Hanson Lysterfield Quarry
Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (Hanson) has operated the hard rock quarry in Lysterfield since it took over from Pioneer Concrete (VIC) Pty Ltd in 2000.
The quarry has been in operation since 1979.
The Lysterfield quarry site is approximately 35 kms southeast of Melbourne and is situated on private land owned by Hanson. The total area of the work authority is 76.51 ha.
Annual production of rock from the extractive site is approximately 1.2 million tonnes and is primarily used for concrete.
Community engagement
In April 2016 Hanson established the Lysterfield Quarry Community Reference Group (CRG).
The purpose of the group is to expand the community’s knowledge of quarry operations and provide an opportunity for the community to contribute to future planning at the site. The CRG gives residents an opportunity to ask questions and access information about the operation of the quarry.
For more information about how to join the Lysterfield Quarry CRG or for any enquiries, please visit the Hanson website or contact Hanson directly:
Nick James — Quarry Manager
Phone: 0418 478 281
Email: nick.james@hanson.com.au
or
Rob Francis — Development Manager
Phone: 0407 530 262
Email: robert.francis@hanson.com.au
Matters of public interest
Earth Resources Regulation meets regularly with Knox City Council, the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Transport and Planning to discuss community and regulatory matters relating to the Lysterfield quarry sites.
In March 2021 community members were invited to learn about the operating and planning requirements and compliance activities for the local Lysterfield quarries at a webinar.
A live recording of the event and an extensive question-and-answer document is available on the Lysterfield-Rowville quarry operations community information session page.
Earth Resources Regulation inspectors have attended the quarry several times in response to community concerns regarding truck movements and blasting noise and vibration. Hanson has previously been directed to stop truck load out and cartage from the site outside of approved operating hours and complied with this requirement.
There may be other activities onsite that are allowed under the current work plan conditions that nearby residents may be able to hear outside of operation hours.
Blasting is a necessary part of quarry operations. Hanson Lysterfield conducts blasting as part of its regular operations. Blasting is usually conducted once or twice a week and local residents can sign up for text message alerts for blasting events by contacting the quarry.
Blasting activity is highly regulated, and Hanson must comply with these regulations. Earth Resources Regulation regularly checks blast monitoring data, collected by consultants, for compliance.
Blast monitoring is conducted across multiple locations (including three residential properties) around the Lysterfield quarry site.
Blast monitoring data is regularly reviewed by Earth Resources Regulation and to date has shown Hanson Lysterfield blasting to be within the regulated limits. Nearby residents are likely to experience the noise and vibration from blasting, even though they are within the prescribed limits. The work plan conditions only allow for blasting from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday but not on weekends or public holidays.
To manage offsite dust, recommended distance from the activity boundary of a quarry to the nearest sensitive land use, including residences, are outlined in EPA guidelines 1518; Recommended Separation Distances for Industrial Residual Air Emissions.
These guidelines recommend a buffer of at least 500m. If a quarry wishes to operate within the buffer, they must adequately demonstrate that all risks are appropriately managed. In the case of Hanson, the extraction operation is separated from the residences by a prominent range of hills.
Hanson has been unsuccessful in their application to expand their Lysterfield quarry.
While Hanson had adequately addressed the geotechnical safety and stability requirements for an expansion, the application was not endorsed by Earth Resources Regulation in response to an objection from the former Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Applications cannot be endorsed following an objection from a referral authority under Victoria’s quarrying laws.
Hanson contested this decision through the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) and after thorough consideration VCAT upheld Earth Resources Regulation’s decision.
Page last updated: 16 Aug 2023