Quarry concerns heard

Council has met with opposes of the Bunyip North Quarry. 168672

By Bonny Burrows

Cardinia Shire Council is “very aware” of community concerns surrounding the proposed Bunyip North Quarry, according to Mayor Collin Ross.
Councillors met with members of the Mount Cannibal and District Preservation Group (MCDPG), representing residents of Bunyip, Bunyip North, Garfield, Garfield North, Tonimbuk and surrounding areas, on 12 February, in what councillor Ross has described as a “very beneficial” meeting.
“Councillors are very aware of the strong community feelings surrounding the proposed development and it was very beneficial to hear directly from the group on Monday,” Cr Ross said.
The meeting was the first briefing between the council and the MCDPG in more than five years, and was used by the group as an opportunity to bring newer council members up to speed on the controversial development, which they argue is unsuited to the proposed site.
MCDPG David Bywater said it was important the council was fully briefed on the proposal for the 134-hectare granite quarry, planned for a location about 500 metres from Mount Cannibal, as it was a part of the Technical Reference Group.
The mayor said the council was keen to continue liaising with the community on the development.
“The council will remain an active participant in the Technical Reference Group and looks forward to receiving all of the necessary information in a timely manner, as outlined in the scoping document,” Cr Ross said.
“Council officers will continue to keep councillors up-to-date on the progress throughout the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, and we will share this information with the community whenever it is appropriate to do so.”
do so.”