In the Swan Valley of WA there are now five brickworks. BGC Brickworks is yet to commence operating but will do so by end of 2008 and is therefore included in our campaign.
Midland Brick the oldest plant in WA is also the largest (and in the southern hemisphere). With up to 12 kiln stacks this massive plant contributes significant pollution to the local atmosphere. The company is undertaking significant upgrades so as to reduce their environmental footprint and pollution residues in the local air-shed.
Austral Bricks have plants in Bellevue, Caversham and Malaga. Their contribution to the pollution residues in the Swan Valley air-shed is substantial. Caversham does not have a pollution scrubber and both Bellevue and Malaga operate in very close proximity to residences and businesses.
The combined impacts from this industry have historically and currently continue to undermine the air quality for the region due to significant acid gas emissions that have the potential to increase the chemical burdens and negative health impacts on the surrounding community.
Acid gases are known to cause respiratory irritation and illness. Children are more vulnerable to air pollution and the long term impacts on their health have not been adequately investigated. However, WA is known to have a high incidence of hospitalisation of children with asthma.
ACE has contributed a significant amount of public interest submissions to government and appeals on the industry’s licences so as to improve the outcomes for public health and to raise awareness with government of the community’s concerns but to also raise awareness at a grassroots level for an understanding of environmental health and justice issues at a local level.
