BOORAL resident Kieran Fraser has expressed concerns that traffic issues on Bucketts Way are likely to become much worse if the proposed Hillview Hardrock Quarry in Maytoms Lane, near Booral, is approved.
According to the application, when operational, there will be 272 two-way truck movements, six days per week, over an eleven-hour day due to the quarry’s activities.
Trucks from the quarry will need to travel down Bucketts Way and turn onto the Pacific Highway.
There are currently eight other operational, approved, or under-consideration hard rock quarries in proximity to Hillview Quarry, all with a minimum life span of 30 years, and impacting other traffic on Bucketts Way.
The Stone Ridge quarry in Balickera, approved in December, will alone generate 334 truck movements per day.
The NSW Government is also presently considering whether to approve the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub which, if it goes ahead, will involve a significant increase in heavy traffic along Bucketts Way.
“The biggest wait and buildup of traffic occurs when turning right onto the Pacific Highway off Bucketts Way, (particularly) during peak hours during the morning,” said Mr Fraser.
“During school and public holidays, traffic can be backed up two kilometres at the intersection waiting to turn right.”
According to Mr Fraser the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) lodged with the Hillview Quarry application contains flawed data in relation to the volume of traffic on Bucketts Way.
He says the traffic sample relied upon was taken on a Monday, at a time when Covid was taking hold, and that the area has changed significantly since the sample was taken five years ago.
“…it (the EIS) is a very flawed document utilising data that would not stand up in scientific articles,” said Mr Fraser.
“The project has used flawed data to make flawed statements supporting the project. It does not make sense that this would be approved.”
Former MidCoast Councillor and Gloucester resident Katheryn Stinson has long expressed her concern about the risks associated with turning right from Bucketts Way.
“In my opinion there should be an overpass lane, and I have always voiced my concerns…,” said Ms Stinson.
Gloucester District NOTA reported on 8 January 2025 that motorists travelling south from Gloucester will, for the foreseeable future at least, continue experiencing the often-long delays, and significant risks associated with turning right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway, with no plans for an overpass.
By John WATTS
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