16 December 2024
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved, subject to conditions, the State Significant Development (SSD) application for Stone Ridge Quarry (SSD-10432). Australian Resource Development Group Pty Limited (the applicant) sought consent for the development of a new hard rock quarry to extract, process and transport up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum of hard rock materials over a 30-year period. Stone Ridge Quarry will be located on Italia Road, Balickera, within the Wallaroo State Forest approximately 30km north of Newcastle in the Port Stephens local government area (LGA).
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure completed its whole-of-government assessment of the project in October 2024. It was referred to the Independent Planning Commission for determination because more than 50 public objections to the proposal were received by the Department.
The Commission Panel comprising Janett Milligan (Chair), Terry Bailey and Richard Pearson, met with key stakeholders including Transport for NSW, conducted a site inspection and held a public meeting where they heard from 17 speakers. The Commission also received 32 written submissions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found that the quarry “is consistent with the strategic land use planning framework and relevant statutory requirements.” The Commission is satisfied that the project is in accordance with the Objects of the EP&A Act.
The Commission acknowledged the key issues raised by the community relating to traffic, biodiversity, air quality, water resources, and noise. In its determination, the Commission considered the broader strategic context and economic benefits of the project and its potential impacts on the environment and amenity of the locality. The Commission has imposed conditions of consent that mitigate, prevent, minimise and/or offset potential adverse impacts, including ongoing monitoring and environmental management requirements. Specific conditions imposed by the Panel relating to key issues include:
- Ensuring quarry materials cannot be transported from the site until the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Italia Road is upgraded to the satisfaction of Transport for NSW;
- Specifying routes for heavy vehicles and haulage trucks associated with the development and preventing them from turning right onto the Pacific Highway from Italia Road, or travelling west beyond the project’s access point;
- Requiring the installation of GPS tracking in development related heavy vehicles and haulage trucks with data to be provided to Council and the Department upon request; and
- Requiring the applicant to prepare a comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan in consultation with relevant agencies and Port Stephens Council.
All the documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website.