Colac Quarry
Holcim Australia Pty Ltd (Holcim) owns and operates a quarry at 75 Potters Road, Ondit, Victoria, known as Colac Quarry. The Colac Quarry is operated under WA158, approved work plans and planning permits.
Holcim received approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to extend the Colac Quarry located at 75 Potters Road, Ondit into Stages 5 and 6 in June 2021. The EPBC Act referral reference for this approval is 2019/8530. Public notices relating to the EPBC Act approval for Colac Quarry can be accessed via the EPBC Act Public Portal by searching reference 2019/8530.
The Northern Development Area (NDA) is located adjacent to the Colac Quarry, at 170 Ondit-Warrion Road, Ondit. Following community engagement and Statutory Endorsement of the Work Plan and supporting technical assessments (PLN-001672) under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990, a permit (PA2403244) was issued by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in February 2025.
Holcim is strongly committed to safety, health, and the environment, as key stakeholders in the local community. Holcim has engaged with the local community via the Community Consultative Committee since 1997 and is committed to continued community engagement regarding its operations, including the on-going notification to local landowners of intent to blast. Any complaints are taken seriously and our robust complaint management procedure ensures we carry out thorough investigations. Holcim works closely with the Earth Resources Regulator (ERR)[1] and other relevant authorities as required.
Colac Quarry supports employment in the local area and supplies essential materials to Victoria’s Big Build program. The quarry also supports local charities and sporting organisations, local birdlife and endangered species of wildlife.
A popular location with the Geelong Field Naturalist Club, Colac is a place of remarkable ecological value and biodiversity. Local bird enthusiasts have recorded over 52 bird species attracted to the quarry’s developing wetlands, which has included sightings of Great Crested Grebes and the Peregrine Falcon (pictured above)[2].
Aligned with the requirements of Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, The Colac Quarry team works diligently to create and maintain an environment that fosters biodiversity through rigorous ecological management practices. By applying science-backed indicators to measure our environmental impact, we’re able to actively protect and enhance local ecosystems, supporting wildlife while maintaining responsible quarry operations.
With the support and collaboration of our Colac Quarry team, our site has become a valued destination for bird watchers and biodiversity surveys. The consistent sightings of migratory waders and wetland species, documented on eBird, showcases how industry, nature, and community can thrive together.
Colac Quarry – Plans & Reports
[1] The Earth Resources Regulator (ERR) is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing earth resources activities in Victoria. Resources Victoria is the policy, information and service delivery arm of the Victorian Government for earth resources.
[2] Indicative photo of Peregrine Falcon at rest by Ken Griffith at iStock.
