Tomerong Quarry Masterplan

Tomerong is a village in the south coast region of New South Wales, with a population of just over 1000 people. Located approximately 180 km by road south from Sydney it was once a major stopover point between Sydney and Melbourne.

Currently not operating, the Tomerong Quarry previously functioned for blue metal and road making materials. The quarry has current approval for 150,000 – 200,000 tonnes of extraction per year and a potential 20 to 30-year life span.

Ja-Ghoondji Lands Incorporated (IJGL) who own the site where the quarry is located and surrounding rural land, would like to re-commence extraction under current approval and increase extraction under a new approval - such that the quarry’s life span is shortened to about five years.

IJGL is proposing a visionary masterplan for the site that involves the reuse of the quarry and adapts the surrounding landscape to deliver a mix of recreational, cultural and community uses. In doing so, IJGL recognises and celebrates the site’s cultural significance to the Yuin people, driving increased tourism and visitation to the broader region.

IGJL also seeks to develop a 50 MW solar farm on the property and has appointed a technical consultant to prepare a feasibility study.

WSP believe that reconciliation is a means to bring about mutual understanding and learning that will ultimately serve to create a sustainable, vibrant and connected future for all Australians.

Undertaking pro-bono work is a key part of WSP’s CSR program – WSP with HEART.

For this project delivered by our Indigenous Specialist Services team, WSP has been engaged on a pro-bono basis to:

• Consult with IJGL and their project managers (ByGroup), to fully understand their aspirations for the site.
• Consult with regulatory agencies in relation to environmental and planning approvals that may be required for implementation of the Masterplan, including Shoalhaven Council and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
• Prepare a Masterplan for development of the site, including the short-term expansion of extraction, development of the solar farm, cultural facilities and short-stay accommodation.
• Identify potential infrastructure upgrades that may be required (detailed assessment and extent and design of any infrastructure upgrades will be part of future stages of work).
• Prepare an Implementation Plan, encompassing approvals, timelines, staging and funding considerations for implementation of the Masterplan, including the funding of the approvals process and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, and associated studies.

At completion of the quarry’s life span, IJGL plans to use the site for cultural purposes and would like to establish a cultural centre and associated accommodation. More specifically, IJGL proposes to establish:

• Six permanent dwellings for staff during construction and permanent operations of the cultural centre.
• Space for an additional six dwellings for staff.
• Cultural centre with an amphitheatre at its centre, which adaptively reuses the quarry pit rock face as a sculptural artwork backdrop.
• Potential ‘glamping’ area for short stay accommodation.
• Multipurpose building for reception and functions.

The masterplan will be implemented in stages depending on the timing of the quarry reaching end of life. The IJGL are seeking funding for the project.