Sheridan’s Hard Rock Quarry has withdrawn its application to the Clarence Valley Council to modify its existing development approval (DA), however it will re-apply soon.
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The modified DA sought to vary the quarry’s truck movements to cater for “spikes” in demand. It did not seek to modify the existing limit on yearly quarry production, nor change the restrictions on Saturday truck traffic on Waterfall Way (east of the intersection of Waterfall Way and Maynards Plains Rd).
Owner of the Hernani-based quarry, Graeme Sheridan said the withdrawal of the DA was a procedural hiccup, he will re-lodge, and further he wanted to reassure Bellingen residents this requested change would not impact the town.
“This is simply about meeting demand,” Mr Sheridan said.
“We want to enable flexibility in truck numbers during peak periods. Demand for material changes throughout the year and we want to cater for contracts during the peak, but overall – on a yearly basis – there is no change to the truck numbers.
“We can’t go through Bellingen on Saturday or Sunday – we haven't got a licence - and we don’t want to change that.
“Look the biggest infrastructure project on the coast has just been completed – the Pacific Highway bypass – and it was supplied by EMS Dorrigo.
“If we supply anything down the mountain, it would mainly be the Thora area of Waterfall Way … and this would be a good thing for Bellingen town as we wouldn't go through the centre.
“It would also prevent trucks from Valla or Coffs Harbour going through the centre.”
Trucks on Waterfall Way have been a vexatious issue for the Valley during the past few years, and, leading the charge against heavy-vehicle numbers has been the community group, People with an Interest in Road Safety for Waterfall Way.
In a statement to the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun, the group’s spokesperson, Pauline Kidson said they were relieved to see Mr Sheridan had withdrawn the application and furthermore they will “continue to work with local business and the community to make sure this proposal does not rear its head again”.
“Council’s position is still unclear and we expect their support to make sure that the money the community secured for the upgrade of the main street is not imperilled,” she said.
