URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Elderslie are sounding alarms over a proposed quarry that could lead to a staggering 1,100 truck movements per week, drastically altering the serene landscape of the Hunter Valley. The community opposition group, Save Elderslie – No Quarry, No Haul Road, is rallying support ahead of a crucial public meeting scheduled for 3 PM on February 8, 2025, at Elderslie Hall.
Pam Austin, a resident and spokesperson for the group, states the quarry will “indelibly industrialise” the area and significantly impact local residents and the environment. The proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry, to be developed by locals Robyn and Jamie Pitman, is set to extract 1 million tonnes of rock annually for up to 50 years, with an estimated project cost of $7 million and a projected revenue of $2.5 billion.
Austin warns that the project, designated as “state-significant” by the NSW Government, poses risks to the local community. “According to the proponent, there will be over 110 laden truck movements daily, amounting to more than 57,200 heavy vehicle movements annually,” she emphasized.
Residents fear that increased traffic will negatively affect their quality of life, citing concerns about noise, dust, health impacts, and road safety—particularly for school children who traverse the haulage routes. “Our country roads are unsuited to such high volumes of heavy trucks,” Austin remarked.
The quarry’s location adjacent to the Tangory Nature Reserve raises additional environmental concerns, particularly regarding local wildlife, including vulnerable and endangered species. “The area is a crucial wildlife movement corridor,” Austin noted, stressing the potential harm to local biodiversity.
The community meeting aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and strategize on how to formally object to the quarry. “Anyone who has concerns is welcome to attend,” Austin stated, inviting broader community participation.
In addition to the public meeting on February 8, two information sessions are scheduled next week: one at Elderslie Hall on February 11 from 3 PM to 7 PM and another at Branxton Community Hall on February 12 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Residents are encouraged to engage and learn more about the proposed quarry and its potential impacts.
As concerns mount, the Save Elderslie group is mobilizing efforts to protect their community and environment. The outcome of the quarry proposal could reshape the future of Elderslie and the surrounding regions for decades to come.
