Aerial view: Miners Rest quarry. (Ballarat Courier Jan 14th 2017)
The Miners Rest Quarry began operation in 1860’ although the land was originally going to be developed as a Market Place.
Below is part of an article that appeared in the Ballarat Star Newspaper on the 26th Oct 1860.
MINERS REST QUARRIES.
In the township of Miners' Rest there is a piece of land reserved for a market place. Now, Sir, this will in a short time be entirely useless for the purpose intended, as it is being turned into huge pits, which is dangerous to man and beast, by the opening of two large stone quarries, both, being in full operation.
One-night last week a man had a narrow escape from breaking one of his limbs by falling into one of these pits. Yesterday, as a man was passing with a horse and dray, a blast was let off, and the animal took fright and ran. through the township at full speed. They are continually blasting the rock, the fragments of which fly about in all directions. It is not only dangerous to those living near, but to passers-by, as the pieces often fly to the distance of a hundred yards. (91.44 meters)
Source: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66059056
It is uncertain exactly when Boral took over the operation of the Quarry or when it ceased operation. Boral confirmed the beginning of rehabilitation works of the Miners Rest former quarry in September 2016. The works which are being undertaken by Boral include reshaping the quarry walls, as well as rock removal.
Once Boral have finished renovating the quarry the owner is hoping to turn it into a high-quality residential area with lakes as a major feature and a walking track, park lands and fishing.
Partly Sourced: Ballarat Courier Jan 14th 2017.