Quarry tender looms

The Western Australian Local Government Association has put forward its recommended contractor for the Shire of Denmark’s controversial Ocean Beach Lime Quarry.

WALGA was called in to assist the Shire with the selection of a new contractor after concerns over breaches were raised by the Environmental Protection Authority, the Department of Mines and Petroleum, and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in October.

The three authorities outlined some “non-compliance issues”, including exceeding the allowable excavation depth, invalid Aboriginal heritage surveys and failure to submit updated environment and mining management plans. The quarry’s operations have ceased until the breaches have been addressed.

The Shire council is set to endorse the WALGA recommendation and award the tender for the quarry to Palmer Earthmoving next Tuesday.

The officer comment indicated lime would not be sold until approvals were in place.

“A thorough assessment was undertaken by WALGA, which concluded that Palmer Earthmoving as having presented the most advantageous and best value for money tender to the Shire of Denmark,” the officer said.

“It is recommended that council endorse WALGA’s report, appoint Palmer Earthmoving as the preferred contractor for the quarrying, crushing and screening of limestone at the Ocean Beach Quarry and authorise the CEO to enter into minor negotiations with Palmer Earthmoving.”

The new contract is expected to bring in $166,000 next financial year, with the sale of 20,000 tonnes of lime.

“The total budgeted profit of $166,000 will be transferred to the Lime Quarry Reserve for future maintenance and rehabilitation of the site,” the officer said.

“It is expected the profit from the site will be constant throughout the term of the contract.”