Prom Coast Guardians

27/08/2026

What documents released under FOI tell us about the rock.

In July, WorkSafe Victoria released documents about the existing quarry (WA495) under Freedom of Information. Independent NATA-accredited laboratory analysis measures the rock at 63–66% crystalline silica — a known carcinogen. The operator’s own product information sheet says 66%, and warns that inhalation of dust can cause silicosis and lung cancer. For context, the threshold at which silica dust duties apply under the OHS Regulations is 1%.

Some perspective on those numbers. Engineered stone — the benchtop material at the centre of Australia’s silicosis epidemic — typically contained 40–95% crystalline silica, and was banned nationally from July 2024. At 63–66%, this rock sits within that range. To be clear: the ban applies to engineered stone products, not to quarrying natural rock, which remains lawful under strict dust-control duties. But it shows why the adequacy of dust controls for material like this matters so much — regulators considered silica at these concentrations serious enough to ban an entire industry’s product.

The sheet's own handling and disposal advice is worth reading in full. It recommends a respirator, gloves and eye protection for handling the product, and says that for disposal it should be collected in containers “for disposal as trade waste”.

WorkSafe also confirmed in writing that it holds no air monitoring or exposure assessments for the site — so exposure has never been measured.

Separately, following a community pollution report earlier this year, EPA inspected the quarry and issued remedial notices. EPA has confirmed the compliance dates have passed and controls have been installed.

All of this is now formally on the record with WorkSafe Victoria, EPA Victoria, Resources Victoria and South Gippsland Shire Council.

We’ll keep you posted — factually, as always.

— Prom Coast Guardians

22/08/2026

UPDATE: Council confirms a planning permit was required for the access works at the proposed quarry site — and asks that they cease.

From Tuesday 18 August 2026, residents observed truckloads of material and earthmoving equipment, including excavators, moving along Samman Road to the end of the road, where an access has been constructed into the proposed new quarry area (WA8569). Vegetation has been cut and an excavator has been operating close to a dwelling boundary.

In June 2026, the operator advised an adjacent resident of his intention to remove vegetation and construct access for a drilling rig. Later requests for consultation before the works began were declined — the first notice residents had of the works was the machinery arriving. Works continued through the week, and many residents contacted Council independently.

On Friday evening 21st August 2026, Council confirmed in writing that the works required a planning permit — in Council's own words, "the short answer is a resounding Yes" — and that it holds no permit application for any earth resources use of the land.

Council has advised the operator of the requirements, penalties and enforcement options under the Planning and Environment Act, has asked that the works cease immediately, has notified Resources Victoria, and has arranged a site inspection(ref PLAN/2026/11).

Resources Victoria has advised us that no formal application for WA8569 has yet been lodged. The ground is already being prepared for drilling. Council has asked Resources Victoria to confirm the application's status.

If you see works continuing, note the date and time, photograph it if safe to do so, and report it to South Gippsland Shire Council, quoting reference PLAN/2026/11 — via [email protected] or (03) 5662 9200.

Every resident is welcome to raise this with Council or their Ward Councillors in their own right.

Thank you to everyone who contacted Council this week. It made the difference.

— Prom Coast Guardians

02/06/2026

South Gippsland’s forests are part of who we are - and they’re home to species already under pressure, including the EPBC-listed Gang-gang Cockatoo.

The Hoddle Range Flora & Fauna Conservation Reserve provides important habitat for native wildlife. A new quarry right next to this landscape could mean more habitat loss and fragmentation in an area meant to protect biodiversity.

Australia has committed to stopping extinctions and protecting nature. If we’re serious about leaving healthy forests and wildlife for future generations in Gippsland, places like the Hoddle Range matter.

Let’s protect what makes our region special.

Sources: Australian Government Threatened Species Action Plan (2022-2032); PM statement on Australia joining the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature (2022).

DEECA Gippsland

31/05/2026

🌍Understanding Sensitive Land Use and Its Importance in Land Use Planning🌍

We appreciate our community members for asking more questions regarding the EPA's measurement methods on the map. The EPA’s Separation Distance Guideline (Publication 1949, August 2024) describes two measurement approaches for assessing the necessary buffer zones:

Method 1 (Urban Method) - measures to the property boundary of the receptor, applicable in townships or on lots under 0.4 hectares.

Method 2 (Rural Method) - measures to the dwelling envelope, suitable for most properties in rural areas like Fish Creek.

The map illustrates a 500 m radius around dwellings, showcasing the recommended separation distance between quarries and sensitive land uses. But what exactly qualifies as "sensitive land use"?

Sensitive land use refers to areas where the health and well-being of residents and the environment could be negatively impacted by industrial activities. This includes residential zones, schools, hospitals, childcare centers, and public parks, all of which are more vulnerable to disturbances like noise, air pollution, and traffic.

It's essential to recognize that the cumulative density of receptors in the area means that maintaining compliant separation distances is crucial for community safety. The overlapping zones indicate that the recommended buffer is breached, underlining the fact that the entire Work Authority area of the original quarry, AND the NEW Quarry, does not meet the necessary safety standards as per EPA guidelines.

What is missing from this map is that the EPA also considers critical environment zones (in this case the Hoddle Range Flora and Fauna Conservation Reserve) a “Sensitive Land Use”. Under current EPA guidelines the zone around this reserve could be considered anywhere between 500 meters, and 1500 meters, and thus the NEW quarry ceases to exist.

Not to mention that food growing businesses (in this case the vineyard and olive grove) are also considered to be Sensitive land uses.

For more detailed information on this topic, visit the EPA's resources here: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au

Thank you for your continued engagement in this critical issue!

DEECA Gippsland

26/05/2026

If Prom Coast Guardians hadn’t started this page, would you even know about this new quarry application?

When applying for an extractives work authority in Victoria, community consultation is meant to be more than a box-ticking exercise. ✅

Who should be consulted?

Not just immediate neighbours. (And in this case only a hand-full of immediate neighbours were even included in that.)

Resources Victoria says engagement should include people and groups likely to be affected, including:

~nearby residents & landholders
~towns along transport routes
~local businesses & tourism operators
~Traditional Owners/Indigenous communities
~environmental & community groups
~recreation users and visitors where relevant

What should good consultation look like?

✔️ Early — before plans are finalised
✔️ Ongoing — not a one-off session
✔️ Transparent and easy to understand
✔️ Two-way — where feedback can genuinely influence outcomes
✔️ Responsive — concerns documented and addressed

Community engagement should be meaningful, not just information handed down after decisions are already made.

PCG stands for due process. Due process hasn’t been followed! Join us!

DEECA Gippsland

Learn more from Resources Victoria:

https://resources.vic.gov.au/legislation-and-regulations/guidelines-and-codes-of-practice/community-engagement-guidelines-for-mining-and-mineral-exploration

24/05/2026

Did you know that the proposed new Fish Creek quarry would sit directly adjacent to the Hoddle Range Nature Conservation Reserve?

Studies from around the world show that there can be significant negative impact to wildlife populations when quarrying activities occur in close proximity. This also includes the use of heavy machinery and trucks that form part of quarry operations.

Noise and vibration can disturb survival habits of sensitive species and dust can settle on food sources making it unpalatable. Drainage, groundwater, or surface runoff can alter wetlands, creeks, and breeding habitat.
Furthermore, quarrying activity can also fragment movement corridors, making it harder for species to feed, breed, or disperse safely.

We know that the Hoddle Reserve and surrounding areas are home to dozens of threatened, endangered and migratory species. We owe it to them to preserve areas which have been designated for their protection.

Ask yourself, is this the right place for a new quarry?

18/05/2026

Great to see a few of the neighbours to the proposed new quarry at Fish Creek bringing important community concerns into the conversation via this weeks Sentinel Times article. A huge thank you to everyone speaking up and working to protect the future of our beautiful Prom Coast. 🌿👏



Read the article here:

Residents fear silica dust health risks as Fish Creek Quarries seeks approval for new shale pit on Meeniyan-Promontory Road just 25 metres from neighbouring homes

14/05/2026

SKAT Opposes Fish Creek Quarry Proposal!!

Have a read of Melbourne FOE article opposing the NEW Fish Creek Quarry.

Thank you for your support SKAT 🙏



https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/skat_opposes_fish_creek_quarry_proposal?fbclid=IwdGRjcARyXIFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEenWjDmtD6zJtpG2XAsZWfzvyGF4aIM0vzTf86-WmDB9TAx0b2RbZVlQlpZnc_aem_OujKogXCFReFZ_ve9t6g0A

Mobilise! Resist! Transform!

12/05/2026

The South Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Plan 2025 - 2029 paints a beautiful picture of our region—one focused on collaboration, sustainability, and nurturing the community we call home. It’s all about celebrating our rich cultural heritage, diverse populations, and the stunning natural environment that makes this place special.

But when you look at the New proposed Fish Creek quarry, this vision starts to feel a bit hollow.

Yes, the quarry is claiming that the rock they want to extract will support local farmers. But let’s be real - how does possibly destroying the environment where our olive farm and vineyard thrive align with the Council's core values?

With over 40 local residences nearby, the new quarry threatens the tranquil lifestyle that attracted us to this area in the first place. The dust and noise only disrupt our connections to each other and our beautiful land, contradicting the idea of a “Healthy, Connected and Engaged Community” that the Plan promotes.

Moreover, the quarry flies in the face of the Plan’s commitment to “Sustainability and Climate Change.” Extractive industries like this new quarry can lead to more environmental degradation, which hurts the very ecosystems our farmers ultimately rely on. The notion that we can market South Gippsland as a haven for tourists to enjoy premium agriculture while allowing a quarry to invade the landscape is just misguided.

We need to stand together and push back against this short-sighted proposal! The quarry's claims don’t hold water when we consider the long-term consequences for our community, our plan, and our precious environment.

Let’s ensure that the true needs of local residents and sustainable agriculture are prioritised.

Together, we can protect what truly makes South Gippsland a fantastic place to live, work, and visit - for all!

12/05/2026

Attention all Strezlecki Koala lovers! 🐨

Have you spotted a Strzelecki Koala in the wild? Your observations can make a huge difference!

If you see a koala, or spot an injured koala, or a koala killed by vehicles, please PLEASE report your sighting to the Strzelecki Koala Alliance Team (SKAT) via this email:

[email protected]

Anthony looks after the Strzelecki koala map below. Please include the location of the sighting (GPS if possible) and if you know the type of tree the animal is in, please state that as well.

Your contributions will aid in important research and conservation efforts to protect these iconic animals and their habitat.

Together, we can ensure a brighter future for the Strzelecki Koala.

Mapping the most important koala population remaining in Victoria and South Australia.