L11933/1 dated 14 November 1988 and L11934/1 dated
9 November 1988 subject to the following conditions. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT><B><U>CONDITIONS</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>1. <B><U>Limitation of Approval</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The proposed development shall be carried out generally in accordance
with plans numbered L11933/1 dated 14/11/88 and L11934/1 dated 9/11/88 and
Environmental Impact Statement dated 26/9/87 prepared by BHP Engineering
certified in accordance with s.77(3) of the <U>Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act</U> except where there is an inconsistency between the proposed
development as presented in the Environmental Impact Statement.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>2. <B><U>Limitation of Approval - Production Capacity</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>This consent is granted in respect of production levels not exceeding by
more than 5% 250,000 tonnes p.a. of finished product. The number of truck
movements shall not exceed more than 250 p/day.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>3. <B><U>Fire Safety Study</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Within six months of the date of the consent or such further period as
the Director of Planning may agree, the applicant should prepare and submit for
the approval of the Director a fire safety study which shall include the
following matters:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) An outline of all fire prevention, protection and fire fighting
measures and appliances.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) Details of the type, capacity and proposed location upon the site of
all appliances and reason for their suitability as proposed.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) Details of availability of fire fighting water, location of
connections, rate of application supported by full hydraulic calculations.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) Provisions of any other fire prevention, protection and fighting
methods.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A copy of the approved Fire Safety Study shall be furnished to Council
not later than 10 days after its approval by the Director.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>4. <B><U>Fire Study Implementation</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant should comply with the requirements of the Director in
respect of the implementation of any measures arising from the said fire study
within such time as may be required by the Director but prior to the
commencement of operations of the proposed development. </TT>
<P><TT>5. <B><U>Noise Control Measures</U></B> The applicant shall install and
operate noise control equipment in accordance with the requirements of the State
Pollution Control Commission. Details of these requirements and measures to be
undertaken are to be submitted to the Blacktown City Council. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>6. <B><U>Noise Objectives</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. The applicant shall ensure that the steel mill project is designed to
meet Design Objectives (goals) not to be exceeded A) at any residential boundary
of:</TT>
<P><TT>(i) for broad band continuous noise 45 dB(A) L10 night time and 49dB(A)
L10 day time;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(ii) for repetitive impulse noise 40dB(A) and 44dB(A) L10 night time and
day time respectively;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(iii) for short term intermittent noise 55dB(A) LA1 and 59dB(A) LA1 night
time and day time respectively;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B) at the western boundary of Nurragingy Reserve of 50dB(A) L10 day time
as specified by the SPCC.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. Prior to commencement of substantial construction and/or installation
of each stage of the development, the applicant shall submit to the SPCC for
approval details of the acoustical design of each stage of the mini steel plant
and buildings and in particular the noise reduction measures proposed for the
electric arc furnace, ladle furnace, continuous casting machine, reheat furnace,
rolling mill, cooling bed, electrical switch yard and any other external noise
attenuation measures necessary to meet the above design objectives. The designs
are to be verified by an accredited acoustical engineer, to be approved by the
SPCC. All work identified by the SPCC in regard to meeting the above design
objectives for each production stage of the development is to be carried out on
site prior to the commencement of production of that stage. The applicant shall
also forward to Council details of SPCC requirements and approvals relating to
noise attenuation measures.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>7. <B><U>Construction Noise</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. During construction of the approved development, all necessary work
and/or measures as identified and required by the SPCC, are to be undertaken or
incorporated on site to ensure compliance with the following design
objectives:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) for up to (4) four weeks an L10 level of not more than 20dB(A) above
the then current background noise level;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) for up to (26) twenty six weeks and L10 level of not more than
10dB(A) above the then current background noise level; and</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) for more than (26) twenty six weeks and L10 level of not more than
5dB(A) above the then current background noise level</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>provided that these noise objectives may be varied by the SPCC in its
consideration of noise attenuation features to be incorporated on site.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. Construction work shall comply with condition 7A. during the following
hours:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Monday - Friday 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.</TT>
<P><TT>Saturday - 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m..</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>At other times, construction noise, including noise regenerated by trucks
on site shall be limited to the noise goals approved for the completed plant
unless otherwise approved by the Council after consultation with the SPCC.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>8. <B><U>Siren Noise</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that sirens or PA systems are not audible at
nearby residential premises or at the Nurragingy Recreation Area in accordance
with the SPCC requirements.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>9. <B><U>Environmental Noise</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. The applicant shall measure environmental noise emissions on a
statistical basis over a series of measurement periods during a typical
operation shift and at such locations as determined by the SPCC. These
measurements shall be performed over a sample period of not less than 20
minutes. The parameters to be determined shall include the A-weighted percentile
levels designed at LA1, LA10, LA90 and LA99. Instruments shall conform to the
requirements of Australian Standards AS 1259 for instruments classified as Type
1.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. The applicant shall make measurements prior to and on the
commissioning of the plant and at quarterly intervals during the first three
years of operation. Should the results show continuing satisfactory performance,
a reduction in the frequency of measurements may be reduced with the consent of
Council.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>C. The applicant shall submit an annual report, under the hand of a
qualified acoustic engineer, to the SPCC and Council detailing the acoustical
performance of the steel mill with specific reference to the plant's performance
in regard to established design objectives and established environmental
objectives.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>D. The applicant shall comply with any reasonable requirements of the
SPCC in respect of measures to be taken arising from such monitoring.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>E. The applicant shall ensure that monitoring equipment and stations
installed for the purpose of providing information on noise generated by the
development are available at any time for inspection by Council.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>10. <B><U>Vibration</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that any vibration at residential boundaries
due to the construction and/or operation of the plant in accordance with the
SPCC requirements.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>11. <B><U>Noise Control Devices for Trucks</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that all heavy vehicles that regularly service
the site shall at all times be fitted with noise control devices to comply with
the ADR 28A Noise Emission Standards.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>12. <B><U>Proposed Vehicular Access</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The proposed vehicular access doors in the southern elevation of the
scrap handling building are to be closed during the night time hours 10.00 p.m.
to 6.00 a.m..</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>13. <B><U>External Scrap Area</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. The scrap steel stock piles in the external scrap storage area shall
not be greater than 10m in height and shall be limited to shredded scrap
only.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. Devices approved by the Council's Chief Town Planner to measure scrap
height up to 10m shall be installed for the guidance of plant operators. The
approval of the devices by the Council's Chief Town Planner shall not be
unreasonably withheld.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>14. <B><U>Hours of Operation</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that the following hours of operation are
strictly adhered to for the following activities:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) The delivery of scrap to the external scrap storage area shall be
confined to the hours of 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. No such
deliveries shall be permitted on weekends or public holidays.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) The removal of scrap from the external scrap storage areas shall be
confined to the hours of 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.</TT>
<P><TT>(c) The processing of slag and slag treatment area and dispatch of slag
and other waste products from the site shall be limited to the hours between
7.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) Until the first stage of the Phillip Parkway is constructed, access
to the site for scrap delivery vehicles shall be restricted to the hours 6.00
a.m. to 10.00 p.m. week days and 7.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Saturdays and product
dispatch shall be restricted to 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. week days and 7.00 a.m.
to 1.00 p.m. Saturdays.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>15. <B><U>Air Pollution Control</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The development shall be provided with appropriate air pollution control
devices to the satisfaction of the SPCC. The applicant shall also forward to the
Council details of SPCC's requirements and approvals related to such
devices.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>16. <B><U>Hazard and Operability Study</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) Prior to the commencement of substantial construction of the proposed
development, or such further period as the Director of Planning may agree, the
applicant shall submit for the approval of the Director a Hazard and Operability
("HAZOP") study of the plant with specific reference to the detailed final
design of the proposed air pollution control and associated systems.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) The HAZOP study shall be prepared by an independent qualified person
to be approved by the Director.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) The HAZOP study shall account for all atypical operating conditions
within the air filtration and associated systems, including all aspects of plant
malfunction.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) The HAZOP study shall include a comprehensive emergency plans and
details of emergency procedures in respect of the development.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(e) The applicant shall ensure that persons who are adequately trained to
cope with any emergency at the mill will be present at all times whilst the mill
is operating. Details relating to the expenses and training of such persons,
together with staffing arrangements for them at the mill, shall be included in
the HAZOP study.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(f) The applicant shall comply with all requirements of the Director
resulting from the HAZOP study within such time as specified by the Director but
prior to the commencement of the operation. The results of the study and the
requirements of the Director relating thereto shall be made available to the
Chief Town Planner.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>17. <B><U>Shut-off Systems</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall install adequate monitoring and plant shut-off
systems for the air filtration systems, to the satisfaction of the Director of
Planning, prior to the</TT>
<P><TT>commencement of the operations and generally in accordance with the HAZOP
study.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>18. <B><U>Ambient Air Quality Monitoring</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. Prior to the commencement of any production on the site and during the
operation of the plant, the applicant shall formulate and implement
comprehensive ambient air and stack monitoring programmes and procedures to the
full satisfaction of the SPCC. Such programmes and procedures (details of which
are to be furnished to Council upon request) are to include:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) An adequate number, not less than four, of dust deposition gauges
near the boundary of the plant to record fallout of dust to be measured and
recorded at frequencies and in a manner as required by the SPCC;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) measurements and reporting of suspended particles at frequencies to
be determined by SPCC;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) meteorological instrumentation installed to the satisfaction of SPCC
and designed to continuously measure essential parameters of dispersion
meteorology;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) an opacity metre to enable continuous stack monitoring of baghouse
discharge to the atmosphere. This opacity metre shall be installed within the
discharge and comply with SPCC's requirements;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(e) provision of adequate alarm facilities to activate emergency
procedures should emissions from the baghouse be exceeded;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(f) I do not think this should be imposed in view of the fact that this
is not a real problem and in any event it would be an unjustifiable expense for
the Company;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. The applicant shall, to the satisfaction of SPCC, establish a
continuous monitoring station on a site selected and agreed to by the SPCC, such
monitoring station to include a meteorological instrumentation to measure wind
speed and direction, a fallout dust gauge and a high volume volume sampler or
other suitable mechanisms for measuring and detecting the presence of fine
particles. The monitoring referred to in this condition shall be located so as
to provide ambient air quality data relevant to those residential areas nearest
the plant and shall be in operation within three months of the granting of this
consent, or within such time as determined by the SPCC to enable pre-operation
levels to be recorded.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>C. The applicant shall ensure that any monitoring stations or equipment
installed by the applicant to provide information on air quality are available
at any time for inspection by SPCC and Council and copies of all data output
shall be sent to SPCC and Council at three monthly intervals or upon
request.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>D. The applicant shall comply with any reasonable requirement of the SPCC
following consultation with the Chief Town Planner resulting from the above
required monitoring and within such time as determined by the SPCC.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>19. <B><U>Air Pollution Control Measures</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. All roads and the truck parking areas on the subject land shall be
cleaned weekly or as necessary so as to minimise airborne dust generation.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. Prior to the commencement of production from the site, full details of
the method of treatment and handling of dust particles trapped by the baghouse
are to be submitted to the SPCC for approval.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>C. The applicant shall design the Dust Control Plant (baghouse) so that
the average concentration of the particulate material in the emissions of the
plant shall be not greater than 50mg per normal cubic metre, as defined in the
<U>Clean Air Act</U> Regulations 1961, at any one time.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>D. The applicant shall design the electric arc furnace building to the
principle of total enclosure so as to prevent the emission of fugitive fume from
this building other than to the dust control plant.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>20. <B><U>Height of Stacks</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The height of all stacks to be installed as part of the development are
to be designed in accordance with the requirements of the SPCC and Civil
Aviation.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>21. <B><U>Storm Water Management Plan</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Prior to the commencement of construction work, the applicant shall
obtain approval from the SPCC in regard to the proposed storm water management
system covering both the construction and operation stages of the development.
The</TT>
<P><TT>applicant shall not commence any work on site until all the relevant
requirements of the SPCC have been met.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>22. <B><U>Water Treatment Plant</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Prior to the commencement of substantial construction of the proposed
development or within such time as determined by the Chief Town Planner but
prior to the commencement of any operations on the site, the applicant shall
comply with all the requirements of the SPCC and the Water Board, concerning the
design, construction and operation of the water treatment plant. The applicant
shall submit to the Blacktown City Council details relating to the requirements
and approvals of the Water Board and the SPCC. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>23. <B><U>Water Settlement Pit</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>All hard standing areas specified by the SPCC are to be drained to a
water settlement pit provided with an oil/grease separation mechanism in
accordance with the requirements of SPCC.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>24. <B><U>Potential Site FLooding</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The water settlement pit and slag treatment areas are to be constructed
so as to be free of any potential site flooding. These areas are to be suitably
bunded or otherwise protected to ensure that flood and drainage waters will not
enter these areas at any time.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>25. <B><U>Water Sampling</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Water discharge from the settlement pit is to be regularly sampled to
ensure that such is free of contaminants. Sampling results and an appropriate
report are to be forwarded to the SPCC in accordance with the requirements of
the SPCC. The applicant shall be required to comply with any reasonable
requirements of the Council resulting from its assessment of the sampling
reports.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>26. <B><U>Rehabilitation</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure adequate provision is made in the development
for erosion and sediment control and the rehabilitation of disturbed areas
following excavation/construction works on site. Such measures are to be
designed in accordance with the requirements of the Soil Conservation Service of
New South Wales and the SPCC. Particular attention is to be given to the
retardation of storm water flow so as to prevent the loss of topsoil and
possible siltration of the nearby Eastern Creek. Details of measures to be
incorporated are to be submitted to the SPCC and Council for approval prior to
the commencement of earthworks on site.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>27. <B><U>Landscaping</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A. Prior to the commencement of on-site construction works for the
proposed development, the applicant shall prepare and submit for the approval of
the Chief Town Planner, detailed landscaping design and management plans, to
scale, including details showing:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) The provision of a contour plan, having a contour interval of not
less than 500m, indicating existing site levels and final design contours,
including details of a mounding and substantial batters;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) the planting of shrubs and trees chosen from species indigenous or
suitable to the area, and of appropriate size and height at maturity to
effectively enhance the proposed development;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) landscape setbacks along the road frontages of the site and along the
boundaries of the site in order to provide an effective vegetative visual screen
of the development;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) the position and size of proposed shrubs and trees nominating both
their common and botanical names;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(e) the location of all buildings, fences, roads, parking and storage
areas on site and the landscape treatment of all areas not paved or built
upon;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(f) the retention of all existing trees situated in proximity to the
drainage easement to the south eastern corner of the site;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(g) the crest of required earth mound(s) adjacent to the western boundary
of the site being a minimum of 4m above the existing ground level and surmounted
by landscaping, and located to the satisfaction of the Chief Town Planner;
and</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(h) the landscape treatment of on-site car parking areas to provide shade
and protection for vehicles parking on the site.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>B. The landscaping plans referred to above are to specifically provide
for dense planting, to provide a substantial visual screen, adjacent to the
southern, western and eastern boundaries of the site, adjacent to the drainage
easement which traverses the south eastern corner of the subject land and to the
south and east of the external scrap storage areas. Earth mounds and batters are
to be incorporated to achieve the desired effect.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>C. The required landscaping plans are to include a separate plan
indicating provision for earth mounding and preliminary landscape works
including grass seeding of earth mounds and provision of quick growing native
trees to be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works on site.
These provisions are to make suitable provision for the screening of
construction activities from the nearby residential areas and for the suitable
protection of all trees required to be retained on site in a manner to be
approved by the Chief Town Planner.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>D. The applicant shall make payment of a cash contribution to the Council
of $2610.00 to enable trees to be planted in Station Street, Kellogg Road and
any other nearby street in which the Council considers tree planting to be
desirable.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>E. The proponent shall ensure that all landscaping work required for each
stage of the development is carried out to the satisfaction of Council and
effectively maintained at all times to the satisfaction of the Chief Town
Planner in accordance with approved landscaping plans.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>28. <B><U>Fencing</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A manproof fence is to be provided along the frontage of the site to
Phillip Parkway and along the southern and eastern boundaries of the site.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>29. <B><U>Site Maintenance</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Provision to be made for the premises to be maintained in a clean and
tidy state at all times.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>30. <B><U>Car Parking</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall provide a minimum of 135 car parking spaces together
with driveways that shall be constructed, paved and line marked to Council's
satisfaction. Engineering details of the construction of these areas shall be
lodged for approval with the building application. The provision of on-site
visitor car parking is to be sign posted at the car access on Kellogg Road.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>31. <B><U>Internal Roads</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that all car parking areas, driveways,
internal roads and maneuvering areas are constructed from hard standing all
weather material and that appropriate sign posting and line marking are included
in accordance with the requirements of Council. All work is to be maintained to
the satisfaction of the Town Engineer.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>32. <B><U>Vehicle Loading</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>All vehicle loading and unloading operations are to take place entirely
within the site grounds of the approved development. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>33. <B><U>Vehicle Ingress</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall erect appropriate signs at the vehicle entrance to
the development from Kellogg Road and on site to ensure that vehicles are
directed to their appropriate destinations.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>34. <B><U>Advertising Structures</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>No approval is given for any advertising structures and Council's
separate approval is to be obtained for any proposed advertising signs.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>35. <B><U>City Engineer Requirements</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant to comply with the reasonable requirements of the Council
Engineer with respect to the following:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(a) The construction of appropriately designed industrial vehicular
crossings of the footway at Kellogg Road alignment. Where the internal roadways
fall towards Kellogg Road, grated drains and pipe discharges shall be provided
at the street alignment;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(b) the finished level of all internal works at the road boundary of the
property being conducted to Council Engineer's requirements;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(c) the existing watercourse across the south eastern corner of the
subject land is to be suitably upgraded to the requirements of the Council's
Engineer;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(d) the developed areas of the site are to be suitably filled if and
where required so as to be above the one in one hundred year flood level of
Eastern Creek and its tributaries to the satisfaction of the Council
Engineer;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(e) drainage from the site shall be connected to the Council's drainage
system to the satisfaction of the Council Engineer. Details to be submitted to
Council for approval;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(f) the piering and beaming of all construction adjacent to the easement
over the subject land to</TT>
<P><TT>the depth of the invert of the proposed/existing pipeline;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(g) all development to be kept clear of the drainage easements within the
property and no amendment to the existing surface levels within the easement is
to be made without the prior approval of Council; </TT>
<P><TT>(h) the works listed above must not be commenced until full details of
the design thereof have been submitted to and approved by Council;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(i) the road design checking and inspection fee of $850, the cost of
which includes a copy of Council's specifications, must be paid to Council when
submitting engineering plans for approval prior to construction;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>(j) vehicular crossing inspection fees of $100 must be paid prior to
construction. Prior to approval of the afore required engineering plans,
documentary proof of the payment of the levy required by the <U>Building and
Construction Industry Long Service Payments Act</U>, 1986, together with a
detailed estimate of the cost of the work must be submitted to Council;</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>36. <B><U>Building Application</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall submit a building application for each stage of the
development to Council and obtain all necessary building approvals from Council
and comply with any conditions relating thereto to Council's requirements prior
to the commencement of the building of each stage of the development. The
Council shall deal with building applications on a stage basis.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>37. <B><U>Other Approvals</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>This consent does not relieve the applicant of the obligation to obtain
any other approval required under the <U>Local Government Act</U> 1919 as
amended or the Ordinances made thereunder (including approval of building plans)
or any other Act.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>38. <B><U>Provision for Disabled Persons</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Access for disabled persons is to be provided throughout the plant where
appropriate and where disabled persons may be employed. Details are to be
included with the relevant building application.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>39. <B><U>Statutory Responsibilities</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall meet the requirements of all public authorities
having statutory responsibility in respect of the development including the
SPCC, Board of Fire Commissioners, Soil Conservation Service, Roads and Traffic
Authority (RTA), Metropolitan Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA), Water Board,
Prospect County Council and Telecom Australia and shall furnish Council with
copies of all approvals required by such public authorities.</TT>
<P><TT>40. <B><U>SPCC Approvals and Licences</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall obtain from the SPCC all statutory approvals and
licences required as a result of obligations imposed under the <U>Clean Air
Act</U> 1970, <U>Clean Waters Act</U> 1961 and the <U><A
href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/nca1975168/">Noise
Control Act</U></A> 1975.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>41. <B><U>Department of Industrial Relations</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall comply with the statutory requirements of the
Department of Industrial Relations and Employment.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>42. <B><U>Discharge of Sewer</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall comply at all times with the requirements of the
Water Board concerning the discharge of effluent and trade waste of the Board's
sewerage system.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>43. <B><U>Waste Disposal</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Prior to the commencement of construction work on the site or within such
period as may be determined by the Chief Town Planner the applicant shall
consult and obtain all necessary approvals from the MWDA concerning the disposal
of any liquid or solid wastes generated from the operations of the proposed
development.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>44. <B><U>Aviation Requirements</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall formally notify and obtain all necessary approvals
from the Civil Aviation concerning the height, lighting and marking of buildings
and stacks on site prior to the commencement of construction works. Details to
be forwarded to Council.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>45. <B><U>Archaeological Material</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall ensure that if in the course of site preparation
construction any archaeological material is found all activity in the area shall
cease immediately; the applicant shall forthwith give written notice to the
National Parks and Wildlife Service (the Service) and shall not resume activity
until it has complied with reasonable requirements of the Service.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>46. <B><U>Water and Electricity Supply</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The Developer shall submit an application to the Water Board and the
Prospect County Council giving details of the proposed development for
determination of water/sewerage and electricity supply or requirements
respectively. Prior to the commencement of production, the applicant shall
submit to Council letters from Prospect County Council and the Water Board to
the effect their respective requirements have been satisfied. </TT>
<P><TT>47. <B><U>Services</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall make satisfactory arrangements with the Australian
Telecommunications Commission and the Australian Gas Light Company with respect
to the provision of reticulation of telephone plant and supply of natural gases
and shall submit to Council documentary evidence that all requirements of these
authorities have been met prior to the commencement of operations.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>48. <B><U>Lighting</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>A report prepared by a qualified lighting engineer shall be prepared and
submitted to the Chief Town Planner for approval prior to the installation of
any permanent external lighting on site. The report shall identify the means
employed to minimise light nuisance at adjoining properties and give full
details and specifications of the proposed lighting. All lighting incorporated
during the construction phase of the development shall be directed away from
residential areas and be wholly to the satisfaction of the Chief Town Planner at
all times.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>49. <B><U>Footpath</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall pay to the Council the sum of $9800 towards the
construction of a footpath to Rooty Hill Railway Station along the reservation
of North Parade. The said sum shall be paid on completion of the footpath. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>50. <B><U>Architectural Features</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall supply full details of the architectural features of
all structures detailing the type and colour of all external cladding or
rendering to be used prior to submission of a building application for approval
by the Chief Town Planner.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>51. <B><U>Contributions</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The following contributions pursuant to s.94 of the <U>Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act</U> shall be paid to the Council no later than 31
January 1991 for the following services and amenities:</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Roads $254,510.00</TT>
<P><TT>Overbridge at Power Street 41,069.00</TT>
<P><TT>The upgrading of the roundabout</TT>
<P><TT>at the intersection at Knox Road</TT>
<P><TT>and Power Street 80,000.00</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>provided always that the said sum shall not be payable if on or before 31
January 1991 the Roads and Traffic Authority has accepted a tender for the
construction of the first stage of the Phillip Parkway from Eastern Road to
Woodstock Avenue. Such contributions are to be indexed in accordance with the
Consumer Price Index published each February commencing April <A
href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/disp.pl/au/cases/nsw/NSWLEC/1989/25.html?query=%7E%201989#disp3"
name=disp4><IMG alt="<<" border=0
src="BHP Ltd v Blacktown City Council [1989] NSWLEC 25 (1 April 1989)_files/contextup.gif"></A><B>1989</B><A
href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/disp.pl/au/cases/nsw/NSWLEC/1989/25.html?query=%7E%201989#disp5"><IMG
alt=">>" border=0
src="BHP Ltd v Blacktown City Council [1989] NSWLEC 25 (1 April 1989)_files/contextdown.gif"></A>.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>52. <B><U>Weighbridge</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall install weighbridge facilities for materials and
products received by road. All vehicles carrying goods or materials for receipt
or dispatch other than finished steel products shall be subject to weighbridge
checks. Weighbridge records shall be kept for two years and shall be produced to
Council upon request. </TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>53. <B><U>Traffic Routes</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The traffic routes used by heavy vehicles regularly servicing the site
shall be approved by the Chief Town Planner. The applicant shall seek adherence
to vehicles under the applicant's control to use such routes. The applicant
shall enter into contractual agreements with operators of heavy vehicles which
are to regularly service the site. The contract shall require the adherence by
contractors, heavy vehicles or suppliers as appropriate to the use of such
routes.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>54. <B><U>Local Area Traffic Management</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant to contribute the sum of $6600.00 towards the cost of a
local area traffic management study for the area bounded by Railway Street, Duke
Street, Woodstock Avenue, Station Street and North Parade. The said sum to be
paid within one month of the Chief Town Planner certifying that the study is
ready to commence.</TT>
<B><U>Development Commissioning</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>The applicant shall submit to Council written documentation identifying
the date of commissioning of the development.</TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>56. <B><U>Annual Report</U></B></TT>
<P><TT></TT>
<P><TT>Until the abandonment of the development or until otherwise directed by
Council the applicant shall prepare and submit to Council an Annual Report in
respect of implementation and effectiveness of conditions contained in this
consent and supported where appropriate with results from monitoring programmes
and shall bring to the notice of Council those matters which the applicant
considers may require further investigation. Further, the applicant shall comply
with any reasonable requirements of Council relating to the implementation of
its conditions of consent. The first report shall be submitted one year from the
date of commencement of operations of the proposed development.</TT>
DISCLAIMER - Every effort has been made to comply with suppression orders or statutory provisions prohibiting publication that may apply to this judgment or decision. The onus remains on any person using material in the judgment or decision to ensure that the intended use of that material does not breach any such order or provision. Further enquiries may be directed to the Registry of the Court or Tribunal in which it was generated.