Late last year, Fulton Hogan lodged a planning permit application to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to extend the footprint of Tylden Quarry, located in central Victoria.
Quarry manager Todd Frith said the expansion – which would extend the operation across the land east of the existing extraction pit – was necessary to maintain “the long term viability of the quarry”.
At the time of writing, Fulton Hogan was unable to provide further project details, as council was considering the application. However, Midland Express reported that the plans involved expanding the site footprint from 8ha to 28ha.
Frith indicated the operation had been an important part of the local community since its establishment almost 90 years ago.
“The quarry provides employment for up to 10 permanent staff within the quarry, the majority of which are from Tylden and the surrounding communities,” he said. “Other staff on-site include two laboratory staff, two permanent maintenance subcontractors and up to 10 permanent and casual cartage contractors. We also utilise various local tradesmen and we source supplies locally wherever possible.”
He noted that Fulton Hogan had also involved the community in drafting its proposal. “While developing the draft plan, we spoke with many local residents and community groups to understand their views,” he said. “We also held open days and bus tours of the quarry as part of our open door policy.”
The public consultation period for the application ended in December, and a Macedon Ranges Shire Council spokesperson told Quarry, “The application is currently being assessed and the applicant is working with referral authorities who are seeking additional information.”
The spokesperson said that once the referral authorities had provided a response, the council would be able to finalise the application.
Tylden Quarry has been operating since 1927, supplying raw materials – including crushed rock, aggregates, sand and fill – to nearby regions for the construction of roads, bridges and railway infrastructure. Fulton Hogan took ownership of the site in 2007.
Frith stated, “If approval is granted, Fulton Hogan will be able to quarry at Tylden into the future, whilst continuing to support local community groups and maintaining employment opportunities.”