Q: Is this really just going to be a dump?

A: No. The aim of the site is to be a recycling centre. The vast majority of materials received will be recyclable construction and demolition waste. The small component of inert (non-organic, non-odourous) materials that are unable to be recycled will be used to safely fill the quarry void.

Q: What sort of waste would be processed at the site?

A: The Resource Recovery and Recycling Centre will accept inert construction and demolition materials. These materials will largely contain:

• Brick, concrete, and aggregates;

• Soil and other fines (>8mm) materials;

• Timber and other green waste;

• Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous);

• Plastic;

• Plasterboard; and

• Non-recyclable waste.

Q: Will there be asbestos or hazardous materials in the landfill?

A: No, hazardous materials such as asbestos will not be accepted.

Q: Will there be asbestos or hazardous materials in the recycling centre?

A: No, hazardous materials such as asbestos will not be accepted.

Q: Where will the materials come from?

A: The vast majority of materials are expected to come from building and demolition associated with local construction projects.

Q: Why did you choose this site?

A: This part of the property has long been used for sandstone quarrying. With the quarry nearing the end of operations, this solution allows us to sustainably rehabilitate the void and plant 8.5 hectares with Cumberland Plain Woodland species. The purpose-built recycling facility is carefully positioned to manage incoming materials and minimise impacts on our neighbours and the environment.

Q: How close is the proposed centre to housing?

A: The secure building is carefully positioned to minimise impacts on our neighbours. It will also be surrounded by vegetation and shrub to minimise visual impacts. The closest neighbours are located over 270 metres away from the contained facility.

Q: How much noise will the facility generate during operation? Will neighbours be able to hear it?

A: The secure building is carefully positioned to minimise impacts on our neighbours. It will also be surrounded by vegetation and shrub to minimise visual impacts. The closest neighbours are located over 270 metres away from the contained facility.

Q: Will the air from the facility be safe?

A: Yes. Only non-hazardous, non-odourous materials will be accepted. Strict systems will be in place to monitor dust and air, which will largely be contained in the secure building.

Q: Will there be dust from the proposed facility?

A: No, recycling activities will be contained within a secure building to minimise dust and other impacts.

Q: Will there be odour?

A: No. Recycling will take place within the secure building and the quarry void will be rehabilitated with non-organic materials only.

Q: Will rain cause runoff from the centre?

A: As the material is processed inside a purpose-built facility, rainwater will not reach it. The building and surrounds will have strong water controls to protect the local environment.

Q: How many trucks will there be?

A: Truck movements will remain similar to or less than the existing quarry operations. It is estimated that less than 100 trucks per day will enter the facility. We have been able to reduce truck movements by consolidating material at an external location before being transported to Brownlow Hill.

Q: What are the proposed operating hours?

A: The proposed operating hours will be similar to existing quarry operations. That is 10.5 hours a day, Monday to Friday, and 6 hours on a Saturday.

Q: When will operations start?

A: We are still very early in the planning process and there are stages of assessment that the proposal has to go through. We expect that the recycling centre won’t be operational until late 2024.

Q: Who will operate the centre?

A: The Downes family has established a long-term partnership with Breen Resources – a reputable and experienced resource recovery and recycling centre operator. Visit the Breen Resources page to find out more about their experience and qualifications.

Q: Can the facility be expanded?

A: We have no intention to expand the facility and our proposal is limited to the current operating levels. Our vision and priority for the Brownlow Hill Estate continues to be creating a beacon of environmental, sustainable practice. This resource recovery and recycling facility will rehabilitate the quarry and ensure we can continue to preserve and enhance the Estate for years to come.

Q: What is the expected lifespan of the facility?

A: This proposal is expected to take 10-13 years to fill the quarry void, but the facility may still be in operation after the quarry is filled.

Q: Will the Recycling Centre continue to operate once the quarry has been filled?

A: It is likely the recycling facility will continue to operate, however this proposal is in its early stages and may change. Continue to check the website for updates.

Q: How many jobs will be created?

A: Approximately 30 ongoing jobs are expected to be created.

Q: What has changed since the last time you spoke to the community?

A: The new proposal is similar to what was introduced to the community last year, with some notable improvements. It involves a resource recovery and recycling facility that will receive recyclable materials for reuse, while all non-recyclable materials will be used to fill the quarry void.

New or improved elements from the previous proposal:

• Breen Resources has been selected as a single, trusted site operations manager

• Materials will now be consolidated at an external Breen Resources site before being transported to Brownlow Hill. This means a smaller number of trucks will be required to deliver the materials

• The site will have capacity to receive 280,000 tonnes per annum. Of this:

• 130,000 tonnes per annum will be used to fill the quarry

• 150,000 tonnes per annum will be recovered by the recycling facility.