Submissions close with 400 responses to expansion
By Charlie Dardenelles and Mitch Gaynor
OVER 97 per cent of public submissions in response to Hanson Quarry’s application to double rock extraction at the Glasshouse Mountains were opposed to the development.
GC&M News analysed each of the more than 400 submissions lodged (as of 12pm, Friday, May 5) over the 15-day period, and found that 361 were in opposition, 26 supported the project and the remainder were invalid.
Of those opposing the quarry’s application to double rock extraction to 1.2 million tonnes per annum, the main concerns were: environmental (23 per cent); cultural (17 per cent); traffic (14 per cent); health (14 per cent); tourism (10 per cent) and impact on the community (8 per cent).
Those supporting the project cited economic benefits (24 per cent); the positive impact of Hanson generally (21 per cent); and jobs (19 per cent) as reasons to support the project.
One of the most staunch opponents to the expansion and organiser of the Save Our Glasshouse Mountains group, Megan Standring, wrote it was time for leaders to “be on the right side of history”.
“The concerns surrounding the functionality of the mine are diverse and deeply troubling,” Ms Standring wrote in her submission.
“From air and water pollution, structural damage to our homes to unsafe roads, the damage of our beloved mountains, the impacts of quarry operations have encroached upon our daily lives and our overall well-being.
“It is our fundamental human right to live in an environment free from such hazards and disruptions.”
Ken Fulleron, a long-term local and supporter of the quarry, wrote in his submission that the project would increase the depth of the quarry, not its existing footprint.
“This will importantly mean the quarry can keep up with the demands for material to construct much needed infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast,” he wrote.
“The quarry’s owners have always been very supportive to a lot of community organisations and sporting clubs in the local area.”
The final flurry of submissions – with more than 70 lodged in the final days – followed a meeting of council and locals with elders including a delegation of 12 from Arnhem Land.
Councillors including Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick attended the meeting.
Cr Broderick said: “It was an opportunity to listen, learn and deepen our understanding of our cultural heritage.”
The Sunshine Coast Council said it had commenced considering all the submissions.
Hanson has 10 business days from May 2 to provide a notice as to how they have complied with all statutory requirements for undertaking public notification in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.
The application will move into the formal decision stage once council receives a referral response from the State Government for matters relating to State Transport Infrastructure and the Environmentally Relevant Activity.
“Once Council officers have completed their assessment of this application, a recommendation report will be presented for Council’s consideration at a future Ordinary Meeting,” the council spokesperson said.
mitch@gcnews.com.au
