Council launches Operation Proactive

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

Council has launched Operation Proactive to ensure high risk businesses in Penrith’s industrial areas are operating in the safest way possible.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said Council had committed significant resources to ensure the community and the environment are protected from industrial pollution.

"The vast majority of industrial businesses comply with environmental and planning requirements, but we think there is some room for improvement," Cr McKeown said.

"There was a large factory fire that occurred in St Marys, in early 2015. This fire caused significant damage to property and the environment.

"Operation Proactive is both an educational and enforcement program.

"This will involve joint inspections of larger businesses with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Officers, to ensure compliance. While on site we will give advice and guidance."

"Industrial sites will be audited and we will issue substantial fines when sites that are identified as high risk are not following regulations. Our health and the health of our environment demands nothing less."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 23 December 2015.