Montrose Environmental Group Inc.

Preserving, Enhancing & Promoting the Environment of Montrose and surrounding areas

STOP the EXPANSION of MONTROSE QUARRY

MEG was active in the successful opposition to the expansion of Montrose Quarry that was proposed in the mid- to late 1990s. This expansion would have removed important native vegetation as well having other significant environmental impacts.

Existing view from Mt Dandenong

Currrent Pit

Current Pit

Without expansion, the quarry will continue for about 10 years.

Proposed Expansion

Simulated View

Simulated View
  • Horrendous visual impact
  • Logistical nightmare for use after quarrying
  • Life expectancy of 22-30 years

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History

MEG has actively opposed Montrose Quarry expansions, attending meetings, engaging consultants and informing the community since the mid 1990s.

Opposition to the quarry pre-dates MEG's involvement by 30 years. In June 1965, the Lilydale Express labelled the quarry the "Cancer of the Dandenongs". The Age stated "It is obvious that if the proposal is accepted a vast area could be completely 'prostituted' to the vested interest of big business".

In May 1966 Minister Hamer opposed the quarry due to negative impacts on "nearby residential areas, both existing and future" from dust, traffic and the "adverse effect on the natural beauty of the surrounding area".

Despite unified opposition the quarry was given a licence to continue mining until 1988.

The community expected the quarry to close but it continued and in the mid 1990s Boral ran an expansion campaign. In 1999, Shire of Yarra Ranges Councillors unanimously rejected the proposal. Due to the current Environmental Effects Statement (EES) this should be Boral's final expansion proposal.

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Issues

  • Contravention of the EPA 500m buffer zone: worsening after expansion.
  • Health impacts of inhaled dust particles on children, older adults, people with heart or lung diseases, diabetes - causing asthma attacks, bronchitis, heart attack...
  • Proximity of housing, schools and aged care facilities
  • Prolonging of these existing problems for 12-20 years beyond the current pit life expectancy
  • Dust will increase due to overburden removal
  • More properties will be affected by a larger quarry, to a greater degree and for more years
  • Threatened forest types will be destroyed
  • Loss of a known Powerful Owl roosting site
  • Loss of trees with nesting hollows
  • A long history of community opposition
  • Lowering of the water table, concern for Shrubby Gully Forest and Bungalook Creek
  • The end-use presents many ongoing logistical problems for years to come
  • Blasting causes vibrations and startling
  • Noise
  • Visual impacts
  • Traffic
  • There is no net community benefit

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