New data has revealed the state of play for quarries in Victoria as the industry looks at approvals and expansions.
The Earth Resources Regulator unveiled data for the annual year of review assessment, which showed continued demand for the state’s resources.
Ten new quarries were approved across 2022-23, which was lower than the 15 approvals in the 2021-22 period but substantially increased from 2020-21.
Statutory endorsements for work plans and work plan variations increased from 10 to 15, and approvals for work plan and work plan variations from 10 to 12 from 2021/22 to 2022/23.
Quarries played a critical part in the state’s recovery from the floods, which hampered a significant portion of Victoria across late 2022.
Operators employed temporarily increase operating hours or production outputs to provide additional materials to local areas in repairs for local infrastructure.
This included fixing and upkeep roads, particularly in the hardest hit areas of Western, Loddon Mallee and Hume regions.
According to the ERR, the temporary measures are expected to deliver 1.7 million tonnes of materials for the Victorian Government’s $165 million flood emergency road repair package.
For more information on the project, visit the Victorian Earth Resources Regulator.