Region roundly rejects proposed limestone mine at ‘iconic’ Hamelin Bay corner on Caves Road

Councillors have unanimously supported a resident-led pushback against a proposed lime pit near one of the region’s most iconic locations.

Last week’s Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council meeting heard told strong arguments against the new pit proposed off Caves Road near Hamelin Bay – despite the urgent need for lime and sand in projects across the region.

The project stirred controversy earlier this year with residents concerned not just about environmental consequences from the excavation bid, but safety concerns from trucks hauling lime along the busy Caves Road tourist route.

The proponents lodged their application directly with WA’s Regional Development Assessment Panel which removed the shire’s authority to make any determination due to the estimated $3.5 million project cost.

That shift left officers to table a Responsible Authority Report last week to be considered by RDAP when they make their decision, expected in early 2025.

Consultation in the lead-up netted 284 submissions — almost all were against the project.

The report spoke against the lime pit in stern terms.

“This is a large number (275 objections), even for an extractive industry project, which in the shire’s experience are always contentious,” the report said.

“The proposal, if approved, would result in irreversible damage to the iconic landscape qualities of the site and as such it is recommended for refusal.”

While the lime pit could be considered as a possible use, despite the location on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste scarp, visual and lifestyle amenity were key points to be considered by RDAP.

Speakers against the application noted the environmental values, but also proximity to the coast, the value of the area as a tourism attraction, and growing residential status through the adjacent The Ridge subdivision.

After the meeting, Friends of Caves Road spokesperson and former deputy shire president Pauline McLeod urged residents to keep up the pressure while the State Government were considering the pit.

“Strong community opposition is essential to prevent this proposed mine – a development that will have devastating environmental and cultural impacts on this precious region, including the Caves Road area,” she said.

“I urge everyone to attend the (future RDAP) meeting and make your voices heard.”

At last week’s meeting, shire president Julia Meldrum called upon the State Government to listen to the community’s objections.

Deputy shire president Tracey Muir said the report also noted the lime sand and limestone would be “supplied across the South West”.

Although it was “an important resource,” it was inappropriate to despoil that location, she said.