Quarry updates at Saturday meeting

Proponents of a new quarry at Bunyip North will hold a public information session next Saturday at Bunyip to give an update of their studies into environmental aspects of the project.

The studies undertaken by the company, Hanson, will form part of its Environment Effects Statement to the State Government.

The public session will run from 1-5 p.m. at the Bunyip Hall.

Appointments to meet specialist consultants to the project for blasting, planning and historic heritage can be booked by ‘phoning 0437 900 124 during business hours.

The project manager as well as representatives of the Department of the Environment, Land Water and Planning and Cardinia Shire council will also be available to discuss the EES.

According to Hanson’s project schedule it plans to release put a draft EES for public discussion and comment during JanuaryMarch next year.

It is hoping for a ministerial decision on the quarry proposal by the end of 2019.

There is continuing strong local opposition to the quarry since Hanson acquired a property at Bunyip North 13 years ago.

It has since acquired another property to bring its holdings to 440 hectares.

The Mount Cannibal Preservation Group says the quarry would not only threaten the popular 17-hectare reserve, but also local ground and surface water supplies and people living in 26 houses within one kilometre of Hanson’s properties.

It also claims local roads are not suited to the large volume of heavy vehicle traffic the quarry would generate.