Map of proposed Bournda Quarry site

Where is the Quarry? Why is the location an issue?

The proposed quarry is located off Sapphire Coast Drive in Bournda in Bega Valley. It is 3 km inland from Nationally important wetland Wallagoot Lake, Next to Bournda Nature Reserve and Bournda National park. It is also near many residential properties and a growing community.

The quarry was closed down in 2010 and the land was carefully rezoned in 2014 to protect its’ natural values. The site is now zoned E3 & E4 Environmental Management, where industry is not permitted under the Bega Valley Local Environment Plan (BVLEP 2013).

This area forms a vital wildlife corridor linking Bournda Nature Reserve to coastal national parks, supporting regional biodiversity. It is home to the below endangered or vulnerable species:

Glossy Black Cockatoos, Yellow Bellied Gliders, powerful owl, spotted-tailed quoll, Gang Gang Cockatoos.

The area is also a much loved bird route (bird route no. 1) and is home to an impressive range of birds with over 122 different species observed. Horseshoe lagoon is an important part of their habitat and attracts hundreds of birds to the area. The runoff from the quarry would likely contaminate Jellat Jellat creek which flows directly through several properties and into Horseshoe Lagoon. The environmental impact of a quarry would be devastating to this area.

The nearest home is 1.1km away and the area is rapidly growing in population. It is not a remote industrial area.

If approved the rhyolite rock quarry will be allowed to blast, crush and extract 30,000m3 or 48,000t of material annually.

This will introduce toxic silica dust into the surrounding communities and area. Silica dust can travel up to 40 km from the quarry in strong winds.

The nearest home is just 1.1km away.
KALARU is 8 km away
WALLAGOOT LAKE is 3km away
TATHRA is 12 km away
TURA BEACH is 14km away
MERIMBULA is 17 km away
BEGA is 17 km away

Silica Dust could travel as far as Kalaru, Tura beach, Merimbula, Tathra and Bega – this affects every local person.

How far away is your home from Bournda Quarry?