Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell has welcomed the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) decision to reject the amended project application for the Martins Creek Quarry.
And, he hailed the victory a win for the local residents, who objected to the controversial proposal.
“Common sense has finally prevailed,” Mr Layzell said.
“The community’s concerns about the impact of this project have been heard.
“At the end of the day, the assessment by the proponents, Daracon, to revise road haulage rates following the IPC public meeting at Tocal in November last year is a concession that local thoroughfares couldn’t handle the load that could have been placed on them.”
The company originally sought approval in 2016 to extract and transport 1.5 million tonnes of hard rock over 30 years.
But, in response to NSW Government and community feedback, the figure was amended to 1.1 million tonnes in May 2021.
Then last December after the IPC convened, Daracon dramatically reduced the road haulage to 450,000 tonnes using no more than 80 laden trucks per day on weekdays.
Mr Layzell, hoping to retain his seat at the NSW Election on 23 March, used a Private Members Statement in the NSW Parliament on 18 October 2022 to voice his objection to the company’s plans to run trucks through the rural village of Paterson.
He also pointed out the impact it would have on Dungog Shire roads even before required upgrades were completed.
“The IPC decision is a hard-fought triumph for residents of Paterson and will also address the concerns of Bolwarra Heights, Bolwarra, Largs and Lorn locals with the potential for additional road haulage through these residential areas removed,” Mr Layzell said.
Daracon is now being urged to return to the negotiating table and draw-up plans for the rail haulage of product from the Martins Creek Quarry.
“As I told Parliament last year, we have an acceptable alternative option and that is to run the gravel out by train,” Mr Layzell added.
“I made the commitment that I am willing to help Daracon negotiate with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)… and that offer stands.”
For more news stories:
- ‘Random’ Lotto Strike win delivers $1.4 million to Newcastle man
- Hunter welcomes nursing boost throughout region
- Don’t leave us behind, say Singleton, Muswellbrook mayors
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
