The NSW Environmental Defenders Office is advising residents living near Brandy Hill quarry about their appeal rights following the approval of a plan to expand the business.
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The Independent Planning Commission approved the expansion last week. The community has 28 days to lodge an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.
The EDO is also looking at the cumulative impact of the project on several endangered species including koalas and the regent honeyeater.
A spokeswoman for Hanson, the quarry's owner, said this week that a NSW Biodiversity Conservation Division assessment concluded the project is unlikely to impact the spotted-tail quoll or swift parrot and that the removal of koala habitat could be offset through suitable biodiversity offset credits.
READ MORE:
- Federal environment minister to rule on Brandy Hill quarry expansion
- Brandy Hill Quarry expansion plans will destroy 50 hectares of koala habitat
- Brandy Hill residents fear for koala population if quarry expands
- Independent Planning Commission approves Brandy Hill quarry expansion despite concerns of residents
The NSW Environmental Defenders Office has also welcomed a proposal to introduce national environmental standards as part of a review of Commonwealth Environment Legislation.
The EDO, which has represented several Hunter-based groups, was commenting on an interim report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation released by Professor Graeme Samuel.
"We welcome the proposed establishment of National Environmental Standards," the EDO said.
"The Interim Report proposes these as the foundation element of a new consistent and efficient system. If these are mandatory and measurable they could play a key role in lifting state standards and ensuring environmental outcomes are actually achieved."
Environment Minister Sussan Ley agreed the current legislation was failing both the environment and business.
"Not surprisingly, the statutory review is finding that 20-year-old legislation is struggling to meet the changing needs of the environment, agriculture, community, planners and business," she said.
The government will continue its consultation before a final report is delivered at the end of October.
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
