The panel, chaired by Garry West, will determine whether to approve the modified development application (DA) received by Clarence Valley Council from Sheridan’s Hard Rock Quarry, Hernani. 

The modification requests the daily limit of 20 loaded quarry trucks per day to be increased to a maximum of 66 loaded quarry trucks Monday to Friday and 36 loaded quarry trucks on Saturdays within the approved hours of operation (7.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.00am to 1.00pm Saturdays).

Although the route affects residents in the Bellingen Shire, the DA was submitted to Clarence Valley Council, being the relevant shire for the quarry.

A group of Bellingen residents, loosely calling themselves ‘Bellingen People interested in road safety on Waterfall Way’, has raised concerns about the potential quantity of trucks and the economic and health impacts the noise, dust and fumes could have on the community, which is a popular tourist destination. 

Spokeswoman Pauline Kidson said while the DA modification acknowledged that total annual truck movement would not increase, daily movements of up to 66 loaded trucks would be a nightmare through Bellingen’s main street.

“On a busy day, with loaded trucks going down and empty ones returning, we could have up to 132 trucks a day … in a 10 hour day that is 13 trucks an hour or one every five minutes,” Ms Kidson said.

“Could you imagine the effect of the diesel fumes, dust and noise on the tourism industry here? Add to that the redevelopment works that are soon to commence in the main street creating a narrower street with more pedestrian crossings –these trucks will have to do a slow meander down Hyde St.”

She said of greatest concern with the recommendation to approve the DA was there was no-one monitoring the number of trucks.

“Who is checking the annual quota is not exceeded?”

Bellingen Shire’s Deputy General Manager, Engineering, Matt Fanning, said while he understood the community’s concerns, he was under the impression there would be no overall increase in truck movements east of Dorrigo.

“Bellingen Council has made a submission to the JRPP requesting the necessary safety reports are in place for the use of the road,” Mr Fanning said.

“We understand the concerns … the control of truck movements has been taken into consideration with the design of the main street upgrade.”

The JRPP has recommended approval but only for 75 per cent of the requested truck movements: “A maximum of 53 loaded quarry trucks within the approved hours of operation Monday – Friday and a maximum of 29 loaded quarry trucks within the approved hours of operation on Saturdays are permitted to travel along the approved haul route.”

The meeting is due to commence at 11.15 on Thursday morning in the Dorrigo Public Hall, Hickory St, Dorrigo – everyone is welcome to attend.