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Lysterfield Quarries

There are two hard rock quarries in the Lysterfield area. Learn about the proposed expansion of the Hanson quarry.

About the quarries

The Hanson Quarry has been operating in Lysterfield since 1979. The adjoining Boral Quarry has been operating since the 1920s.

The quarries produce high-demand construction materials such as concrete. Knox is the fourth most critical extractive resource location in Victoria and these quarries provide jobs and significant economic benefits for Knox residents.

Managing impact on residents

Potential noise, dust, blasting, hours of operation, road cleaning and rehabilitation are controlled by a ‘work authority’ issued by the state government agency, Earth Resources Victoria. Quarry operations must comply with the Earth Resources Victoria work authority conditions. Each quarry generally blasts midweek once a fortnight and the work authority set controls for the measurement, management and impact of blasts. Vibration from every blast and dust is measured from various locations.

Questions and concerns about quarry operations are best directed to the quarries or Earth Resources Victoria.

Potential expansion of the Hanson Quarry

Hanson have indicated that they wish to expand the current Wellington Road location to the area opposite the Napoleon Road intersection. This would extend the operating life of the quarry by five to ten years, with quarrying activities ending in 25 to 30 years. This quarry operates under a planning permit issued in 1999. The residential buffer currently approved by the Victorian Government is 400m. Council’s position is that any future buffer should come no closer than this to neighbouring residences.

Current status of the proposed expansion

Council has not yet received a planning permit application from Hanson. Hanson needs approval from the Victorian Government before they can submit a council planning permit.

Once the application is received and a preliminary assessment undertaken, Council will notify the public. We will continue to update this webpage as new information becomes available. View additional information for steps in the planning process.

Hanson has formed a Community Reference Group to refine its proposal.

There was a video-recorded community information session held on Wednesday 24 March 2021.

About the Extractive Industry Priorities List

In September 2020, the Hanson Quarry expansion was included on the State Government’s Extractive Industry Priority Projects List. The Minister for Planning takes this list into consideration when moving forward with applications. More information is available at Earth Resources Regulation. The webpage includes

  • current projects on the Priority List
  • details of approved projects
  • information outlining decision implications

A key implication of the site being included on the Extractive Industry Priority Project listing, is that the applicant may request the Minister for Planning to ‘call in’ the planning application once it is lodged with Council. A ‘call in’ is when the Minister for Planning takes over the processing and decision on the application.

Here are the next steps if the Minister for Planning decides to 'call in’ the planning application: 

  • All Council processes will immediately cease and all information will be passed to the Minister.
  • The public will be notified about the application
  • The application will be determined by the Minister for Planning instead of Council
  • The Minister for Planning makes a final decision to approve or refuse the application. There are no opportunities for VCAT Appeals. 

Rehabilitation plan

The rehabilitation plan for the Hanson quarry, approved by the Victorian Government in 1994, requires residential areas to the north and west of the site to be blended with the established parkland to the south and east. This involves: developing residential areas creating parkland space including a lake in the mined quarry pit. Council also works with both quarry operators to protect and care for local wildlife, plants and trees.  

 

Planning Permits for Hanson Quarry

Council has worked to locate quarry operation planning permits due to recent community interest. 

Council’s quarry records are incomplete and some records were destroyed by the fire that destroyed the Knox Civic Centre in 1994. There are documents that officers have not been able to locate, such as the original planning permit TP 88142 (date unknown). 

Planning Permit TP 88143, dated 6 June 1979
Access Road Copy of permit provided.
Endorsed plans not located.

Planning Permit 2297 dated 15 January 1980
8.5m wide access road off Wellington Road
File contains permit. Endorsed plans not located.

Planning Permit 2521 dated 3 October 1980
Constructing an internal access road, office, workshop and crushing plant
File contains permit. Endorsed plans not located.

Planning Permit 1195 dated 7 February 1984
Extend the existing Crushing Plant
File contains permit. Endorsed plans not located.

Planning Permit KNX1892 Planning Permit dated 7 February 1990
Planning Permit KNX1892 Amendment Plan Only
Construct buildings and works – install crushing plant in accordance with endorsed plans
Files contain permit and endorsed plans.

Planning Permit KNX1822 dated 3 May 1990
Concrete Batching Plant
File contains permit and endorsed plans.

Planning Permit KNX3941 dated 19 January 1993
Buildings and works (weighbridge, office and machinery building) to be erected.
File contains permit. Endorsed plans not located.

Planning Permit 983157 dated 16 August 1999
Extension of existing quarry in accordance with endorsed plans.
File contains permit and endorsed plans.

Planning Permit P/2019/7069 dated 13 December 2019
Earthworks at NE corner of the site, placement of fill and vegetation removal
File contains permit.  At the time of writing, plans have not been endorsed for this permit.

Need help?

Contact Planning Services and we will get back to you.

Or call our Planning Services team on 9298 8125

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