Williams Quarry Expansion

Client: Ducats Earthmoving Pty Ltd
Location: Arding, Uralla Shire, NSW
Project: Expansion and increased production of Williams Quarry
GeoLINK’s role: Environmental assessment, planning and approvals

A strategic approach to a complex approval

Expanding an established quarry is about much more than increasing production. It requires a clear understanding of the environmental, social and planning considerations associated with the operation, and a robust assessment process to demonstrate that potential impacts can be appropriately managed.

We worked closely with Ducats Earthmoving to secure approval for the expansion of Williams Quarry at Arding, approximately 10 km north of Uralla in NSW. The existing quarry had been operating since the 1970s, with an existing approval. The expansion would significantly increase both the quarry footprint and production capacity.

The proposal sought approval to extract a larger amount of gravel and rock per year, providing an important local source of aggregate for construction and infrastructure projects.

Navigating a complex approvals pathway

The scale of the proposed expansion meant the project was classified as designated development and regionally significant development, requiring a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be assessed by the Northern Regional Planning Panel.

Our role included coordinating and preparing the environmental assessment documentation needed to support the Development Application, including:

• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
• Concept and staged quarry plans
• Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR)
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
• Noise, vibration and blasting assessment
• Air quality assessment
• Traffic Impact Assessment
• Land Use Conflict Risk Assessment
• Environmental management and rehabilitation measures
• Responses to requests for additional information during the assessment process

The EIS brought these technical investigations together into a clear assessment of the proposal and its potential impacts.

Balancing extraction with environmental management

A key focus was demonstrating that the quarry could expand while maintaining appropriate environmental controls.

The process incorporated measures to manage:

• Dust and air quality, including water-based dust suppression
• Stormwater, erosion and sediment, including staged sediment basins
• Biodiversity, including assessment of vegetation clearing and rehabilitation
• Noise and blasting, with defined operating hours and qualified blasting contractors
• Traffic and haulage, including designated routes, driver training and safety measures
• Progressive rehabilitation, with a final landform designed to blend with the surrounding landscape

The project also adopted a staged approach to extraction, allowing environmental controls to be established before each stage commenced.

Supporting regional infrastructure

An important part of the project was demonstrating the broader value of the quarry to the region.

Williams Quarry provides a high-quality, locally available source of gravel and rock for concrete, asphalt and drainage applications. Its proximity to the existing Ducats processing facility also reduces the distance materials need to travel, supporting more efficient use of resources.

The approved expansion will support continued supply of these materials while providing local employment and contributing to the delivery of regional infrastructure.

GeoLINK supports a successful outcome

The Development Application was lodged in April 2025 following preparation of the EIS and supporting technical documentation. The application was publicly exhibited, with no submissions received, and the assessment process included referrals to the EPA, Heritage NSW, Water and Transport for NSW.

The Northern Regional Planning Panel approved the expansion in April 2026. The assessment found that the proposal was consistent with the relevant planning framework, suitable for the site and in the public interest, particularly given its economic benefits and importance as a regional resource.

GeoLINK finds solutions for approval challenges

Through careful environmental assessment, technical coordination and a practical approach, we helped Ducats Earthmoving navigate a complex approvals pathway and secure approval for the staged expansion of Williams Quarry. The expansion will provide greater access to locally sourced construction materials while maintaining a strong focus on environmental management, safety and progressive rehabilitation.

If you’re facing a challenging approval pathway for your next project, we can help find practical solutions and guide you through the process. Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your project from assessment through to approval.