Northern Grampians Shire Council is seeking alternate locations to source gravel following the decision to withdraw a Planning Permit Application for a new gravel quarry at Carapooee.
Locally-sourced gravel is used to construct and maintain more than 3,000 kilometres of local roads and bridges in the Northern Grampians Shire. Council is currently in the process of undertaking a trial of gravel material sourced from a registered quarry in the St Arnaud area. Early results indicate this to be a secure source of gravel into the future. Investigations also show good initial indications of quality gravel sources in and around the northern section of the shire.
The withdrawn Planning Permit Application, 5.2019.49.1, was originally lodged to seek approval for the establishment of a small gravel quarry at Stuart Mill Low Road, Carapooee. The current Mine Lane quarry in Carapooee is nearing the end of its life and no longer has the capacity to meet demand. In the search for a suitable new gravel quarry, initial testing was carried out at a site on Stuart Mill Low Road, Carapooee in 2015. A large resource was located at the site and Council proceeded to apply for a planning permit in September of this year to undertake a small sample extraction.
Following consultation with community members living in close proximity to the proposed Stuart Mill Low Road site, the decision was made to withdraw the application and seek a location that would minimise impact on residents.
Kara Kara Councillor Tony Driscoll said the community’s concerns had been taken seriously.
“We hear what residents are telling us and agree that other sites would be more appropriate, the decision needs to be fair and equitable. That is why after much deliberation we have withdrawn the planning permit application,” said Cr Driscoll.
“Council will continue to look into other opportunities for gravel supply across the entire shire.”
“There is still a need to focus on reducing construction and cartage costs so that the community is provided with a road network that provides value for money. This needs to be done with consideration to local residents living in the vicinity of these quarries.”
Council will continue the program of local excavation, the most cost-effective process in obtaining road material.
Council is continuing to explore future gravel quarries in other areas of the shire. If you are a landowner with a gravel resource on your land and you wish to explore the possibility of council utilising the site for gravel extraction, please contact us on 5358 8700 or email [email protected]
