Binningup residents protest mine

Binningup residents are “outraged” at the thought of a 26ha limestone quarry making its way into their peaceful seaside town.

Harvey Shire Council received a proposal from the GM Giacci Family Trust, to extract limestone in Binningup over a five-year period.

The seven-stage project is proposed for Lot 4 Binningup Road, one kilometre from Forrest Highway and 680m from the nearest house — not including one residence just 150m away but not opposed to the plan.

The quarry proposal will include an open pit where materials are extracted.

Several Binningup residents told the Harvey-Waroona Reporter they “strongly object” to the idea. Sue Della said she had serious concerns about the health risks posed by the extraction.

“This will bring a lot of dust and could cause lung diseases like silicosis,” Mrs Della said.

She was also worried about the noise and impact on wildlife.

“I worked in a coalmine for 25 years and you can really feel the vibrations,” she said.

The proposal is managed by MGM Bulk quarry manager Craig Carbone, who said the project met all industry standards.

“The dust and noise can be managed,” Mr Carbone said.

He said the limestone would be used to help build the Bunbury Outer Ring Road — a proposed 27km section of highway connecting Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway. He said the project would create many jobs for South West residents.

Mr Carbone said the occupants at the Rodger’s residence — which is just 150m away from the limestone pit — did not object to the proposal and had not received any compensation.

“Our plan is to move in and out really quickly,” Mr Carbone said.

He said there were quarries and sand pits all over Australia and the necessary precautions would be taken. “There are no grounds for the shire to knock this back,” he said.

Another Binningup resident, Alison Begley, said she was not happy with the communication from the Harvey Shire Council.

“The shire sent out letters to get feedback but not everyone in the town received a letter,” Mrs Begley said.

Binningup residents said they could not hold a town meeting because of the coronavirus social-gathering bans.

In leaked letters to the council, other residents said they were concerned about the “noise” and the proximity of the quarry to the town and “vegetable producing areas”.

The proposal could be voted on at the next council meeting on April 28, however Mr Carbone, who is also a Harvey shire councillor, said he would have to sit out of the discussion.