Fresh details about the quarry rehabilitation at Hornsby Park in New South Wales have emerged.
The Hornsby Park site is a sprawling area. It encompasses 59 hectares of bushland and open space around the old, abandoned rock quarry.
The project has been underway since 2021, including efforts to stabilise the quarry walls.
At a meeting earlier this month, Hornsby councillors resolved to progress tenders for the works around the crusher plant as well as tracks, trails and lookouts and to continue to pursue opportunities for the skywalk and cable bridge within its available funds.
“Delivering this important project within a financially responsible framework is critical. We will continue to work with staff and negotiate with suppliers to deliver the best value solutions for our community,” said Hornsby Shire mayor Philip Ruddock AO.
While quarrying operations ceased years ago on the site, visitors can still spy glimpses of its past. Forgotten buildings, including the crusher plant, remain visible.
Hornsby Park also encompasses Old Mans Valley, which is a popular mountain biking area, and the State Heritage listed Old Mans Valley Cemetery and early settler relics. According to the council, work will be carried out on Old Mans Valley to prepare it for future development into playing fields and other recreational activities.
WATCH VIDEO
View the flythrough animation of Hornsby Shire’s vision for Hornsby Park, including the old quarry void, diatreme and former crushing plant.
More reading
Milestone for Hornsby Quarry rehabilitation
Hornsby Quarry spoil upgrade commences
Spoil management project set to begin at Hornsby Quarry
Transformation project salvaged after hiccup
Geologists lobby to preserve quarry rock formation
The council has had a long-standing plan for the area, which began in 2016 after they acquired it in 2002. The master plan for the project was adopted in 2021.
Reused spoil from NorthConnex is planned to fill the Hornsby Quarry void. It is estimated Hornsby Quarry site received up to 1.5 million cubic metres of excavated natural material and/or virgin excavated natural material.
The project was completed in 2019 and used 1.2 million cubic metres of tunnel spoil material to fill the void partially. The amount is equivalent to 450 Olympic-size swimming pools.
According to the council, a new parkland is planned to be constructed within the quarry void.