Renewed calls to transform Bexhill Quarry

THE Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association is ramping up plans to transform the site, with the aim of it becoming a key attraction along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

A concept plan for the disused quarry includes landscaping, a viewing deck, a swimming platform, barbecue pavilions, play equipment, an interpretive centre showcasing its Indigenous and non-Indigenous history, and a circular car park.

The Association’s president Des Harris said there was also potential for an E-Bike repair shop and a café, as well as to display light projections and movies on the wall of the quarry.

He said similar sites have been developed at places such as Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, Ferntree Gully Quarry in Melbourne and Anstey Hill Quarry in Adelaide.

The Association is working with a range of stakeholders to secure funding for a post-mining and risk assessment.

They include NSW Crown Lands, who own the site, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Page MP Kevin Hogan, Lismore City Council, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters and Southern Cross University.

The Widgabul Wia-bal people were also granted a Native Title claim which includes the site in 2022, and the Association hopes to collaborate with Traditional Owners on its plans.

The site was first quarried in the early 1900s and operations continued until the 1980s, with the final remains of buildings and kilns demolished in 2004.

It has since become a popular swimming spot, with locals and visitors who do not realise entry to the site is considered trespassing drawn by its striking mineral-rich water.

With concerns about public liability, litter and antisocial behaviour in its current state, the Association believes it is crucial to develop the site as safe, usable parklands.

“The Casino to Lismore section of the Rail Trail has been completed and the next step, which is being planned right now, is Lismore through to Eltham with Bexhill being a major node,” Mr Harris said.

“If nobody does anything about the quarry it’s going to be a real eyesore for those on the Rail Trail. It’s the perfect place to hop off your bike and have a picnic.”