My Account
A resource consent hearing on the expansion of Lake Road Quarries in Te Arai will reconvene on June 20.
The proposed expansion, which will increase production to 130,000 cubic metres per year, is opposed by The Lake Road Preservation Society, representing those living near the quarry.
The society says the expansion will destroy native bush, create an eyesore, and threaten bird life and other native species. Opponents further fear an expanded quarry will lead to hundreds of heavy trucks a day travelling on unsealed roads, constituting a safety risk to residents and visitors.
The panel of independent commissioners in charge of the hearing has directed that an Auckland Transport representative attend the reconvened hearing to comment on the effects of activities of the quarry on public roads.
The first hearing was adjourned on May 15 after the panel had heard from the consent applicant, Pacey Family No.2 Trust, and submitters who had requested to be heard.
More than 270 submissions were received in respect of the quarries’ proposed land use – 67 were in support of the application and 205 were in opposition. Among those firmly in favour of an expanded quarry is the Wellsford representative on the Rodney Local Board, Colin Smith.
Mr Smith says it’s essential that Rodney has access to the increased aggregate an expanded quarry would provide in order for Auckland Transport to complete its road sealing programme in the area.
The reconvened hearing will take place at the Warkworth Masonic Hall on Thursday, June 20 at 9.30am.
Written evidence submitted to the commissioners can be found online at: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/hearings/findhearing/Pages/resource-consent-hearing-documents.aspx?HearingId=188
