Sensitive sites in Western Australia

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development operates a sensitive sites service to identify the locations of sensitive commercial production systems across Western Australia's agricultural region.

Locations are provided in a free online map, and landholders are asked annually or bienially to register interest in having their property included on the map.

This service is designed to assist both sensitive enterprises and nearby landholders to prepare risk assessment and mitigation plans for their activities, to ensure sensitive sites are protected.

The registration period for the 2021 Sensitive Sites map is closed.

Any registrations received after 9 September 2021 will only be considered when the next registration period opens.

Publication of the Sensitive Sites map 2021 is in progress.   

Application process

Applications for inclusion in the sensitive sites map must be assessed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). DPIRD reserves the right to ask any applicant for documentary evidence and to decline any application which fails to meet the guidelines.

If you believe that you have a sensitive production system and wish to register your interest please send an email to sensitivesites@dpird.wa.gov.au during the registration period. The following information is required:

  • the address of your property
  • your preferred contact details, including an email address
  • the full details of your production system
  • relevant documentation to support your request, such as a copy of your organic certification certificate or aquaculture licence.

DPIRD will also contact current Sensitive Site registrants when registration is open, to remind them to check their details and advise of any changes, and request to provide a current proof of certification/licence of their production system.

While the Sensitive Sites map provides an information source for producers, it is vital they continue to communicate directly with nearby landholders.

Sensitive site definition

For the purposes of the map on this website, a sensitive site is a property with a commercial agricultural production system that its owner and DPIRD think may be particularly sensitive to impact from some activities on nearby land. This may be due to the nature of the production system or produce.

Examples of sensitive sites include certified organic or biodynamic systems, managed tree nurseries, or licenced aquaculture, viticulture and horticulture.

View the sensitive sites map 2018
I understand & agree with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development Western Australia (DPIRD, which expression includes the State of Western Australia & its servants & agents) that:
  1. The locations of these sites in the Map & description of them as sensitive sites are based on information and requests provided to DPIRD by growers in DPIRD's database. DPIRD is not able to verify or identify the nature or extent of sensitivity of mapped sites, types of activities that may pose risks to the sites, or the extent of those risks. Nor can DPIRD advise whether there are other sites that may be sensitive, but are not shown on the map because they or their sensitivity are unknown to DPIRD or their owners did not request listing of them
  2. Mapped data & other information in this package may not be accurate, current or complete due to changes which may not be notified to DPIRD or may not be immediately updated in this package
  3. I should not make significant decisions in reliance on information obtained from this package, but should make my own investigations, consult relevant property owners & obtain updated professional advice relevant to my circumstances
  4. I accept all risks & responsibility for losses, damages, costs & other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this site or information or material in it
  5. To the maximum extent permitted by law, DPIRD excludes all liability, in negligence & otherwise, to me or anyone else, resulting directly or indirectly from me using this site or information or material in it. I release DPIRD from all such liability

Contact information

Modika Perera 
+61 (0)8 9368 3526
sensitivesites@agric.wa.gov.au

Topics

Page last updated: Monday, 13 September 2021 - 2:30pm

Sensitive sites in Western Australia

  1. The registration period for the 2021 Sensitive Sites map is closed.
  2. Application process
  3. Sensitive site definition
View on one page

See Also

Coexistence of different production systems

External Links

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority