East Quarry Extension Project

Proposed site

The proposed site is located at our existing East Quarry in the Singleton Local Government Area (LGA) approximately 18km to the southeast of Muswellbrook, and approximately 26 km northwest of Singleton. The project site is bordered to the south and west by open-cut coal mines and to the north and east by rural properties. The site location is illustrated below.

Key project features

• The extension of the existing East Quarry into a new 40 ha area to the south of the existing site. The proposed extraction rate is 500,000 tpa over 25 years.
• Similar extraction, processing and haulage operations to the current operation. It would continue to utilise the existing access road, site office, workshop, weighbridge, crushers, screens, and stockpile area.
• New internal roads, surface water management infrastructure, up to approximately 48 additional trucks per day, and 8 extra staff.

These features are subject to minor changes as the project’s planning progresses.

NSW Government planning process

The proposed development requires the preparation of a development application in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS process will involve the completion of a range of comprehensive environmental and social studies which will occur over many months. Once finalised, the EIS including the results of the technical studies will be assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure and be placed on public exhibition. It is anticipated that the planning application will be finalised before June 2026.

The project will be assessed as a State Significant Development (SSD) application under Part 4, Division 4.7 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). At the following link, the NSW Government webpage provides more details about the status of the planning application and the planning process which is illustrated in the flowchart below:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/east-quarry-extension-project

Project benefits

The East Quarry Extension would enable Wild Quarries to continue to produce hard rock resources which are an essential component of building and construction materials. Other potential benefits of the project include creating additional full-time and part-time employment opportunities, business opportunities for contractors, and enabling ongoing financial and in-kind community initiatives.

Feedback and more information

A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is being conducted as part of the EIS. Wild Quarries has engaged an independent consultant from Social Aspect Consulting Pty Ltd to conduct the SIA and seek feedback about the project, especially from local residents and businesses.

To participate in the SIA and have your opinions captured in the planning application, please contact Jamie Seaton of Social Aspect Consulting Pty Ltd on 0466 413 645 or jamie@socialaspect.com.au.