What are Warehouse and Storage Facilities?
Warehouse and storage facilities in Australia are commercial properties designed for the storage, distribution, and management of goods and materials. These facilities serve as critical infrastructure for supply chains, supporting industries such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce. They range from small-scale storage units to large-scale automated distribution centres and are strategically located to optimise transport and operational efficiency.
Warehouse and storage facilities are subject to zoning regulations that define permissible activities, building standards, and operational requirements.
Applicable Zoning for Warehouse and Storage Facilities
Warehouses and storage facilities are primarily located in industrial zones, although allowances may exist in mixed-use or commercial zones for smaller-scale operations. The zoning regulations ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses and address potential impacts such as traffic, noise, and environmental concerns.
1. Common Zoning Categories
General Industrial Zones (IN1Z)
Purpose: Accommodates a broad range of industrial and logistics activities, including warehousing and distribution..
Typical Areas: Industrial estates and logistics hubs.
Examples: Distribution centres in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, such as Wetherill Park
Light Industrial Zones (IN2Z)
Purpose: Supports smaller-scale or lower-impact warehousing and storage operations..
Typical Areas: Suburban or peri-urban industrial precincts.
Examples: Small-scale warehouses in Brisbane’s Archerfield precinct.
Heavy Industrial Zones (IN3Z)
Purpose: Designed for high-impact industrial uses, including bulk storage and transport facilities.
Typical Areas: Ports, regional logistics hubs, and major transport corridors.
Examples: Bulk storage warehouses near Fremantle Port in Western Australia.
Mixed-Use Zones (MUZ)
Purpose: Allows small-scale storage facilities integrated with residential or commercial activities.
Typical Areas: Urban and suburban neighbourhoods with high demand for personal or business storage.
Examples: Self-storage units in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Special Use Zones (SUZ)
Purpose: Accommodates unique warehousing needs tied to specific industries, such as agriculture, mining, or defence.
Typical Areas: Rural or precinct-specific areas.
Examples: Grain storage warehouses in regional Queensland.
2. Zoning Framework by State and Territory
Each state and territory regulates warehouse and storage facilities through specific planning frameworks. Below is an overview:
New South Wales (NSW): Governed by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, warehouses are typically located in IN1 General Industrial and IN2 Light Industrial Zones.
Example : Logistics hubs in Eastern Creek.
Victoria (VIC):: Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, warehouses are permitted in Industrial 1 Zone (IN1Z) and Industrial 2 Zone (IN2Z).
Example : Large-scale facilities in Melbourne’s Dandenong South.
Queensland (QLD): Planning Act 2016 designates Medium and High-Impact Industry Zones for warehousing.
Example : Warehouses in Brisbane Airport precinct
Western Australia (WA):: Planning and Development Act 2005 includes General and Heavy Industrial Zones for storage and logistics.
Example : Logistics facilities in Kwinana Industrial Area.
South Australia (SA): Planning and Development Infrastructure Act 2016 includes Employment and Urban Employment Zones.
Example : Warehouses in Adelaide’s Wingfield.
Tasmania (TAS): Tasmanian Planning Scheme permits warehousing in General Industrial Zones.
Example : Warehouses in Hobart’s Cambridge Industrial Estate.
Northern Territory (NT): Planning Act 1999 allows warehouse use in Industry and Transport Zones.
Example : Storage facilities in Darwin’s East Arm precinct.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Territory Plan permits warehousing in IZ1 General Industry and IZ2 Mixed Use Industrial Zones.
Example : Distribution centres in Hume, Canberra.
Breakdown of Warehouse and Storage Facility Types
1. Distribution Centres
Description: Large facilities designed to store and distribute goods, often for retail or e-commerce operations.
Features: High-clearance ceilings and expansive floor space.
Advanced inventory management systems and automation.
Located near transport hubs for efficiency.
Examples: Amazon Fulfilment Centres in Sydney.
2. Cold Storage Facilities
Description: Warehouses specifically designed for storing perishable goods at controlled temperatures.
Features: Refrigeration and freezing systems.
Insulated construction for energy efficiency.
Examples: Food storage facilities in Adelaide’s Pooraka.
3. Bulk Storage Facilities
Description: Facilities for storing large quantities of raw materials, such as grains, minerals, or chemicals.
Features: Silo systems and bulk handling equipment.
Proximity to ports or rail lines.
Examples: Grain storage warehouses in regional Victoria.
4. Self-Storage Units
Description: Facilities offering smaller storage units for personal or business use.
Features: Climate-controlled options for sensitive items.
Flexible lease terms
Examples: National Storage facilities in suburban areas.
5. Smart Warehouses
Description: High-tech facilities integrated with automation, robotics, and IoT for advanced inventory management.
Features: Automated picking and sorting systems.
Real-time data analytics and monitoring.
Examples: Logistics facilities in Melbourne’s West.
6. Cross-Docking Warehouses
Description: Facilities designed to transfer goods directly from inbound to outbound transport with minimal storage.
Features: Docking bays for efficient loading and unloading.
Located close to transport infrastructure.
Examples: Warehouses in Brisbane’s Acacia Ridge.
7. Hazardous Material Storage
Description: Specialised facilities for storing chemicals, flammable substances, or other hazardous materials.
Features: Compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations.
Ventilation and spill containment systems.
Examples: Chemical storage facilities in Perth’s Kwinana.
Key Considerations for Warehouse and Storage Facilities
1. Regulatory Compliance
Building Codes: Adherence to the National Construction Code (NCC) for structural integrity.
Safety Standards: Compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations for fire safety, hazardous materials, and worker protection.
Environmental Regulations: Ensuring proper waste management and emissions control.
2. Location and Accessibility
Proximity to highways, ports, rail lines, and airports for streamlined logistics.
Sufficient truck access and parking to handle large vehicles.
3. Infrastructure
Design: High-clearance ceilings, durable flooring, and wide aisles for material handling equipment.
Utilities: Power supply for heavy equipment and climate control systems.
4. Technology Integration
Adoption of warehouse management systems (WMS) for efficient inventory control.
Integration of IoT for real-time tracking and monitoring.
5. Economic and Operational Factors
Scalability to meet future growth in demand.
Optimisation of operational costs through automation and energy efficiency.
6. Sustainability
Use of solar panels and energy-efficient systems to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.
Implementation of rainwater harvesting and waste recycling systems.