The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended a proposal to extract sand and limestone from a South West quarry not be implemented.

The Carlo Doyle’s Haulage Pty Ltd proposal to operate a Limestone and Sand Quarry at Lot 1002 Preston Beach would involve extraction, screening and crushing, as well as grading and maintenance of Preston Beach North Road for haul truck access.

EPA Chair Darren Walsh said the proposed quarry area was bordered on three sides by the Yalgorup National Park — an internationally recognised Class A Conservation Reserve and the second largest National Park on the Swan Coastal Plain.

“The natural features of the Park are of high social significance, and the area is a popular recreation and camping destination for nature-based tourism,” he said. “Monthly visitor numbers are upwards of 70,000 during peak holiday periods and a single, unsealed access road made amenity impacts a key consideration during this process.

“During what has been an unusually lengthy environmental impact assessment, largely due to the proponent’s delays in providing adequate information, the EPA encouraged the company to take measures to mitigate impacts.

“However while they made an effort to address haulage impacts, adequate mitigation measures were not provided, and it was beyond the proponent’s authority to undertake the management of third party-operated haul truck activities on a public road.”

Mr Walsh said such management was necessary to ensure that the public’s enjoyment of the values of the national park was protected.

“So in this case the EPA believes that noise and dust from combined quarry operations and truck haulage will result in unacceptable environmental impacts,” he said.

The EPA’s assessment included a four-week public review and an amendment to the development footprint by the proponent.

Tourist attractions within 2km of the proposal include Martins Tank Campground, Lake Pollard Walk Trail and the popular Lake Pollard bird hide.

The majority of material proposed for extraction would be used for the supply of agricultural lime. Two-way haul truck movements associated with the proposal, seasonally between December and April, were estimated at up to 44 per day for the 20-year life of the quarry.

Mr Walsh said that in recent years the EPA had completed a number of other assessments of limestone quarry proposals in the area with more favourable outcomes for proponents.

“The big difference here is its location and the significant residual haulage impacts on the nearby National Park,” he added.

EPA Report 1808 to the Minister for the Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 21 May 2026. Appeals should be directed to the Office of the Appeals Convenor.

The Minister for the Environment will make the final decision on the proposal.

EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997