This post has information on: 

• Brandy Hill Drive bus stop bays and the shared pathway
• Remaining steps toward Hanson adopting the 2020 IPC consent
• Future opportunities for Hanson to support community initiatives

Hanson continue to operate Brandy Hill quarry under the original 1980’s consent issued by Port Stephens council, but have been working steadily toward fulfilling the requirements of the 2020 Independent Planning Commission in order to be able to adopt that new consent. The 2020 consent will enable the pit to increase in area and deepen, and, once the bus bays and shared pathway are completed, be permitted increase annual output up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum.

At the 11th June PSC meeting, council agreed to the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) that had been negotiated with Hanson. Previously, council had supported a resident petition for the pathway to be on one side of the full 4.5km length of Brandy Hill Drive. This was one factor that increased the expected costs, and thankfully, Hanson agreed to increase its contribution by $1m. Details of the VPA can be seen on PSC website. Click the link below and go to pages 84 to 129. 

• 11 June 2024 – Ordinary Council Minutes

The bus bays have also been designed and work will start on both these projects mid-July, weather permitting. You can see the bus bay designs and other financial information on the PSC website. https://haveyoursay.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/projects-works/brandy-hill-drive-brandy-hill

You may have seen some work being carried out on the pasture along Clarence Town Road. This area has been used for grazing for many years. To establish native bushland much restoration of the soil was necessary and then planting of seed most of which was collected from the immediate local area. Some seed was brought in from off-site and some tubestock will also be established.

The company engaged to manage the koala corridor, Sky Land Management, gave a comprehensive presentation to members of the CCC (community consultative committee) regarding the process involved to ensure the best possible outcome for the revegetation. I have included their notes below.

At the CCC meeting, Hanson advised that they would be setting up a community donation fund. The manager was not able to give us a $ amount, however, it was suggested that there should be community consultation as to how the money would be spent. One suggestion was to provide some speed indication signs on Brandy Hill Dr and Seaham Rd to alert drivers to exceedances. However, that is just one idea and you might have a different view. So, if you have any ideas on how this money could benefit the community, please post them as a reply.