Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has welcomed the decision by Ross Trust and Hillview Quarries not to proceed with a plan to re-open the former Pioneer Quarry in Dromana.
Mayor Anthony Marsh said the move was a victory for the local community, which had been campaigning against the proposal for many months.
Council also welcomes the announcement by Ross Trust and Hillview Quarries of the intention to explore rehabilitation options for the former quarry, which is at Boundary Road, it said in a statement.
“This has been a long-running and divisive issue, which has caused a fair amount of angst in our community,” said Mayor Marsh.
“Council shared many of the community’s concerns and felt this proposal was out of step with our commitment to protect the environment and steer the Peninsula towards a more sustainable future.
“I would like to congratulate the community on its campaign, and I thank Nepean State MP Chris Brayne and Flinders Federal MP Greg Hunt for their efforts to support the community against this proposal.”
“We look forward to working with Ross Trust and Hillview Quarries on how best to rehabilitate the site for future use.”
CEO Hillview Quarries, Paul Nitas said the decision means that as part of the EES process, Hillview Quarries and the Ross Trust can work alongside the community, stakeholders, and the state – to explore how best to rehabilitate the Boundary Road site for future uses.
“The footprint of the Boundary Road site will change. Its landscape, while picturesque, is not all undisturbed natural and native bushland. Rehabilitating it to be safe, stable, and to meet the full legislative requirements for use for generations to come will require substantial work,” Mr Nitas said.
