Earth Resources Regulation has given in-principle approval for the expansion of two quarries to the north and east of Melbourne that have been identified as important to Victoria's ongoing growth, enabling their proposals to progress to the planning permit and public consultation stage.
The Extractive Industry Priority List aims to help the expansion of quarries that are important to the continued growth of Victoria by providing priority consideration of their planning permit applications.
Holcim Australia has proposed an expansion of a storage area at its Oaklands Junction quarry and JH Cuthbertson has requested an expansion of its extraction pit at its quarry in Jindivick. Both sites are on the Extractive Industry Priority List.
Earth Resources Regulation has endorsed both proposals after assessing the adequacy of the geotechnical, environmental and public safeguards, pending local council planning permission.
The companies must now apply to the Hume City Council and Baw Baw Shire for planning permission before the work plan variations can be approved by the regulator.
Consideration of community concerns and environmental factors will be considered as quarries plan for growth. Communities will have an opportunity to have their say on the proposals as part of council's planning permit application process.
Continued supply of quarry materials is vital to support the construction of new infrastructure and housing. Efficient planning and regulatory approvals enable materials to be provided at the right time for building projects, helping safeguard local materials.
The proposed work plans could play an important role in supplying the raw materials need to ensure affordability of new construction in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulation Executive Director Anthony Hurst:
"Earth Resources Regulation is continuing to assess a high number of applications to lift production at quarries around Melbourne and across regional Victoria."
"A final decision will be made on these proposals once the local council planning application and public consultation process is complete."
