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Vote on hold for sand mine

Jackson Lavell-LeeBusselton Dunsborough Times
The location of the proposed sand mine in Kaloorup
Camera IconThe location of the proposed sand mine in Kaloorup Credit: Supplied

City of Busselton councillors have deferred a vote on a proposed sand mine in Kaloorup until March 11.

Margaret River Natural Resources Pty Ltd submitted an application to extract 200,000 tonnes of sand and gravel over an area of 20.94ha at Lot 101 (285) Gibb Road, Kaloorup on September 28, 2018.

Cr Sue Ricelli moved to defer the vote on the proposed mine, which was supported by Cr Kate Cox.

Cr Ricelli cited the density of population and housing close to the extraction point and concerns that traffic management would be regulated by the proponent, as reasons to defer the vote.

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“I would like further information about the number of houses within the close proximity of 1.5km to the extraction sight,” she said. “Given the history of non-compliance to date and the practical difficulties the proponent will face to oversee the operation of trucks and need for a further traffic count at a busier time of year, further discussion is needed.”

Cr Paul Carter and Cr Ross Paine both spoke against the deferment citing the 18-month application process and a requirement that the proponent come back to the council if they wish to deviate from strict conditions.

“We are basically making a decision on the application that is before us and hopefully the conditions will provide greater pressure on the proponent to comply in the future,” Cr Carter said.

More than 20 concerned home-owners again attended the council meeting on Wednesday to ask further questions on how the proposed mine would operate.

Margaret River Natural Resources were contacted but declined to comment.

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