The Board of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by SW & AJ Barker to upgrade an existing Level 1 siltstone and dolomite quarry to a Level 2 activity at Forest in the Circular Head municipality.
The proposal involves increasing extraction and processing of material to 40,000 cubic metres per year.
Public consultation was open for 32 days from 18 March 2026. One representation was made in relation to the proposal. Key environmental issues raised included surface water quality, groundwater and karst impacts, activity scale and rehabilitation of the site.
The Board has considered the relevant issues and determined that the proposal can be managed in an environmentally sustainable manner, with conditions imposed. Key conditions include limiting vegetation clearance, haulage operational hours, processing and extractive methods and monitoring for water quality and karst features.
The Board undertook assessment of the proposal in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Principles in Section 74 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
This decision and all assessment documents can be viewed at SW & AJ Barker, Production Increase, Boys Road Quarry.
ENDS.
Published on:
10/07/2026