For generations, the Tanner family farmed productively within their rural community. When news emerged of a proposed quarry nearby, concerns quickly surfaced about dust, noise and increased truck traffic close to their home and cropping paddocks.
At the time, the Tanners were already working with one of RBS’s Rural Financial Counsellors to navigate financial pressures. Recognising the potential impact of the quarry proposal, the counsellor connected the family with the Landowner Information Service (LIS) for additional support.
The LIS Officer met with the Tanners on multiple occasions to help demystify the complex regulatory process, translate technical mining terminology and clearly explain the family’s rights. With two generations living in separate homes on the property, each household had its own concerns and priorities. The LIS Officer supported both families to articulate their specific issues, explained the consultation process and helped set realistic expectations.
The family was encouraged to document their concerns to ensure they were clearly addressed during meetings with the quarry company. This preparation reduced confusion, prevented miscommunication and gave the Tanners greater confidence heading into discussions.
While prepared, the Tanners initially felt uncertain about meeting timelines. The LIS Officer reassured them that waiting periods are common in these processes and that their readiness allowed them to focus on their farming operations without constant anxiety. When the quarry company made contact during a particularly busy time on-farm, the Tanners felt confident enough to request a meeting date that suited their schedule, resulting in a more constructive and focused discussion.
During the meeting, the family raised concerns about truck routes intersecting with livestock movements, noise mitigation measures and long-term protections for their farming enterprise. Impressed by their preparation, the quarry representatives worked collaboratively with the family to identify practical solutions. One outcome was the implementation of a UHF radio system to alert truck drivers during livestock movements, improving safety and easing operational concerns.
As the public submission period approached, the LIS Officer provided the Tanners with a printed copy of the quarry proposal. This enabled them to prepare a comprehensive submission outlining their concerns and requiring formal responses from the operator. Through this process, the family moved from feeling apprehensive and uncertain to becoming informed, confident stakeholders with a clear understanding of their rights.
Throughout the quarry application phase, the Tanners gained valuable clarity in what can often be an overwhelming process. With the guidance of the LIS Officer, they navigated the complexities with confidence and demonstrated that, with the right support, even challenging situations can be approached with resilience and informed decision-making.
The LIS Officer also supported another nearby family facing similar concerns. As a result of proactive engagement from both families and productive discussions with the quarry company, the UHF communication system was expanded to include a sign and flag system. This now alerts all road users — not just quarry trucks — that the road is shared between livestock and vehicles, delivering a broader safety benefit to the local community.