The quarry is located on a hilltop not far from the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Barton Avenue.

It began operations recently almost 10 years after winning approval from the NSW Department of Planning.

The quarry had been bitterly opposed by residents and by Lithgow Council but the approval authority became the government who regarded the quarry as a project of state significance. During the early application process the developers sought approval to close the Great Western Highway when blasting was taking place.

This was rejected by the then RTA and plans were amended.

But that application did reflect the proximity to the highway and now Lithgow Council has been told of concerns that the blasting could affect the major gas supply main that runs beside the highway. The concerns were outlined by deputy mayor Ray Thompson.

He said residents had pointed out that the gas supply line was only 80 metres from where blasting was taking place.

“People in the vicinity are worried that the blasting could fracture the pipe,” Cr Thompson said. 

He said it was important to have reassurances on this issue.

Cr Wayne McAndrew agreed this was an important issue and council needed to confirm what level of threat if any existed for the pipeline.

Cr McAndrew said he had been involved in the early discussions on the quarry and could not recall the gas pipeline proximity ever been addressed.

Cr Thompson said he too could not recall any earlier discussions.

“If there is a problem we need to act quickly,” he said.

Replying to concerns that council could find itself liable if the gas line ruptured general manager Roger Bailey said council would face no liability.

He said the ball would be in the government’s court as it was the NSW Government that approved the quarry at that location.

Council had opposed the application.

Council’s Environment and Development Manager Andrew Muir said there was unlikely to be any risk to the gas line.

He said the gas main was ‘on the other side of the highway’ from the quarry area.

Mr Muir said the first blasting had taken place on September 3 and noise and vibration monitors had been installed at a number of locations including the dam wall at Lake Wallace which is also not far from the quarry site.

“It was advised that the blasting was well under the approved noise and vibration limits,” he said.

He said no complaints had been received.

Mr Muir said all residents within a two kilometre radius of the site had been offered property inspections by the company prior to the commencement of blasting.

Cr Peter Pilbeam noted the quarry was providing 30 new jobs for people who lost there jobs elsewhere.

“That has to be a good thing,” he said.