While there has been much talk of increased truck movements because of expanded operations at the Daracon-run Martins Creek quarry, a resident says her home has been damaged by the increased activity at the mine.

Dungog Shire Council wants Daracon to lodge a new development application for the extended operating hours that the Environmental Protection Agency granted it recently, to allow the community to have a public consultation period.

Representatives from Port Stephens Council, Maitland City Council, Daracon and Paterson Progress Association had a closed meeting about the issue on Thursday. 

Bronwyn Cocks said she had a crack in the ceiling above her hallway repaired twice after tremors from quarry blasts shook the house. 

“Since Daracon has taken over the quarry, the blasting has ramped up and houses are getting cracks in them,” she said.

“We can understand the truck issue is a very real concern but the issue that nobody seems to be taking up is the blasting.”

Ms Cocks said she was disappointed that Thursday’s meeting was closed to the public because it would have been a good chance to raise the issue in front of council and Daracon representatives.

But she would have to wait until a public forum on July 31 to raise her concerns.

Ms Cocks said she and her husband Denis understood the implications of living near a quarry when they bought it six years ago, but increased operating hours at the mine meant blasting had jumped from once a week, to two to three times a week.

This would effectively double or triple the wear and tear the blasts were having on the home.

“It is a little bit intimidating to suddenly have this blasting going off and everything is shaking,” she said.

“There have been several occasions where Denis or I have phoned the EPA because of the blast.”

Public meeting to address quarry issues

Dungog Shire Council will host a public meeting to discuss issues related to current operations and the proposed expansion of the Martins Creek Daracon Quarry next week.

Council’s general manager Craig Deasey said political representatives such as State Member for Upper Hunter George Souris, staff from Daracon, the Environment Protection Authority and Trade & Investment (Resource & Energy) have been invited to attend.

“The agenda for the evening will be to inform the public of the recent history and issues concerning the quarry, including changes in production and transport and of Daracon’s plans to lodge a fresh development application over the site for expanded operations at Martins Creek,” Mr Deasey said.

“All residents who are impacted upon by the quarry’s site operations and/or are located along the major haulage routes throughout the region, particularly those from the Paterson and Martins Creek area are encouraged to attend.”

The meeting will be held at 7.30pm at the Paterson School of Arts hall on Thursday, July 31.