Aran eco-resort: Fears Risdon Vale development too close to Flagstaff Gully quarry

The state government and the owner of one of Tasmania’s biggest quarries have expressed concern a proposed eco-resort is situated too close to the quarry, which uses blasting to extract its minerals.

The Department of State Growth (DSG) and the owner of a quarry of “state and regional significance” have both expressed fears a proposed eco-tourism precinct would be right in the firing line of blasted rock.

Thai developer Aran Development Pty Ltd plans to build a three-precinct eco-tourism resort on a 103ha block at 18 Downhams Rd, Risdon Vale, featuring a “high-end” hotel of up to 150 beds, 49 two- and three-bedroom cabins, 100-seat cafe, recreation centre and “landscape” vineyard.

The development requires the creation of a specific area plan (SAP) under the Clarence Council planning scheme, the final version of which is currently before the Tasmanian Planning Commission for consideration.

Hanson’s Flagstaff Gully quarry. Picture: File

The SAP in its current form has been opposed by both DSG and Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd, owners of the Flagstaff Gullty dolerite quarry at Lindisfarne, which say they are concerned about the situation of the hotel especially amid fears it would constrict the quarry’s operations.

In its submission to council, DSG said the 50ha quarry, which is awaiting EPA approval to expand its annual output from 262,500 cubic metres to 375,000 cubic metres, thereby becoming Tasmania’s third largest quarry, is a “strategic resource with a life span beyond 100 years”.

“At its closest point, Precinct C of the subject site and the mining lease have a separation of approximately 820m,” the submission said.

“Blasting is required to extract the dolerite.

“The quarry’s mining direction is progressing westwards above the historic pit.

“As such, blast direction has the potential to detonate towards the subject site.

“Based on the development indicated on the masterplan, the hotel would be closest to the quarry operations, and most likely to be impacted by blasting.”
The DSG, which also expressed concerns about the proximity of the development to a private timber reserve at 429 Flagstaff Gully Rd, proposed an amendment that 5ha in the southern portion of Aran’s masterplan be restricted from sensitive uses such as visitor accommodation.

Aran Development’s Tasmanian representative and real estate agent, Sommai Kelly, at the Risdon Vale site. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

DSG’s submission was supported by Hanson, which expressed concern in its submission that the “amenity expectations of the future eco-development operators has the potential to compromise the sustainability of the quarry”.

However, council declined to make changes in response to DSG and Hanson’s submissions before finalising the SAP for consideration by the commission, noting they had either been addressed by existing regulations or could be addressed at a later date.

“The proposed siting of the sensitive visitor accommodation uses is in fact 1030m from the quarry area,” far enough away that issues shouldn’t arise, council said in its response to the DSG submission.