Happenings at the Last meeting.
Sally Harle, Marg Read Flavell, Paul Nitas spoke about the history and the future potential of the Hillview quarries .
R E Ross formed Hillview Quarries in 1968 after he acquired the operation of a number of small quarries on the Dromana site. Hillview Quarries also owns the old Pioneer Quarry to the east of their present site. Hillview is privately owned and currently employs 23 full time staff and 12 sub-contracted drivers. About 80 per cent of the customers are located on the Peninsula with the Mornington Peninsula Council being one of its top three customers. Sally spoke about the fact that the existing quarry had only limited future potential; it was rapidly reaching the limit of its agreed size.
A charitable trust was established in 1970 through the Will of the late Roy Everard Ross. It now has established a few key focussed areas of philanthropy in educational equity and biodiversity conservation to name two. About 70 per cent of the trust income comes from the quarrying income and the remainder from investments. About $138M has been donated including $19.4M to the Mornington Peninsula. It was interesting to hear that the trust had donated $25,000 to three different schools to purchase laptops to disadvantaged children.
They spoke about the process that they are required to undertake before they can resume to quarry the old Pioneer site. These included a number of baseline studies of the existing conditions, a survey of the existing flora and fauna and the quality and volume of stone in the new site. They have not discovered the presence of any endangered species of interest, but there is an owl that is nesting in a tree in an area that is not considered suitable for quarrying.
The impact assessments will be completed by 2021, when it will be available to the community. The EES with the technical studies will be submitted in early 2022 for further evaluation by the Panel.
After the existing quarry is no longer utilised, Hillview are looking at alternative uses of the site including for integrated water management, mini hydro systems and public facilities. The attached slide shows some potential re-purposing of quarry sites which may be able to be used at Hillview.
Meeting Notes
Harry is requesting members apply for to be office bearers in the coming years
President Rick noted that the District Governor will meet the club in two week’s time.
He has updated the website to enable others, including members, to donate to the Clubs charity drives.
Secretary Bob mentioned meeting with council about carols by candlelight event. It is not likely to go ahead and an event at the Dromana drive-in is planned although we are not sure of our involvement.
“Food for all” is expecting a greater demand in this year for their Christmas appeal.
He has asked that we note that our AGM on the 26 November and that Polio day is on the 24 October.
Tony spoke about starting up the market. There are lots of conditions and it may be not be possible. However, He considers that we should look at how many conditions can be met.
Greg spoke about the Hillview reserve. The council has lumped a number of projects together and are seeing further assistance from the state government.
elling letter soon you will know where originated!!!
