Along with parts of the neighbouring Cardinia and South Gippsland Shires, the Westernport Ward of Bass Coast Shire contains one of the most important sources of construction Sands in Victoria.

 

Sand quarrying in the region has its origins dating back over a hundred years.  Most of the construction Sands produced for the Melbourne Supply Area (MSA), including the rapidly expanding south-east growth corridor, are sourced from the region.

 

This strategic Sand resource area provides a vital construction material for local Bass Coast construction and makes a vital contribution, to enabling the State Government’s infrastructure “Big Build”, e.g., Level Crossing Removal Program and Pakenham-Koo Wee Rup Bypass.

 

The Grantville Quarries Reference Group (GQRG) was formerly known as the Grantville Environmental Review Committee.  It is primarily comprised of Bass Coast (Grantville area) quarry operators, and local community representatives.

 

The group was established and initially administered by Earth Resources Regulation (State Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) with the support of the Bass Coast Shire in 2006.  Since 2019 the GQRG has been self-managed, with an Independent Chair and casual Administrative Assistant, fully funded by the participating quarry operators.

 

The GQRG extends standing invitations to Bass Coast Shire Council, Ward Councillors, Earth Resources Regulation (DEECA-ERR), EPA Victoria and Southern Rural Water to its meetings.  Opportunities to meet with the GQRG are also made available to special interest groups on request.

 

The GQRG is not a decision-making, or policy determination body, its role is as a consultative Community engagement forum.

 

The GQRG endeavours to provide a two-way communications link between the Community and quarry operations in the area to address local amenity issues and Community values.

 

The GQRG meets quarterly at Grantville.  Quarry operators table reports that address environmental criteria, project/site updates and any Community feedback, or complaints received for discussion and input with the aim of achieving satisfactory outcomes.