Tuesday, 3 March 2026

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (14:32): (1528) The Montrose community has raised with me their serious concerns and strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the Montrose quarry as part of a deal to supply more construction materials to the Allan Labor government’s Big Build infrastructure projects, which have been embroiled in $15 billion of taxpayers money lost to CFMEU corruption and criminal bikie gangs. Montrose residents are appalled that the government may permit a 12.5-hectare expansion of the quarry, which would result in raising the natural bushland buffer zone, bulldozing hundreds of trees and removing the remaining protection for nearby schools and homes from excessive dust and noise pollution. I share their concerns and oppose the Montrose quarry expansion. My question to the Minister for Planning is: if you are genuinely concerned the project could have a significant effect on the environment – which it will – and you are aware of significant opposition to the expansion from the community, instead of authorising an environment effects statement to keep the project alive, why won’t you just reject the Montrose quarry expansion outright to provide the community with the respect they deserve and the certainty they need?