Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is set to push for a public hearing into the expansion plan proposed for the Sancrox Quarry.
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The unanimous decision was made by councillors at the Wednesday, December 11 council meeting.
Council's general manager Craig Swift-McNair agreed to write to the NSW Minister for Planning, after a passionate presentation to councillors by a concerned Sancrox resident.
Under the plan, Hanson Construction Materials proposes to extend the life of the quarry to 30 years and expand the area of extraction to the west of the existing pit.
An expanded quarry will cover an area of 48.61 hectares.
Port Macquarie resident Frank Dennis spoke at the council meeting and said he had lived in the area since 1975.
Mr Dennis said he was alarmed when he saw the business papers outlining the proposed plan to expand the quarry. He said he was concerned when the recommendation was simply to note the information in the report.
Mr Dennis was "expecting more from councillors" and said he thought "this would be your opportunity to shine ".
The business paper, Mr Dennis said on one hand notes strong economic benefits, whereas on the other side acknowledges considerable community concern over lack of consultation.
The major concern from Mr Dennis' point of view is the lack of acknowledgement of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's commitment to biodiversity.
"That's the most important point from my perspective," he said.
A growing number of people, Mr Dennis said are concerned about the koala species.
The impacts of the quarry are serious, broad range and significant, Mr Dennis said.
Mr Dennis asked the general manager to write to the Member for Port Macquarie and the state minister to advise them of concerns raised by the community. He also asked council to put the project on hold pending further discussions.
Councillors agreed general manager Craig Swift-McNair would write to the NSW Minister for Planning to appeal for a public hearing into the quarry expansion.
Cr Hawkins said the decision is something that will go a long way and it's important for council to advocate on behalf of the community.
Cr Hawkins said the project's application is directed by the state government but it's important councillors do what they can to support residents and their concerns.
