Dust Management

Find out when you need a dust management plan, what to include, and how to apply. 

When you need a Dust Management Plan

If you own or occupy land in the City of Cockburn and intend to undertake any works that have the potential to create dust, you will need to submit a Dust Management Plan to the City. This plan must be submitted 14 days prior to the anticipated start date and approved before any work begins. 

Dust restrictions (moratorium period)

Bulk earthworks are prohibited on Class 3 and 4 sites between 1 October and 31 March, known as the moratorium period. 

Bulk earthworks entail clearing, land re-contouring, and cut-to-fill operations. On the other hand, civil earthworks, such as the construction of retaining walls, installation of sewers, and construction of roads, are permitted during the moratorium period when a Dust Management Plan has been approved. 

Reference documents for compliance

Dust Management Plans must adhere to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Guidelines for Managing the Impacts of Dust and Associated Contaminants from Land Development Sites, Contaminated Sites Remediation, and Other Related Activities and the City’s policy below. 

Key elements of a Dust Management Plan 

Following is an overview of the key elements to include in the Dust Management Plan. Please refer to the guidelines and policy above for more detailed information. 

• Contractor details: Identify contractors associated with the site's construction. 
• Site plans: Provide detailed plans showing proposed works, haul roads, and the proximity of nearby houses. 
• Earthwork description: Provide details of the proposed earthworks, their sequence, topsoil handling, and expected duration. 
• Green waste disposal: Provide methods for green waste handling. 
• Site classification: Incorporate a classification chart based on criteria from the guidelines. 
• Dust management strategies: Outline strategies and measures for managing dust. 
• Contractual details: Illustrate how dust management strategies are embedded in construction contracts. Copies of such specifications might be required. 
• Staging and timing: Specify the proposed staging and timing of development. Note, that the City is keen to minimise large-scale earthworks during windy summer months, where possible. 
• Stabilisation: Describe the methods and progression of stabilising completed areas throughout the earthworks program. 
• Notification: Developers should inform surrounding residents about potential dust disturbances. Ensure the notification process is documented in the Dust Management Plan and that it complies with the guidelines. 

Submit the Dust Management Plan 

Submit the plan online 14 days prior to the anticipated start date via the form below. It is important that your submission is complete and in accordance with all guidelines and policies to speed up the approval process. 

​Application for Approval of a Dust Management Plan Form

More information and contact 

Please contact the City’s Health Services team for more information on dust management on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].