Since the the last post, there is nothing further to report from either Hanson or Daracon on their quarry expansion plans. Both are presumably working on their responses to the submissions.
What has happened of intestest includes the following:
- After the southern highlands Gunlake Quarry expansion was rejected by the PAC, the proponent took the matter to the Land and Environment Court, and after some apparent negotiation with NSW planning, the project was approved with some major changes to the conditions. However, the compromises left the residents group still very disappointed with the outcome.
- There has not yet been a court ruling on the case between Dungog Council and Daracon. The judge has made rulings on other matters that were heard at about the same time, but they were one day hearings. This case went for 5 weeks and the findings are expected to take much longer to prepare. We will post details of the ruling when it becomes available. It is likely that Daracon need the ruling so that they can finalise their response to submissions.
- MCQAG have organised a visit to the southern tablelands to tour the Holcim Quarry, which is touted as a best practice operation, in both their operations and in listening to and reacting to residents concerns ie true consultation. The Holcim Quarry uses both road and rail to freight its products, so has many similarities to Martins Creek and Brandy Hill quarries. Neil will attend the visit as we expect there will be things to learn about that will help in the next stages of consultation with Hanson.
Thats all for now.
Margarete
Brandy Hill & Seaham Action Group 
Margarete and Neil, Thanks for the update. Lets hope the time is being well spent in consideration of community requirements as well as business. I still see truck noise and the use of “cowboys” who have no regard for noise emissions a serious issue. Just a heads up for Neil for your visit to the Holcim Quarry. (I assume the Lynwood operation at Marulan this side of Golbourn). My understanding is a significant volume of the production goes by rail. Can you get the distribution.
I also understand they are a single operator in that area therfore have significant influenceon the quality of the road hauled product. Would you consider getting specific information on how they manage all trucks that leave the quarry with product. It not sufficient for them to say “we have a code of conduct” unlrss it is scrupulously monitored and enforced. And how do they manage truck noise. Do they specifically monitor each truck prior to it being accepted to haul product from the site. Is any sound attenuation used for the trucks. Anyhow enjoy the visit and would be intetested in catching up afterwards. Regards James
On 17 Aug 2017 10:45 AM, “Brandy Hill & Seaham Action Group” wrote:
> margareteritchie posted: “Since the the last post, there is nothing > further to report from either Hanson or Daracon on their quarry expansion > plans. Both are presumably working on their responses to the submissions. > What has happened of intestest includes the following: After t” >