Plans for action
Applying SEPP 33 - Hazardous and Offensive Development Application Guidelines
State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No 33: Hazardous and Offensive Development links the permissibility of an industrial development proposal to its safety and environmental performance.
Certain activities may involve handling, storing or processing a range of materials which, in the absence of locational, technical or operational controls, may create an off-site risk or offence to people, property or the environment. Such activities would be defined by SEPP 33 as 'potentially hazardous industry' or 'potentially offensive industry'. SEPP 33 applies to any industrial development proposals which fall within these definitions.
SEPP 33 is an enabling instrument (that is, it allows for the development of industry), while ensuring that the merits of proposals are properly assessed in relation to off-site risk and offence before being determined by a consent authority. It overcomes the limitations of previous definitions of 'hazardous industry' or 'offensive industry', which were based on industry type.
The Application Guidelines assist councils and proponents to establish whether a development proposal would fit into such definitions and hence, come under the provisions of the policy.
For development proposals classified as 'potentially hazardous industry' the policy establishes a comprehensive test by way of a preliminary hazard analysis (PHA) to assess the risk to people, property and the environment in the presence of controls. Should such risk exceed nominated criteria of acceptability, the development is classified as 'hazardous industry' and may not be permissible within most industrial zonings in NSW.
The guidelines and accompanying appendices cover the following key issues;
- knowing when SEPP 33 applies
- SEPP 33 administrative requirements
- assessing applications under SEPP 33
- identifying a potentially hazardous development
- what is required of a PHA and guidelines for assessing a PHA
- appropriate conditions of consent for potentially hazardous developments under SEPP 33
Applying SEPP 33 - Hazardous and Offensive Development Application Guidelines [PDF 26KB].
For further information please contact the Major Hazards Unit.