CONCERNS ABOUT A NEW QUARRY PROPOSAL

Background

The current Fish Creek quarry has been operating since 1995, supplying crushed mudrock to local farms for driveways and property tracks.  The quarry started as a gravel pit and expanded into a quarry and now covers an area of 500m x 300m and is 80m deep. At the current rate of extraction the current quarry site is expected to run out of rock by 2030.

The new quarry proposal

In 2024 the existing quarry owners lodged a proposal to develop a new quarry. This new quarry is not an extension but is in fact a new quarry approximately 4 times the size of the existing quarry.

The proposal is to locate the new quarry adjacent to the protected Hoddle Range Nature Reserve. This aerial photo provides a perspective of the proposed quarry compared to the existing one. 

This proposal should concern everyone with an interest in maintaining the ecological, agricultural and tourism significance of the unique Prom Coast region.

OUR CONCERNS

Residential Area

In 1995 the surrounding properties were primarily farmland.  Since then the area has been rezoned by South Gippsland Shire as ‘rural residential’ following application by the current quarry operator. Many residents now live in the area surrounding the proposed quarry site – having purchased their land from the current quarry operator, in the knowledge that the existing quarry has a defined boundary.

The existing quarry is now a very deep pit, 80m, and surrounded by trees planted more than 25 years ago and is largely invisible. The new quarry is at the top of a hill and has no trees around it to diffuse dust and noise. It will be visible from many kilometres away, impacting the views of Wilsons Promontory from Hoddle Range and Mount Nicoll  , effectively destroying the natural beauty of this pristine region.

This is a view from the Hoddle Range looking toward Wilsons Prom. The red marked area is the site for the proposed quarry.

This view of the proposed quarry site, taken approximately 2km away from the Hoddle Mountain Trail above Battery Creek Reservoir, demonstrates that the open cut quarry will be clearly visible from almost anywhere along the Hoddle Ridge.

This view from Waratah Hills Winery looking north show the proposed mine site circled in red which will be clearly visible from the vineyard and cellar door. Several nearby growers are concerned about the impact the silica dust will have on their crops.

Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the Prom Coast area and there are an increasing number of farm-stay and other accommodations in the immediate area of the proposed mine.

Roads Inadequate

The Meeniyan – Promontory Road at Fish Creek has a 1.6 star rating in the latest 2025 AusRAP (Australian Road Assessment Programme) assessments.  This road needs to be widened and maintained if it’s to be able to handle more truck traffic. It’s already dangerous. The local school bus was run off the road in 2023.

Health Impacts

Silica dust generated from the new quarry will directly impact residents and growers in the area. The link between silica dust and lung cancer is now well researched.

Environmental Impact

The proposed new quarry is adjacent to the Hoddle Range Conservation Area which is a crucial nature reserve for Lyrebird and Strzelecki Koalas and part of a corridor being developed to connect this area to Cape Liptrap National Park near Walkerville.

The Wilson’s Promontory – Hoddle Range area is environmentally significant and the question is, do we really want a new mine in this unique environmentally sensitive area – adjacent to Australia’s most important National Park?

This document has been prepared by Prom Coast Guardians. We are a connected group of residents, businesses, visitors and landowners concerned about the protection of our natural environment with a focus on the Hoddle Range and Wilsons Promontory region of South Gippsland.