A community information session about the controversial Sancrox Quarry expansion proposal will go ahead on Monday, February 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two-hour community information session is at Rydges Port Macquarie from 6pm.
The proposed quarry expansion has sparked community concerns ranging from dust to noise, vibration and environmental impact.
Some 267 submissions, including 250 public submissions, were received in response to the proposal.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will hold the session to explain the proposal, the assessment process and the next steps, and to listen to the community's view on the proposal.
Hanson Construction Materials wants to extend the life of the quarry to 30 years and expand the area of extraction to the west of the existing pit.
The proposal includes increasing production from 450,000 to 750,000 tonnes each year and building and operating a concrete batching plant, an asphalt production plant and a concrete recycling facility.
Submissions in response to the proposal closed in December 2019.
Director of resource assessments Matthew Sprott said the meeting was an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the assessment process and what happens next.
"We are aware there is community concerns about this proposal, so we want to meet with locals face-to-face and provide clarity on the planning process," Mr Sprott said.
"Community input is essential to help us make a thorough and rigorous assessment and ensure potential impacts are fully considered."
Sancrox resident Chris Munro's concerns include the impact on koalas and the quarry operating 24 hours.
He said a 24-hour seven days a week production and introduction of extra business operations, such as bitumen production, was something that is beyond belief when Port Macquarie is to be known for its beautiful beaches, native vegetation and family living.
Others to publicly raise concerns have included residents Frank Dennis, Jim Wade, the secretary and director of the company behind Riverpark Sancrox estate, and LCS Estates chairman Maurice Driscoll, and resident Jeff Gillespie.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council decided at its December 2019 meeting to write to the Planning Minister to request a public hearing into the quarry expansion proposal.
The Independent Planning Commission is the consent authority for the application, given more than 25 submissions objecting to the proposal were received.
Mr Sprott said the applicant would need to address all concerns raised by the community in its response to submissions report before the department undertook a rigorous merit-based assessment of the proposal.
The application is with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as a state significant development.
More information about the proposal is available through the department's online planning portal.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.