Thursday, 2 April 2026

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:14): (2482) My adjournment matter tonight is to the Minister for Planning, and it relates to the proposed expansion of the Montrose quarry. I have heard from the local Montrose community loud and clear that they do not want to see this quarry expanded. They have a number of concerns around the proposal, and they see the current environment effects statement process as a positive step that should consider the full impacts of this proposed quarry expansion. One key element that the community are concerned will not be covered is the impact of the quarry expansion on human health. The potential environmental damage and impacts are incredibly serious too, but the community want to make sure that their health and their wellbeing are also considered as part of the process, particularly when it comes to risks like respirable crystalline silica. Silica exposure is extremely dangerous and is often referred to as ‘the new asbestos’, and the Montrose and nearby communities need to know that any changes to the quarry will not come with risks of silica exposure. Minister, will you make sure that human health impacts are considered as part of the EES process for the Montrose quarry expansion proposal?