Colac Quarry

On the 9th of June 2021, Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd 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. The EPBC Act referral reference for this approval is  2019/8530. The Offset Management Plan and the Corangamite Water Skink Management Plan which must be implemented under the EPBC approval for Stages 5 and 6 can be viewed below.

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 application (PA2403244) was lodged and is under consideration by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

At Holcim, our commitment to building progress extends to creating spaces that enrich biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems, and engage our communities. Colac Quarry, located 150km southwest of Melbourne, has become a thriving habitat for native wildlife and a cherished site for local bird watchers and conservationists.

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)1.

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.

On UN World Wildlife Day, we’re celebrating the contribution wild animals and plants make. Numbers of the endangered Corangamite Water Skink are rising, supported by a larger available habitat as our quarry management plays its role in tackling biodiversity loss and degradation.

Colac Quarry – Plans & Reports

26 June 2024
Annual Compliance Report: EPBC 2019/8530 - 31/Mar/23-30/Mar/24
19 June 2023
Annual Compliance Report: EPBC 2019/8530 - 31/Mar/22-30/Mar/23
19 February 2021
Corangamite Water Skink EPBC Act Offset Strategy & Management Plan - Attachment D - Colac Quarry Extension (WA158), Victoria
01 February 2021
Corangamite Water Skink Management Plan - Attachment C - Colac Quarry Extension (WA158), Victoria
  1. Indicative photo of Peregrine Falcon at rest by Ken Griffith at iStock.