NorthConnex trucks deliver final spoil load to Hornsby Quarry

TWO YEARS and more than 1 million cubic metres is all it took to transform the massive hole in the ground that was Hornsby Quarry.

Hornsby Quarry in 2016, 2018, 2019 and artist impressions of the future Hornsby Park.

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TWO YEARS and more than 1 million cubic metres is all it took to transform the massive hole in the ground that was Hornsby Quarry.

The 50-hectare space, just metres from the Hornsby CBD, has seen a dramatic redevelopment — as thousands of truckloads of spoil from the NorthConnex project slowly changed the face of the site.

However, after 18 months of dirt deliveries, the final truckload of spoil has arrived.

Trucks have completed the delivery of spoil from NorthConnex to Hornsby Quarry.

Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said the milestone at the landmark site was an important step closer to the creation of the centennial park of the north.

“It’s amazing to see how much the quarry has transformed over such a short period of time,” Cr Ruddock said. “It took almost a century to dig it all out but little more than 18 months for us to fill a major part of it in again.”

Hornsby Major Philip Ruddock inside a NorthConnex truck during the final delivery of dirt.

The completion of NorthConnex’s role in the remediation project comes after the NSW Government committed $100 million in funding for the redevelopment of Hornsby Quarry and Westleigh Waterboard site following boundary changes during failed amalgamation attempts.

Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean said the update was a major milestone in the vision for public open space in the heart of Hornsby.

“It means there will be less traffic on our roads and more green space for our entire community to enjoy,” he said.

But despite deliveries being complete, the quarry is not full.

Following a lengthy remediation process by NorthConnex to remove equipment from the site and the resurfacing of Bridge Rd, Hornsby Council will work to stabilise and flatten out cliff faces surrounding the site.

Federal Minister Paul Fletcher and Hornsby MP Matt Kean (right) welcome a conveyor belt put rocks into Hornsby quarry. Photo by Damian Shaw

Berowra federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser said the quarry is the best example of what multiple levels of Government working together can achieve.

“Not only are we reducing traffic congestion by taking 5,000 trucks off Pennant Hills Road and getting people back to their families sooner and safer – we are also transforming this dead space into a recreational park which will be enjoyed by many future generations,” Mr Leeser said.

“Hornsby Park will be an excellent asset for the community.

“It will be a place where families can come together, kids can play sport and people can enjoy leisurely downtime.”

NorthConnex Tunnelling Site Berowra federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser celebrates the breakthrough in southern compound. Picture: Jake McCallum

It is expected a comprehensive development application for the revitalisation of Hornsby Quarry will be submitted in the first quarter of the year.

Cr Ruddock said the application would, “determine the shape of the park to be created”.

“Council is committed to seeking detailed input from the public, to make this a park that is designed by the community,” he said.

“This is going to be the centrepiece of our recreational facilities for generations to come and we are determined to get it right.”

The redevelopment of Hornsby Park is expected to be complete by 2023.

Hornsby Quarry Taboggan idea by UNSW student Sophie Randall