But Oberon Council says it is following all the "appropriate processes" as the quarry development is considered.

The matter came to a head at a meeting of the Oberon Business and Tourism Association last week where Mayfield owner Garrick Hawkins was the guest speaker.

In speaking at the meeting, he outlined his plans for extensions to the facility - one of the world's largest cool climate gardens - but also revealed its future might be in doubt.

Oberon Council says a development application for the quarry and waste management facility was assessed by council and referred to the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) earlier this year. 

After a public meeting in March, key issues were discussed in regards to the quarry's visual impact, heavy vehicle movements on public roads and restriction of operating hours, as well as the economic impact of the proposal, according to council. 

Council says the panel's decision to defer the determination was unanimous and at that meeting it was determined that the applicant was to prepare and submit to council a rehabilitation plan and an updated traffic assessment. 

The rehabilitation plan had to specifically address the early implementation of bunding and vegetation screening to ensure the exposed quarry areas would be screened from residences within the view catchment - Oberon West and elevated areas at Mayfield Garden.

A statement released from Mayfield Garden, however, said there had been "minimal local consultation" about the proposal and said Oberon Council had "provided a preliminary recommendation to the JRPP that the project be approved".

"The application is now before council again, which will provide a final recommendation to the JRPP as to whether the project should go ahead," the statement said.

The statement said "expert advice sought by Mr Hawkins has found the development of the quarry will lead to significant visual impacts on Mayfield Garden together with major traffic and other issues". 

"Sight-line diagrams show that once completed, the quarry and waste management facility will be visible from numerous vantage points within Mayfield Garden, compromising a crucial part of  visitors’ experience."

Essington State Forest now acts as the buffer zone between the proposed quarry and Mayfield Garden, but the statement said inquiries have uncovered "that Essington State Forest is likely to be harvested in financial years 2018 or 2019, exposing the quarry and its activities to surrounding properties". 

Mr Hawkins said if he was forced to close Mayfield Garden, the flow-on effects on the local region would result in a loss to the Oberon economy of around $165 million over the next five years.

Oberon Council general manager Gary Wallace said council was following all the appropriate processes as required by the act and all information would be forwarded to the JRPP for determination.

"The applicant has as many rights as the objectors," he said.

"Council has sought legal advice and is currently liaising with the appropriate authorities.” 

At the OBTA meeting, Mayfield Garden CEO Hamish Keith sought a letter of support from the association opposing the proposed development.

But OBTA member Don Capel said as an association it could not support a tourism or business proposal as it represented both.

The applicant for Middle Creek Quarries, Zac Rowlandson, said the business has resubmitted its rehabilitation plan and Roads and Maritime Services report to council.

"I have a huge appreciation of what Mayfield Garden has done, but I think both businesses can work in together,” he said.

"I currently have 28 employees and we are looking to employ more locals into the future. The quarry is a long-term viability into the next 30 to 40 years. We do need materials for local roads."