Gordon Skeggs secured the MIMICO bronze award for Southern Aggregates Gore Quarry
The focus is the long-term rehabilitation of Fulton Hogan’s Gore Crushing quarry area, known locally as Jacobs Springs, following aggregate extraction from former farmland. Given this site adjoins
the Mataura River, an internationally prized trout fishing river, it is essential the quarried areas are fully rehabilitated as extraction proceeds. A two-year planting riparian programme is the heart of this winning project.
Gore Crushing is a small gravel extraction site based on a former livestock farm, and areas still to be used are leased for grazing. Extraction of the gravel layers results in the formation of ponds that consent conditions require to be rehabilitated. When the property was purchased, it was decided to create a quality wetland as extraction proceeded. This has been done in close consultation with the local community through a community liaison group with members from local councils, DOC, Iwi and Fish and Game.
Riparian plantings have taken place over the last two winters following battering of pond margins and fencing. Over 1000 trees, shrubs and flaxes have been planted per year sourced from a local
nursery specialising in locally sourced seed stock. Three more areas are scheduled for planting over the next two years. Good establishment of plantings has been achieved and ponds are now home to a large number of ducks and other water birds. A large eel population is now established in the ponds and will likely attract water birds.
The long-term plan is to pass the whole Jacobs Springs site to the community when the quarry reaches the end of its life. Fulton Hogan plans to facilitate the formation of a Community Trust to take over ownership and management of the resulting amenity area.