From approval to extraction to rehabilitation
By Rob Parsons
FOR many Bass Coast residents, the words “sand mine” once triggered images of protest placards, packed public meetings and bitter debate.
In the 1990s and again in the 2020s, quarry expansion in and around Grantville has been one of the most contentious local issues on the coast. Concerns about dust, truck movements, groundwater, noise and long-term environmental impact have galvanised sections of the community. The debate has often been emotional and divisive.
FOR many Bass Coast residents, the words “sand mine” once triggered images of protest placards, packed public meetings and bitter debate.
In the 1990s and again in the 2020s, quarry expansion in and around Grantville has been one of the most contentious local issues on the coast. Concerns about dust, truck movements, groundwater, noise and long-term environmental impact have galvanised sections of the community. The debate has often been emotional and divisive.
Today, the trucks still roll and the sand still moves but there is now a structured forum where quarry operators sit at the same table as local residents to discuss concerns, report on environmental monitoring and review complaints. That forum is the Grantville Quarries Reference Group (GQRG) and it may be one of the least understood but most significant community bodies in Western Port Ward.
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Along with parts of neighbouring Cardinia and South Gippsland, Western Port contains one of Victoria’s most important sources of construction sand. Much of the sand used in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor, including projects associated with the State Government’s “Big Build”, is sourced from this region. Local quarries help supply material for road upgrades, rail projects and residential development.
For better or worse, that places Grantville at the centre of Victoria’s construction supply chain. |
New members wanted
The Grantville Quarries Reference Group is currently seeking two new community representatives following recent retirements. For those who have opinions about sand mining, whether supportive or sceptical, joining the reference group offers a way to be directly involved in oversight and dialogue. Contact the group at [email protected] |
The GQRG began life in 2006 as the Grantville Environmental Review Committee. It was established and administered by Earth Resources Regulation (now within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) with support from Bass Coast Shire Council.
Since 2019, the group has operated independently with an independent chair and administrative support, funded by participating quarry operators.
Importantly, the GQRG is not a decision-making or policy body. It does not approve quarry licences or determine planning outcomes. Instead, it acts as a consultative forum – a two-way communication link between operators and the community.
Quarterly meetings in Grantville bring together quarry representatives and six community members. Standing invitations are extended to Bass Coast councillors, Earth Resources regulators, EPA Victoria and Southern Rural Water.
At each meeting quarry operators table reports covering environmental monitoring, site updates, compliance matters and any community complaints received.
Since 2019, the group has operated independently with an independent chair and administrative support, funded by participating quarry operators.
Importantly, the GQRG is not a decision-making or policy body. It does not approve quarry licences or determine planning outcomes. Instead, it acts as a consultative forum – a two-way communication link between operators and the community.
Quarterly meetings in Grantville bring together quarry representatives and six community members. Standing invitations are extended to Bass Coast councillors, Earth Resources regulators, EPA Victoria and Southern Rural Water.
At each meeting quarry operators table reports covering environmental monitoring, site updates, compliance matters and any community complaints received.
"For many residents, the existence of an ongoing, transparent forum has reduced the sense that decisions are being made behind closed doors." |
Concerns can be raised directly and discussed face to face, something that was often missing during earlier protest years.
It would be wrong to suggest everyone is enthusiastic about sand extraction. Quarrying remains an industrial activity in a coastal and rural setting. Trucks still generate traffic. Extraction sites still alter landscapes.
But there is a noticeable shift from open hostility to structured engagement. Rehabilitation planning now forms a key part of reporting and oversight. Environmental monitoring data is regularly presented. Complaints are documented and followed up.
Perhaps just as importantly, the broader community now sees tangible benefits. Beyond its consultative role, the GQRG has provided modest support to community facilities and welfare-focused initiatives.
It would be wrong to suggest everyone is enthusiastic about sand extraction. Quarrying remains an industrial activity in a coastal and rural setting. Trucks still generate traffic. Extraction sites still alter landscapes.
But there is a noticeable shift from open hostility to structured engagement. Rehabilitation planning now forms a key part of reporting and oversight. Environmental monitoring data is regularly presented. Complaints are documented and followed up.
Perhaps just as importantly, the broader community now sees tangible benefits. Beyond its consultative role, the GQRG has provided modest support to community facilities and welfare-focused initiatives.
Grantville Hall, for example, has received assistance for a new television, internet connection and web-cam equipment, upgrades that improve its capacity for the public to host meetings, presentations and community events.
The group has stated that it is open to supporting local organisations and services, particularly those benefiting the wider community rather than a single interest group.
Current community representatives Rob Parsons, Anne Westwood, Allan George and Halina Gwizdzil are keen to hear from residents who have questions, concerns or simply want to understand more about how the quarries operate.
For many residents, the existence of an ongoing, transparent forum has reduced the sense that decisions are being made behind closed doors.
The debate has shifted from “Should it happen?” to “How is it managed?”
That question now has a public answer. Environmental reports, meeting notes, complaints raised and responses given are all online at Grantville Quarries.
In a region that once saw heated protests over sand mining, the story today is not about secrecy or confrontation. It is about oversight, transparency and community involvement.
The quarries are operating. The monitoring is occurring. The discussions are recorded. Now everyone can see for themselves.
The group has stated that it is open to supporting local organisations and services, particularly those benefiting the wider community rather than a single interest group.
Current community representatives Rob Parsons, Anne Westwood, Allan George and Halina Gwizdzil are keen to hear from residents who have questions, concerns or simply want to understand more about how the quarries operate.
For many residents, the existence of an ongoing, transparent forum has reduced the sense that decisions are being made behind closed doors.
The debate has shifted from “Should it happen?” to “How is it managed?”
That question now has a public answer. Environmental reports, meeting notes, complaints raised and responses given are all online at Grantville Quarries.
In a region that once saw heated protests over sand mining, the story today is not about secrecy or confrontation. It is about oversight, transparency and community involvement.
The quarries are operating. The monitoring is occurring. The discussions are recorded. Now everyone can see for themselves.