Rochelle Fernandez

The Austral Bricks Wollert Site’s (ABW Site) remediation plan outlines a strategic vision for re-purposing the Austral Bricks clay quarry into future land uses that balance environmental restoration with economic and industrial opportunities.
Key strategies and actions are developed inspired by the vision and guiding principles (Environmental and Ecological Restoration; Industry and Employment; and Energy and Efficiency) to direct the remediation of the ABW Site. Though distinct in nature, strategies have been developed to allow the proposed uses (conservation areas, urban parklands, industrial precinct, & solar farm) to mutually co-exist and support each other’s functions.

Historic mapping of the Austral Bricks quarry which was acquired by the Austral Bricks Company (a subsidiary of Brickworks Ltd.) in 2006, suggests that the site may have been used for industrial purposes or quarrying activities from as early as 1981.
The staging of the remediation plan occurs in 4 phases.
Phase 1: Environmental restoration
Phase 2: Urban parklands and recreational areas
Phase 3: Renewable energy plant (Solar Farm)
Phase 4: Industrial precinct
Upon completion, the remediated ABW Site will serve as a model of post-quarry regeneration, illustrating the potential for quarries to evolve into dynamic community and ecological assets supporting sustainable urban regeneration.