The Quarrying Industry plays an integral role in supporting many other Australian industries, all being vital within the national economy.

Construction industries and public infrastructure rely on the mineral materials to develop our built environment.

With such an important role in Australia, what will shape the future of the quarrying Industry beyond 2016?

Expectations regarding safe and sustainable practice are at the forefront of our community concerns and the prosperity of the industry itself.

Myall Coast News spoke to Hunter Quarries part owner Alex Badior about current happenings and expansion locally.

With the initial consent being for twenty years a quarry of this size will be a major asset for Newcastle and surrounding regions.

Mr Badior said, “We have recently received the management plans approval from the state government and we are preparing a strategy for the start of the project.”

There is no doubt that the value of our natural resources is a vital asset for Australia’s future.

Mr Badior said they are forming a Community Consultation Committee and are awaiting nominations from the local community.

“Other environmental requirements also need to be put into place before rock crushing can commence are being addressed,” Mr Badior said.

“Karuah East Quarry have also employed their own Environment Officer that will greatly assist the start and ongoing environment requirements,” he said.

The Karuah Quarry currently employees 21 people and with the new project plans, the Karuah East Quarry in full production will be employing up to 30 plant operators.

Mr Bador said, “We will be looking to employ local people for the project.”

“As the site is a State Significant Resource with the product meeting all requirements for both Concrete and Asphalt construction will be in great demand into the future,” he said.