Hanson Australia and the Resources Victoria regulator have worked together to restore areas of a Northern Victorian quarry in a “win-win” for all stakeholders.
Hanson Australia not only restored areas of the sand and gravel quarry but also made a sizeable $136,000 donation to Landcare Victoria to support its environmental work.
After entering an enforceable agreement with Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator in 2023, the company is on track to complete the work by the end of the year.
While undertaking the restoration work, Hanson has also rehabilitated several other areas of the quarry as part of progressive rehabilitation practices, which the regulator encourages.
“In a win-win for the environment, we’re pleased to see that Hanson has restored damaged areas, rehabilitated additional areas of the quarry and made a sizable donation to Landcare Australia, so they can continue their important work,” Chris Webb, executive director for regulatory operations at Resources Victoria, said.
According to the regulator, an audit in 2021 identified more than 20 issues at the quarry across several areas that breached the operations set out in the site’s work plan.
According to the regulator, quarries wanting to implement new processes in additional areas within the quarry or impact the waste material’s disposal must submit a work plan variation. The regulator will assess the variation.
“We regulate to ensure risks to environment, community, infrastructure and cultural heritage are considered and appropriately addressed before work starts and observed once work begins,” Webb said.
“Communities can be confident that the regulator conducts regular inspections.”