FAQs

The Kent Street Sand Pit is currently zoned Parks and Recreation under the provisions of Town Planning Scheme No.1 (TPS1). 

The history of the site is not well documented but it is generally thought to have been used as a sand quarry, domestic landfill and for the storage of building materials, construction and road sweeping waste and as a discharge area for run off. 

Given the historical use of the site, it has for many years been classified as a contaminated site.

After a series of site investigations to assess, measure, map and detail the extent of the contamination on-site including in the soil and groundwater and remedial efforts, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), reclassified the site to “Remediated for Restricted Use”.  

This classification means that the site is contaminated and has been remediated such that it is suitable for passive recreational use, subject to the implementation of the site management plan (developed June 2017). This site management plan guides future management procedures for the Site, primarily if any works were to take place. 

In November 2019, in response to a petition received from the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland requesting the revegetation of the Kent Street Sand Pit as part of the Jirdarup Bushland Precinct, Council endorsed the preparation of a report to rehabilitate and revegetate the Kent Street Sand Pit, ensuring the recommended options for the site:

a) Are consistent with its zoning as a Parks and Recreation Reserve under the provisions of Town Planning Scheme No.1.

b) Considers the past recommendations and decisions made by Council in relation to the Kent Street Sand Pit site.

c) Culminates in a plan for the Kent Street Sand Pit site including (but not limited to):

i. Design considerations

ii. Site preparatory works

iii. Environmental considerations

iv. Funding, staging and delivery considerations.

The Town then developed an Opportunities and Considerations Report for Kent St Sand Pit. Remaining within the boundaries of the current planning framework (Parks and Recreation Reserve) and following the direction set by previous recommendations and decisions regarding the site, this report provides information to inform future site planning.

Considerations which may include constraints or aspects that may need to be accommodated in the future generally include the following:

• The site’s zoning as Parks and Recreation.
• The site’s classification under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 as remediated for restricted use and associated limitations posed by the Site Management Plan (SERS 2017).
• Variability in soil conditions across the site due to historical land use.
• Lack of existing available water supply within the site to facilitate revegetation.
• Weed infestation within the site that may inhibit revegetation.
• The necessity to create safe public spaces.

Primarily the opportunities that were identified are centred around revegetation of the site with native plants and establishment of paths to facilitate public access and integrating the site with the existing Kensington Bushland. Additional features to enhance amenity and experience were then contributed to add value to the design outcome.

Utilising the site for recreational and cultural purposes, with revegetation being a strong focus, the design components outlined will enhance Kensington Bushland and create an amenity for the Town’s community and visitors.

Building on the findings of the Kent St Sand Pit Opportunities and Considerations Report, the Town would like to embark on formal planning for the site, with the development of a Concept Plan.

After a series of site investigations to assess, measure, map and detail the extent of the contamination on-site including in the soil and groundwater and remedial efforts, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), reclassified the site to “Remediated for Restricted Use”.  

This classification means that the site is contaminated and has been remediated such that it is suitable for passive recreational use and revegetation.

Additionally, historic decisions of Council regarding the future use of the site have centred around rehabilitation and revegetation of the site to protect and enhance the neighbouring Kensington Bushland (once the contaminated site status of the site had changed).