Sellicks Beach Quarry Dust Surge: EPA Reports 24/7 Operations, 48-Hour PM10 Alert as 1,700-Home

Tejal Somavanshi

Sellicks Beach residents report unbearable dust coating their homes as nearby quarry operates 24/7, forcing some to consider leaving their seaside paradise.

Photo Source: Serge doublet(CC BY-SA 3.0)

With everything shut, the dust gets in through the vents... In the morning on the benchtop you can feel the grit," says resident Mike von Berg about the constant battle against quarry dust.

Photo Source: Amol.Gaitonde(CC BY-SA 3.0)

Independent tests commissioned by residents revealed toxic silica in the dust, raising serious health concerns for the coastal community.

 Photo Source: MSE Enviromental

The Australian Lung Foundation warns there is "no safe level of exposure" to particulate matter in lungs over prolonged periods, heightening fears of long-term health impacts.

Photo Source: FMT

What happens when Australia's nationwide ban on silica-laden manufactured stone benchtops is followed by thousands of residents potentially exposed to similar dust from a quarry?

Photo Source: MSE Environmental

Residents report coughing, chest tightness, and "foggy head" symptoms while living in proximity to the quarry that supplies 15% of South Australia's construction materials.

Photo Source: Towfiqu barbhuiya (Pexels)

The South Australian Government plans 1,700 new homes in Sellicks Beach even as current residents struggle with dust-related health concerns—will future neighbors be fully informed?

Photo Source: UN DRR(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

On February 10, 2025, government officials observed excessive dust from the quarry, leading to a notice for potential breach of the Environment Protection Act.

Photo Source: Yiğit KARAALİOĞLU (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Real estate values face uncertainty as agent Rocco Perre questions: "Can they sell it? And what are they going to sell it for? Would buyers want to live there?

Photo Source: Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The dust crisis comes with additional infrastructure challenges, including outdated septic systems that create serious environmental problems for the coastal suburb.

Photo Source: Jorge Láscar (CC BY 2.0)

With an estimated 150-year lifespan remaining for the quarry, residents and officials face the challenge of balancing essential resource extraction with community health protection.

Photo Source: Bence Szemerey (Pexels)

A six-month air quality assessment starting in late 2024 will include independent monitoring for respirable silica crystal, potentially shaping the future of residential development in the area

Photo Source: Michael Coghlan(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Government tender documents specifically state the need to "identify the level of public health impact and amenity to assist in planning to protect future residents.

Photo Source: UNAMID (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Adbri has re-established a Community Consultative Group to address concerns, but residents claim "we've had no help from government whatsoever" despite years of complaints.

Photo Source: serge doublet (CC BY-SA 3.0)