Posted: 24.01.2024
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today conditionally approved Deep Creek Quarry, which is located between Limeburner’s Creek and Allworth, approximately 11 kilometres northwest of Karuah in the Midcoast local government area. The Deep Creek Quarry (SSD-11591659), proposed by Ironstone Developments Pty Ltd, is a State significant development comprising the extraction, processing and transportation of up to 500,000 tonnes per annum of hard rock material over a 30-year period.
The Department of Planning and Environment completed its whole-of-government assessment of Deep Creek Quarry in November last year. The project was referred to the Commission for determination because at least 50 people objected to the proposed development. The three-member Commission Panel, comprising Professor Snow Barlow (Chair), Janett Milligan and Ken Kanofski, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a public meeting where they heard from 12 speakers, and received 42 written submissions from the community.
The Panel has today, 24 January 2024, determined to grant development consent to the project, subject to conditions.
In its Statement of Reasons, the Commission found that the proposed site is “suitable for a hard rock quarry given its hard rock resources, topography, avoidance of major environmental constraints and access to the regional road network”.
The Commission acknowledged the concerns raised by members of the community and concluded that the impacts of the development could be mitigated through strict conditions of consent. These include real time noise monitoring for compliance with noise limits and regular air quality monitoring, the results of which are to be published on the Applicant’s website. Conditions also include measures to mitigate the impact of heavy vehicle movements on the performance of the Bucketts Way and Pacific Highway intersection and adherence to a code of conduct by drivers. The Applicant must also offset biodiversity impacts, including by establishing a 235 hectare biodiversity stewardship site on adjacent land, and planting and maintaining 900 koala feed trees. These and other conditions of consent are designed to:
• prevent, minimise, mitigate and/or offset adverse environmental impacts;
• set standards and performance measures for acceptable environmental performance;
• require regular monitoring and reporting; and
• provide for the on-going environmental management of the development.
All the documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/2023/11/deep-creek-quarry
We recognise the importance of community participation in our decision-making process. Using our ‘Make a submission’ form is the easiest way for you to make a submission on cases currently before the Commission.