Stokers Quarry

Stokers Quarry is located on the northern side of Gap Rd, off Bruxner highway Alstonville, approximately halfway between West Ballina and Alstonville. The quarry was approved under DA 1995/274 for the extraction of coarse gravel. The latest modification was approved 19 December 2013 under DA 1995/274.3 for the continued extraction of approximately 14,000 cubic metres per annum, with an allowance of an increase in average annual growth rate of 2%. The extracted materials from the site comprise mainly of a course gravel utilised primarily as fill, road base and low-quality aggregate. When operational, the quarry employed traditional quarrying methods, extracting from top to bottom following a narrow vein of material using a drilling and blasting method. The quarry has not been active for several years and Council is currently assessing rehabilitation requirements and end use options for the quarry.

Environmental Constraints

In addition to existing environmental management plans by Jim Glazebrook & Aspect North, the latest approval implemented several additional environmental requirements to be incorporated into an amended Environmental Monitoring Plan. The requirements include a detailed erosion and sediment control plan structured around the various stages of the quarry development, a detailed staged rehabilitation plan, measures outlined in the latest acoustical report, air quality, monitoring of wastewater. An annual report must be submitted to and approved by Council detailing compliance with the Environmental Management Plan. The site is not required to hold an Environmental Protection License (EPL).

Rehabilitation Requirements

Original details of rehabilitation contained within the 1995 Environmental Impact Statement identified that topsoil was to be stripped and stockpiled for later use on the batter slopes, benches and quarry floor. Slopes of 1:3 or 4 with a bench width of 3-4 meters was seen as suitable for the quarry design. Council is investigating the development of a detailed rehabilitation plan for Stokers Quarry to address erosion and sediment control and incorporate suitable weed controls for the ongoing protection of the site. Several options and rehabilitation plans are currently being considered by Council which will determine the end use of the site.