Community Uprising Against Elderslie Quarry Plan
Residents from Singleton and surrounding areas are mounting fierce opposition to a proposed rock quarry in the peaceful hamlet of Elderslie. They argue the development would irreparably damage the region's cherished rural character and place unsustainable pressure on local infrastructure.
Massive Scale and Transport Impact
The Bluestone Hardrock Quarry project, spanning 165 acres, aims to extract one million tonnes of rock annually for up to five decades. This material would be transported via trucks to construction sites and cement factories across the Hunter Valley, Central Coast, and Sydney.
According to the Save Elderslie community group, this operation would generate approximately 110 laden truck movements daily. Factoring in return trips, this translates to a staggering 1,100 heavy truck movements weekly, or over 57,000 heavy vehicle movements each year along local routes.
Road Safety and Infrastructure Fears
Stanhope resident Pam Austin voiced significant concerns about road suitability. "Our roads are unsuited for high volumes of heavy trucks," she stated. Key worries include long-term damage to road surfaces, the strain on the historic single-lane Elderslie Bridge, and heightened risks for other road users like cyclists, pedestrians, and school buses operating along the haulage route.
Environmental and Health Concerns
The community's objections extend beyond traffic. They highlight potential noise and dust pollution, vibrations from blasting, and adverse impacts on local flora and fauna. The proposed quarry site lies on a critical wildlife movement corridor connecting Mount Tangory, Mount Durham, and Marwood Spur.
This area includes the Tangory Nature Reserve, home to over 100 high-conservation-value species, including critically endangered koalas. Ms. Austin also raised health issues, noting that dust containing silica could settle on roofs, pastures, gardens, and swimming pools, compounding existing problems from coal mining dust.
Political and Community Response
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore, who will declare a pecuniary interest when the matter reaches council, emphasized that many residents are unaware of the project's full implications. "A lot of people don't know where it is and secondly they don't understand how it will impact them," she remarked, pointing to insufficient awareness about truck volumes, noise, and dust levels.
In response, the community has organized a public meeting scheduled for this Sunday at Elderslie Hall to discuss concerns and plan future actions. Additionally, the quarry proponent will host two drop-in information sessions next week to address queries.
Proponent's Justification and Mitigation
A spokeswoman for Bluestone Hardrock Quarry defended the project, stating it would create 15 jobs and meet regional demand for concrete-grade aggregates driven by population growth and infrastructure investment. She argued that locating extraction near growth areas reduces transport distances, emissions, road wear, and construction costs.
The spokeswoman assured that the development, permissible under current zoning, would be staged and comply with strict New South Wales Government operational limits for noise, air, and dust. Ongoing monitoring would be implemented throughout the project's lifespan. Furthermore, the quarry is expected to contribute approximately $1 million annually to local councils for haulage road maintenance via infrastructure contributions or voluntary planning agreements.
This contentious issue highlights the ongoing tension between regional development needs and community preservation, with residents determined to protect their way of life against industrial encroachment.
