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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 27 March 2009 PLANNING MINISTER VISITS PROPOSED SOMERSBY FIELDS QUARRY SITE NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today visited the proposed site of the Somersby Fields Quarry with Local MP, Marie Andrews. Ms Keneally said she wanted to see the proposed site first hand before making a decision as to whether the quarry should be approved. “Thirty minutes eye-balling a site is worth a week of briefs,” Ms Keneally said. “I wanted to see the site so that I have a full understanding of both the proposal and the issues the community have raised about it. “The fact is that the proposal involves extraction of up to 7 million tonnes of sand over 15 years, which would have benefits for the local economy in terms of business investment and job creation. “On the other hand, local residents have expressed significant concerns about the impact the project could have on Somersby Public School, air quality, ground and surface water and surrounding land. “The Department of Planning and an independent panel of experts are considering these issues at the moment, and will then make a recommendation to me about the proposal.” Ms Keneally said she was on site at the request of Gosford MP, Marie Andrews, who has been vocal in putting the views of the community to the Government. “Marie Andrews was one of the first people through my door when I became Planning Minister six months ago, and the first issue she raised was Somersby,” Ms Keneally said. “Weeks ago Marie said she wanted to bring a community delegation to come and see me about the proposal, and that has been locked in for next week. “Marie’s views and the community’s views, and recommendations from the Department of Planning and the independent panel of experts will all inform my decision.”
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