Bexhill quarry plans gather momentum

PLANS to transform Bexhill Quarry into a regional parkland and tourism destination are moving forward, with concept plans presented during recent community consultation sessions.

The Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association hosted an information session outlining plans for the site, including a swimming reserve, walking trails, native landscaping, event spaces and links to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

The group has worked with representatives from Lismore City Council, Crown Lands, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil Aboriginal Corporation and the rail trail project.

Association president Des Harris said community feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

The quarry site is Crown land and subject to native title, however Harris said Indigenous organisations involved had embraced the proposal.

“Both groups want to work in partnership with us,” he said.

“In fact, they’d like to do joint funding submissions with us. We’re pretty pleased about that.”

The proposed redevelopment would transform the quarry into a recreation and tourism hub designed to attract visitors while complementing the nearby rail trail.

“There’s a symbiotic relationship between the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and the Bexhill Quarry,” Harris said.

“One benefits the other. The Bexhill Quarry is the only large water body between Casino and Murwillumbah, so it will very much be a must-do stop for people on the rail trail.”

The association has commissioned a formal risk assessment and action plan through environmental consultancy Integrated Environmental Management Australia examining issues including land stability, safety, swimming suitability and site access.

One of the long running concerns surrounding the quarry has been water quality.

Harris said testing conducted by Southern Cross University since 2002 had consistently shown the water was suitable for recreational swimming.

“The last time they checked the water was March 2026 and the water is completely safe for recreational swimming purposes as per Australian and New Zealand guidelines,” he said.

“The water is tested by the environmental analysis laboratory at Southern Cross University, which is a reputable independent body.”

The concept plan also includes proposed swimming areas separated from quarry walls and designated walking paths throughout the site.

Harris said while challenges remained around infrastructure and funding, progress was continuing.

“We’ve been going for six years now,” he said.

“We understand it takes a while.”