Update August 2019_ Boral representative has advised that Concrete giant will continue in its path to apply for the upgrade.

Most of you are aware of the scale of the proposal:

• Increase in output of 20000 tonnes pa to 52000 tonnes pa

• a resultant increase in dust and noise

• 3x21metre silos and

• A large increase in the traffic in and out of Schwebel Lane.

Glenorie Progress Association is opposed to any development or increase of the Boral Batching Plant in Glenorie. Initially the GPA acted as an impartial conduit to the community for Boral, passing information from Boral to the residents. Over time as the true impact of the planned development began to emerge, the GPA members began to oppose the development. In a meeting in May 2018 a resolution was proposed and unanimously approved by the membership that the GPA would oppose any increase of the batching plant, and in fact it was the view of the GPA that the batching plant be moved out of the village to a more appropriate industrial location if possible. Some of the reasons considered by the GPA in it’s decision were:

1. Safety - increased risk to pedestrians and school children in the vicinity, particularly close the school intersection at peak times.

2. Aesthetics - 21m silos would dominate the sky, particularly visible on the approach into the village, totally changing the visual appearance of the village.

3. Dust - increased dust in the vicinity, particularly close to the school.

4. Inappropriate use within the village - the location is very close to the village centre and not in keeping with the village atmosphere.

Letter from resident Nov 2017

Do we really want a concrete batching plant in the middle of Glenorie Village?  It’s time to consider this proposal before it’s too late.

 I have seen the community consultation letters from Boral to the residents of Glenorie via the GPA.  Boral are to be commended on their approach.  I thought little of the impact on our community till recently I was riding past the Boral concrete batching plant at Mount Kuring-gai and I was struck by the impact that such a facility would have on Glenorie.  It will totally change the view and perception of Glenorie. It would decrease land values and the aesthetic ambience, even the “feel” of Glenorie.  I would encourage anyone driving on the Pacific Hwy through Mount Kuring-gai to look up at the towering Silos.  You will see just how enormous and un-avoidable the visual impact is.  The Silos proposed for Glenorie are 21m high.  The ground level may be lower on that site, than that of Old Northern road, but not that much, and it doesn’t matter what colour you paint them, they will dominate the skyline.  There are other considerations such as the increased truck traffic, turning in and out of Schwebel Lane where children are crossing.  It doesn’t matter how careful the majority of drivers are, it just takes one driver, not concentrating, under time pressure to cause an accident.  The corner in question has a lot of parents and children crossing at drop off and pick up times.

The more I considered what I saw in reality at Mount Kuring-gai, these towering silos and super imposed that image across the village of Glenorie, the more I am convinced that this DA should not proceed.  The location of the current plant is a hang-over from an era of no planning.  The village has grown and a concrete plant simply does not belong directly next to amenities like the RSL and the School.  Glenorie deserves a master plan, and the community, council and Boral should negotiate another, more appropriate location for the plant.  I can fully appreciate how hard it is for Boral to find sites where there is no resident opposition, however I would suggest that Dural industrial area would be a good place to start.  If The Hills Shire Council can work a deal that re-zones the land high density residential or retail, the landowner  will be able to sell the land for a high value. Boral would then be forced to relocate to a more appropriate site, in an industrial zone, closer to the action they wish to service with lower transport costs and little opposition from the community.

Best case scenario would be a ParkRide depot at that site with proximity to all Glenorie’s facilities and a shuttle to Cheerybrook. A win-win for all!

Callum Hoogesteger, resident of Glenorie

Image of batching plant from another Boral site.