Environmental Respect
Peregrine Falcons at our Pyramid Hill Quarry are a wonderful example of our environmental awareness and commitment. For many years these magnificent birds have nested on the shelves and rock ledges created from blasting operations at the quarry.
As the quarry grew it became apparent that a blast was necessary in the area where they were nesting. Because the falcons were long-time partners at the quarry, Mawsons called Melbourne Zoo to see what could be done. The zoo connected the quarry with Victor Hurley who volunteers with Birds Australia and worked for what was then the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Midura.
A nesting box was hung on a face that was not going to be quarried for some time. To our delight the plan was a success and the Peregrine Falcons have been nesting and raising chicks within the busy quarry pit since 1999. Victor returns to the quarry each year to check on their progress.
Mawsons now have three quarry sites where Peregrine Falcons have designated nesting sites. Each falcon pair has a territory of 10km2 and providing for them in our quarries is important to us.
Mawsons always works to minimise the impact of our operations by restoring quarried areas back to a natural environment, where possible. For example, at our Glenrowan quarry we plant native trees and shrubs every year as well as create habitat areas for wildlife to return to the site. Glenrowan also implements an Environmental Management Plan which involves tree planting and earth restoration as well as vermin control, fence maintenance and keeping detailed records of all environmental-related progress.