Development Application part 2 OF 2 All of CD, Information in notes - MCU12/0216

CSR Building Products Limited                                                                                             Page 39
West Ridge Quarry
Site Based Management Plan



3.8          Landcare and Rehabilitation

3.8.1        Purpose
      Land degradation and its management are recognised as important environmental issues in Australia. The whole of
      the community benefits from landcare through the prevention and control of land degradation and restoring Australian
      landscapes. Extractive industry operations, by their very nature, cause land disturbance and modification of the
      landscape. This land disturbance and modification has the potential to result in land degradation and impact on visual
      amenity.
      Land disturbance and modification as a result of a change to the landscape or use of the land has the potential to
      result in:
      - fragmentation and/or reduction of ecosystem;
      - reduction of habitat; and
      - reduction of biodiversity.
      Impacts as a result of extractive industry include:
      - soil erosion;
      - sedimentation;
      - increase in nutrient loads;
      - introduction of weeds;
      - potential desecration of protected vegetation; and
      - potential loss of habitat and biodiversity.
      Extractive industry is a temporary land use. Designing and implementation of rehabilitation works is therefore an
      important element of extractive industry. Integration of rehabilitation and extractive operations assists in cost control
      as well as minimising potential environmental impacts.
      Under the EP Act, the administering authority can impose conditions which cover the requirements to rehabilitate
      disturbed land.
      Rehabilitation works are to be guided by the proposed post-extraction land use, however quarrying is likely to create a
      gently sloping free draining pasture area surrounded by batters of varying slopes, depending on the geotechnical
      properties of the substrate. Water filled voids for stock watering may also be included within the final landform.

3.8.2        Operational Policy
      To return the land to a stable, non-polluting and self-sustaining state at the cessation of the quarrying operations.

3.8.3        Performance Targets
      Protect the general amenity of the surrounding area.
      Prevent the desecration of non-operational areas.
      Limit land disturbance to that which is necessary.
      Reduce the potential for soil erosion, land degradation and downstream water quality.
      Ensure progressive rehabilitation is carried out during the progression of quarry activities.
      Commence progressive rehabilitation is to commence within twelve months following operational areas becoming
      available (e.g. terminal benches/areas)
      Reinstate a stable drainage pattern.
      Identify land contamination and implement appropriate remediation or management.
      Prevent the introduction or spread of declared or environmental weeds.
      Ensure the post-extraction landform is stable and suitable for the desired long-term land use (e.g. grazing uses or
      alternative beneficial use, such as water storage).



December 2012 / file ref. 1271_610_001                                                                         GROUNDWORK p l u s