It has been 20 years since the Mount Foster Quarry has experienced full time operations to supply materials for locals roads and aggregates for bitumen sealing works in the Warren Shire Council.

Located on Carinda Road approximately 60 kilometres from the town of Warren, the Warren Shire Council has operated the quarry since the 1970’s, but it hasn’t been at full capacity for two decades due to limited resources and equipment availability.

That's all about to change as, at the Council's December meeting, a recommendation from the Plant Committee was adopted.

It has been resolved to enter into an agreement with Neill Earthmoving Pty Ltd to enable the Mount Foster Quarry to resume full operations next year. The agreement runs for three years with an option to extend for a further three years.

Council’s General Manager, Gary Woodman says reinstating full operations at the Mt Foster quarry site will bring broad community benefits for Warren Shire.

“Council is very pleased to be partnering with Neill Earthmoving to recommence full operations at the Mt Foster Quarry,” Mr Woodman said. "It will be beneficial to both Council, quarry users and community members that we can once again obtain sealing aggregate, road making material and rock from within Warren Shire, which can all be used for many on-farm uses, such as erosion control and protection works. 

Mr Woodman said Council will also obtain much of the rock protection material from this local site for large-scale projects, including the rehabilitation of the Warren Town Levee later in 2024.

"This will reduce costs and increase efficiencies for these critical infrastructure upgrades,” he said.

Jacob Neill, Neill Earthmoving's Operations Manager said he is looking forward to getting a local asset back up and running that will assist surrounding towns and local farmers.

“Neill Earthmoving is a family-owned company that has been operating across Central West NSW for 30 years," he said. "We look forward to supporting our local community by reactivating an asset such as the Mt Foster Quarry, especially in an area where resources like this are scarce."

“I understand Warren Shire Council and community members have wanted to revive quarry operations for a few years now, and we look forward to making this a reality for Warren Shire.”

It is anticipated full operations will recommence at Mt Foster Quarry by February 2024.