A parliamentary inquiry will probe dust, odour and alleged health issues plaguing communities surrounding Cockburn Cement’s Munster plant.

The company’s licences will also be examined, along with how stringent the government assesses community concerns on the plant.

Residents near the plant have for years claimed industrial pollution from Cockburn Cement allegedly causes asthma, blood noses, nausea and headaches, while also stripping paint from their cars.



Meteorological studies show winds blow from the site in a north-east direction over thousands of households in suburbs such as Munster, Beeliar, Yangebup, South Lakes, Jandakot and Success.



But Cockburn Cement officials claim testing shows their operations are safe and emissions below government and international health standards. 

The company has been operating in Munster for more than 50 years, long before large-scale housing developments were in the area.