Montrose quarry: Locals oppose Boral’s plan for large quarry expansion

For the past 60 years, residents in Montrose have endured regular blasting from the vast stone quarry that lies in their otherwise leafy suburb.

“The noise of it makes you jump out of your skin sometimes. The air blast rattles the windows. Sometimes, it’s so significant you actually feel like it’s an earthquake, and pictures go skew-whiff on the walls,” says Kim Wormald.

Montrose resident Kim Wormald lives 500 metres from the quarry and wants it to close for good. Credit: Joe Armao

Wormald lives 500 metres south of the quarry, which is operated by Boral, on a secluded bush block at the base of Mount Dandenong. A forested ridge provides a natural buffer between her home and the quarry, and a habitat for native animals such as the powerful owl and southern greater glider.

Boral wants