MORE TRUCKS FOR MT OUSLEY

            In January 2014, the NSW Department of Planning and lnfrastructure gave approval for Hansons for their Bass Point Quarry Project, with the option of more quarry trucks on the Mt Ousley and other roads. 

            If this was not enough, an approval was given in February 2014 for Boral to put more quarry trucks on our roads from their Dunmore Quarry. 

            Cleary Brothers also want more quarry trucks on our roads. The only concession to motorists who use the Mt Ousley and other roads and people who live near the roads is that the three quarry operators shall co-fund and "cause to be prepared an independent Cumulative Traffic Impact Study. The study must be undertaken by a suitably qualified traffic consultant, … be commissioned by 30 June 2014, and completed by 31 October 2014 and is to:

*  include a comprehensive assessment of current and future projected cumulative traffic impacts of the three quarries on the classified road network, undertaken in consultation with the RMS; and

*  identify any reasonable and feasible measures that can be implemented to minimise the traffic and road safety impacts of quarry trucks on Mount Ousley Road, and the likely cost of implementing these measures.

            WTC would suggest that the Cumulative Traffic Impact Study should have a steering committee comprising not only the industry and RMS but also a representative from Wollongong City Council and the community.

            Also in January 2014 Scott Corporation was meeting New South Wales authorities in relation to the use of A-double style heavy vehicles in the NSW Illawarra region for coal haulage. WTC would ask that full consultation with Wollongong City Council and the community take place before any approvals are given, and that any trials are for a small number of vehicles only.   

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