SOGHM set to mount legal response to Quarry court appeal
By Sonia Isaacs
Around 80 residents packed into Glass House Mountains Community Hall on Thursday, September 11, to discuss a coordinated response to Heidelberg Materials Australia’s (formerly Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd) appeal against Sunshine Coast Council’s “deemed refusal” of a proposed expansion of the Glasshouse Quarry at 22 Mount Beerwah Road.
The matter, lodged in the Planning and Environment Court (Appeal No. 2448 of 2025, Council ref: MCU23/0197), will see Council file an Entry of Appearance and participate in proceedings under the Planning Act 2016 and the Planning and Environment Court Act 2016.
In correspondence to Save Our Glass House Mountains (SOGHM) representatives, Council confirmed it would be legally represented and act “ethically, fairly, and with probity” while acknowledging strong community concern.
Local group Save Our Glass House Mountains announced it would join the case as a co-respondent. Convenor Megan Standring told attendees that SOGHM had sought legal advice and was committed to “being the voice of the community” in court.
“We’ve decided to defend this appeal. We’ve taken the first step of saying yes, we’ll stand alongside the community,” Ms Standring said. “The turnout to our appeal information night was fantastic for a last-minute meeting. The buzz was really positive – people want their voices heard in court.”
She also urged Council to hold firm against Heidelberg’s appeal. “We’re calling on Council not to back down, not to be bullied. Join with us and stand for the community.”
To cover legal costs, SOGHM has launched a fundraising campaign via Chuffed and is calling for donations from across the Sunshine Coast and beyond. “This is no longer just a local fight,” Ms Standring said. “It’s regional, national, even international.”
Community members are invited to attend Council Chambers on Thursday, September 18, to show their support for the SOGHM campaign.
