The Department of Planning has endorsed a proposal for new sand quarry at Williamtown, passing the plan to the independent Planning Assessment Commission for a final verdict.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington was scathing of the decision, attacking it as “cruel” and “indifferent to the suffering of Williamtown residents”.
The sand quarry, earmarked for Cabbage Tree Road, would neighbour homes that have been contaminated with toxic chemicals by the Williamtown RAAF base.
But a spokesperson for the Department of Planning said it had carefully considered the proposal’s potential benefits and the public health issues raised.
“After a rigorous assessment and public consultation, we have found that the project could be approved. The independent Commission will now undertake its own assessment to determine whether the quarry plans will go ahead,” the spokesperson said.
More to come.
