Mitchell Shire Council has stepped up its opposition to the proposed Wallan quarry following a motion at the March meeting of Council.
Speaking in support of the motion, Cr Rob Eldridge said that the motion was a testament to Council’s unwavering resolve to protect the community’s health, well-being, and future development.
“We need to put the State Government on notice. This motion is a testament to our unwavering resolve to protect our community’s health, well-being, and future development. We’re fighting for an equitable outcome for our community,” Cr Eldridge said.
Cr Annie Goble added that it was important to note that Council was not anti-quarry it was basically that the Wallan Beveridge area was not an appropriate location for an extractive industry.
“The opportunity is here for the Allan Labor Government to show leadership, and to show that it cares for all communities irrespective of how well off they are. If Minister Kilkenny rejects this quarry and all associated planning frameworks this will clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to community,” Cr Eldridge added.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Mr Ron Kerr, Managing Director of the quarry’s proposer, Conundrum Holdings, said that while the company is dismayed at the continued misinformation around the matter, it supports the motion itself to “ensure that the Wallan and Beveridge communities are made fully aware of the State Government’s decision regarding the proposed [North Central Quarry] as soon as it is made”.
“The process to establish this much-needed quarry has been long and thorough. This location has been known to contain a strategic extractive resource, with its basalt reserves earmarked by the State since 1993 which remains today. We are hopeful that in the not distant future we will be able to secure these quarry resources and play a critical role within the northern corridor,” Mr Kerr said.
The land on which the proposed quarry is to be established is owned by the owner of this newspaper.
