Resources Victoria's regulator has overseen the restoration of areas at a quarry in northern Victoria after the operator failed to maintain approved practices, resulting in environmental damage.
Following the establishment of an enforceable agreement with Resources Victoria's Earth Resources Regulator in 2023 to resolve the situation, Hanson Construction Materials restored areas at its Axedale Sand and Gravel quarry which were damaged through poor practice.
Work is on track to be finished by the end of the year.
While completing the work the company also rehabilitated several other areas within the quarry. Progressive rehabilitation is encouraged by the regulator to ensure land is made safe and stable as soon as possible.
As part of the agreement, known as an enforceable undertaking, Hanson also donated $136,000 to Landcare Victoria.
During an audit by the regulator in 2021 more than 20 issues were identified at the quarry, including over extraction, the unauthorised storing of waste and removal of native vegetation, incorrect slope angles and breaches to buffer zones.
These issues were in breach of how the company had agreed to operate the quarry as per the site's Work Plan.
As it was possible to isolate work areas, the regulator has ensured damaged sections were restored while operations continued elsewhere in line with the Work Plan. The site has been regularly inspected to confirm work was delivered to the highest standard.
Quarry operators must make good on their commitments.
If quarries would like to implement new processes that disturb additional areas within the quarry or impact how waste material is stored, a Work Plan Variation must be submitted and be assessed by the regulator.
Attribute quotes to Chris Webb, Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations
"We regulate to ensure risks to environment, community, infrastructure and cultural heritage are considered and appropriately addressed before work starts and observed once work begins. Communities can be confident that the regulator conducts regular inspections."
"Fixing damage resulting from bad practice takes time, requires significant input from technical specialists and is usually more expensive than preventing it."
"In a win-win for the environment, we're pleased to see that Hanson has restored damaged areas, rehabilitated additional areas of the quarry and made a sizable donation to Landcare Australia, so they can continue their important work."
