The state planning authority has sent resources company Daracon back to the drawing board after it deemed an environmental impact statement for the expansion of Martins Creek Quarry to be inadequate.
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A community action group believes the move shows that the proposed expansion, which would mean production at the quarry would increase to 1.5 million tonnes a year, is not suitable for the site.
But the Daracon has not been deterred and says the feedback was expected and “a standard process” for an application of this type.
In a letter to Daracon on July 29, NSW Planning and Environment resource assessments director Howard Reed wrote that the environmental impact statement failed to adequately address key issues such as the likely effect of the expansion on noise, traffic, transport, air quality, water, land, biodiversity and rehabilitation.
“Specifically in relation to noise, the department believes that a major revision to the impact assessment is required,” Mr Reed’s letter noted.
Fairfax Media has previously reported on community reaction to the expansion plans, which have caused concerns about the impact of heavy truck traffic, noise and dust for neighbours and people who live along the freight route.
Martins Creek Quarry Action Group spokesman Darach Saunders said the quarry expansion was not compatible with nearby communities.
“Not only is the site almost completely surrounded by residential dwellings, the proposed mine expansion area is habitat to native fauna and flora that we understand includes Commonwealth protected species including Koala populations and Slatey Red Gum,” he said.
“[Action group] representatives have been involved in the consultation process to date with Daracon and it has been completely inadequate – in our opinion the proponent has ignored community concerns raised by our group and others.”
Daracon spokesperson Carolyn Swindell said the department’s response was an anticipated part of the application process.
“Daracon has been expecting some further feedback from the department regarding our Martin's Creek Quarry application,” she said.
“Daracon will be amending the application in accordance with the department's directions and will then lodge it for the department's consideration and determination.”
Nick Bielby
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has worked as a journalist since 2011. Having joined the Newcastle Herald in 2017, he won a Walkley Award in 2019 with Donna Page for their investigation 'Dirty Deeds', which exposed the decades of illegal dumping of toxic material in and around a Hunter waterway.
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has worked as a journalist since 2011. Having joined the Newcastle Herald in 2017, he won a Walkley Award in 2019 with Donna Page for their investigation 'Dirty Deeds', which exposed the decades of illegal dumping of toxic material in and around a Hunter waterway.
