The Story of Waikato Sustainability Society Inc (WSSI)

The Waikato Sustainability Society Incorporated (WSSI) was formed in 2022 in response to proposals by Fulton Hogan and Revital to establish a large sand mine 2 km from the edge of Cambridge, adjacent to a waterway within a cultural landscape zone and on high-class soils.

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This quarry lacks direct infrastructure access, and Fulton Hogan (Stevenson’s or RS Sands) plans to mine within 20 meters of residential homes.

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With no direct access to a State Highway, they are seeking consent for up to 400 truck movements per day (equivalent to 4,000 passenger cars), which would predominantly pass through Cambridge, a town already congested with bottlenecks, including areas near schools.

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They are also applying for a water take of 1.2 million litres per day  (up to 360 million litres per year) from 11 new high-capacity extraction bores, while Cambridge residents nearby are being asked to conserve water.

 

Additionally, the quarry contains high levels of silica, with concentrations exceeding 68%. Silica dust is a known carcinogen and a leading cause of silicosis, often referred to as the "new asbestos."

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Concerned members of the Cambridge community are taking a stand to protect the town’s air quality, waterways, culturally significant areas, and residents' health.

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All this destruction and risk to public health for just 8-10 jobs, which may be relocated from another mine site.  The local councils receive no royalties from this quarry.

 

Waikato already has over 100 quarries, including 13 around Cambridge. Other new consents in the Waikato far exceed the volume of this application meaning resources can be sourced elswhere.

 

Meanwhile, millions of dollars will flow into the pockets of outside owners, as Fulton Hogan is a privately-owned company based in the South Island, with its main shareholders being the Fulton and Johnstone families.

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It’s time to stand up for what’s right.

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