With a decision on the expansion still outstanding, Mayfield has issued a press release that details a number of local business owners’ worries about the garden’s future.

Mayfield owner Garrick Hawkins has previously said he will be forced to close the garden if the quarry expansion and waste management facility goes ahead because of the visual, traffic and dust impact.

Middle Creek Quarries’ Zac Rowlandson, however, has emphasised the 4.5 kilometre “direct line” distance between the quarry and the garden and is adamant his operation will not have an impact on Mayfield.

The Western Joint Regional Planning Panel has yet to make a decision on the matter.

Mayfield said the potential closure was weighing heavily on the minds of local and regional business operators.

“Mayfield Garden has created a major tourism boom for Oberon and the Big Trout Motor Inn,” Big Trout Motor Inn owner Kevin McGrath said. 

“We have benefited greatly from the many tourists coming to see the gardens, as well as many coach companies making large group bookings for the spring and autumn open gardens.

“On saying that, I’m also happy to support any new business developing in the area – we’re all here to support each other.

“It will be sad to see Mayfield Garden close down.”

Ian Redpath, of One Day Tours, a supplier to Mayfield, said the business relies heavily on tours to the garden.

“Tourism in general benefits greatly from the flow-on effect of having Mayfield Garden within our reach.

“If Mayfield Garden closed, the loss for this community would be enormous and the potential closing of my own business.”

Highlands Motor Inn owner Bruce Amery said the garden’s closure would be a setback.

“The operation of Mayfield Garden and the associated rural holdings bring considerable economic benefit to Oberon and the surrounding districts through tourism, employment and primary production,” he said.

“It is my opinion that the closure of the garden would constitute a serious setback to the continuing growth of the region and would negatively impact the accommodation and tourist industry in Oberon.”

Jenolan Caves marketing manager Carolyn Melbourne said Mayfield Garden “has the potential to become a major tourist attraction, pulling international visitors through the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, Oberon, Bathurst and point them towards Dubbo”.

“This potential should be nurtured for the prosperity of our region,” she said.

Sally Parrington, of Jenolan Caravan Park, said Mayfield Garden “is an asset to Oberon and its many businesses”.

“We have seen an increase in tourist activity including clubs and groups coming to see Mayfield Garden.”

Mayfield Garden CEO Hamish Keith said he and the garden’s workforce were encouraged by the support Mayfield was receiving from local and regional business owners and “we trust council and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) will take this into consideration in deciding whether the quarry should go ahead”.

Mr Rowlandson said earlier this month that he believed there was “no evidence to support claims” that Mayfield’s closure would be forced by the expansion of the quarry.

“We own and operate four local businesses, Oberon Earthmoving, Oberon Concrete, Industrial Maintenance Company and significant mixed farming operations. We are completely committed to Oberon, employing local people and supporting local businesses first and foremost,” he said.

He said Oberon Earthmoving lodged a development application with Oberon Council in March 2015 and amended the DA and resubmitted it in 2016, seeking to expand the quarry to include an organic waste management operation which will convert organic matter, mostly waste from the nearby timber complex, into high grade garden mix.

"We have followed every requirement of Oberon Council, Environmental Protection Authority and NSW Roads and Maritime Services,” he said.