The Shire of Northam council have voted on an alternative route for truck traffic entering and exiting the re-opened Spencers Brook quarry.
The new motion proposed by councilor Rob Tinetti ruled out quarry operations on Saturdays and that a new road be constructed through the land owners property to Northam-York Road for the new route.
Instead of trucks using Spencers Brook Road they will instead exit through the back of the quarry onto Northam-York Road, onto Yilgarn Avenue and onto Great Eastern Highway to their journey delivering the rock material to Perth.
This is the same route the grain trucks make from Quairading.
Under the new recommendation the proponent will not have to pay for upgrades to Spencers Brook Road and trucks will be ‘prohibited’ from traveling during school bur hours instead of ‘restricted’.
Councilor Michael Ryan seconded the new motion from Councilor Tinetti.
He said it was a good motion that took community concerns into consideration.
“The new internal road will be designed for the purpose of these trucks transporting heavy material,” Councilor Ryan said.
“We can all agree that Spencers Brook Road is not suitable for big trucks.”
He said he did not think this was a ‘win win’ situation but instead a balanced approach to the problem at hand.
Councilor Tinetti said he thinks it is reasonable for the landowner to build a road through their property due to the 10 year time frame of the project.
The proposal was voted in favour of 7-2 opposed by councilors Pollard and Antonio.
Members of the community took to the public gallery to give statements and listen to the verdict on Wednesday 20 June.
Applause was heard following Council’s vote.
Speaking to the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate landowner Gerrard O’Brien said although he is appreciative of the council’s support of the quarry project he thinks the considerations need to be thought through.
“The road through our property is not able to happen,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We would need to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“Logistics need to be worked through and will be worked through.”
Spencers Brook resident Maria Weibel who helped co-ordinate campaigners against the proposal spoke on behalf of others living in the area saying they are pleased with the outcome.
“It is a win-win as far as we are concerned,” Mrs Weibel said.
“It has taken a huge load off everyone’s mind, knowing that the trucks will not be using the Spencers Brook Road.
“We are very happy that the council listened to its’ residents and we thank them for their support.”
To see the full list of conditions for the quarry see the Shire of Northam website.