Brick and clay pits once played a significant role in Maitland’s economy and the Metford pit was the last to be decommissioned in the area.

The quarry, near Fieldsend Oval and south of the Hunter rail line, is leased by CSR but will be handed back to the Crown. 

The NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Resources and Energy will approve finals plans for the site, but feedback is sought from residents in the decision-making process.

The 1930s infrastructure will be removed from the site in two stages and a consultant is preparing a heritage interpretation plan for the old brick press.

The heritage report will be available for public feedback.

The site played an important role in Metford’s history so it is appropriate that the community is given the opportunity to make suggestions about the future of the site, APP Corporation senior project manager Kris Leck said.

Consultation will begin at Fieldsend Oval from 9am until 10.30am and at Metford playing fields from 11am until 1pm on Saturday.

Project officers will be available to talk to people, explain the project and help them complete an online survey. 

Any questions people have about the project will be recorded.

Other options for participation in the consultation process include going online at www.ghd.com/metfordquarry 

The survey can also be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MetfordQuarrySurvey or call 1800 810 680.

Questions or comments can be emailed to community.input@ghd.com

Feedback will be provided to the community before final plans are made.