Later this year, the Bunyip North community will be asked to contribute to the environmental assessment of the proposed Bunyip North Granite Quarry project (previously known as Garfield North) in Victoria, proposed by Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (Hanson).
The proposed 280-hectare site is located approximately 70 kilometres south-east of Melbourne and three kilometres north of the Princes Freeway.
Hanson is proposing to extract an estimated 130 million tonnes of granite from the site over a period of about 70 years. The project would also include a crushing plant, product handling and stockpiles, internal roads and ancillary facilities. Access is proposed to be via Bunyip-Tonimbuk Road.
Community Advisor Grants will enable locals to access expertise to understand and contribute to the Environment Effects Statement (ESS) process. Two grants of up to $40,000 are available to local not-for-profit community organisations. Funds can be used to engage legal services to assist the preparation of a submission regarding the Bunyip North Granite Quarry EES.
The EES process provides advice about the potential environmental impacts of the project to decisionmakers who must determine if the proposed quarry development should proceed and, if so, under what conditions.
Eligible not-for-profit community organisations interested in accessing legal support with the help of these grants, can visit earthresources.vic.gov.au/advisor-grants to find out how to apply.
Submissions will be assessed on an organisation’s ability to demonstrate its commitment to being involved in the EES process, how the project could lead to substantial potential impacts on its members and a demonstrated need for government funding to enable it to participate.
The first round of the Community Advisor Grants opened in 2019. Mine-free Glenaladale was awarded $40,000 to engage legal services to assist in making a submission to the Fingerboards Mineral Sands EES process.
Earth Resources’ John Krbaleski said collaborating with locals is essential to maintaining a socially and environmentally responsible resources sector that builds community confidence about mining and quarry developments.
“It’s important that locals have informed input in the assessment of resources projects, the Community Advisor Grants will help local groups to have their say,” Mr Krbaleski said. “By assisting local organisations to contribute to the Environment Effects Statement process, the grants aim to support local views and issues being captured.”
Applications for round two close 5 pm on Friday 7 May 2021.
