State approves expansion as new figures show dozens more trucks per day to hit roads
By Sonia Isaacs
UP to 156 truck movements per day will deliver rock from the Glasshouse Quarry through the hinterland during peak operations, according to new details released last week by quarry owner Heidelberg Materials.
The company, formerly known as Hanson, revealed the figures in response to questions from the Sunshine Coast Council regarding its development application to double rock extraction to 1.2 million tonnes per annum.
The response coincided with a State Government decision announced last Monday (Feb 24) that environmental approval had been granted for the project.
The Department of Environment’s Environmental Authority (EA) approval comes with stricter conditions to the current EA – including additional air quality limits to minimise dust impact on nearby residents, 24/7 monitoring of particulates, new site-specific noise limits, additional restrictions on blasting (including a ban on weekends and public holidays) and enhanced stormwater release restrictions.
Heidelberg’s response to council questions showed that heavy haulage truck movements would increase from 86 to 156 on weekdays, and from 43 to 78 on weekends.
The company, through consultant SLR Group, declined to provide further details on cultural heritage concerns, stating that it was engaging with the Jinibara People’s Aboriginal Corporation (JPAC).
Additionally, Heidelberg expressed frustration over the Council’s lack of response to its proposed $5 million infrastructure contribution for road upgrades.
The company noted that the proposed infrastructure agreement covered six intersection upgrades and 1.6 km of transport route improvements.
Heidelberg’s response to council questions showed that heavy haulage truck movements would increase from 86 to 156 on weekdays, and from 43 to 78 on weekends.
“The Applicant reminds the Council of the proposed infrastructure agreement previously submitted, which includes upgrade works estimated at $5 million,” Heidelberg stated.
“The Applicant notes that Council has not provided feedback on this agreement.”
Following nearly six months of deliberation, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI) approved Heidelberg’s Environmental Authority (EA) on February 14, 2025 with a notice outlining the decision released via email last Monday February 24.
The EA grants permission to expand the quarry operation, paving the way for Council to make a final decision on the project.
The approval followed months of public submissions and scrutiny under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
The updated EA allows Heidelberg to deepen the quarry pit by 66 metres (from the approved RL18m AHD to RL-48m AHD).
The initial proposal sparked strong opposition from local residents, conservationists, and activists, who have raised concerns about environmental, traffic, and cultural heritage impacts, particularly on the nearby Glass House Mountains National Park.
Over 500 submissions were submitted, the vast majority in opposition.
DETSI stated that its decision considered regulatory requirements, public submissions, and the increasing demand for hard rock materials to support housing and infrastructure development.
The agency acknowledged community objections but determined that the proposal met all legal and environmental standards.
Proposed operational restrictions imposed by DETSI include noise and blasting limits (Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm) with stricter vibration limits and mandatory monitoring, tougher air quality and water management requirements and post-operation rehabilitation commitments for the site.
“After careful consideration and assessment, the application has been approved subject to strict conditions to manage environmental risks,” DETSI stated.
Environment and Tourism Minister and local MP, Andrew Powell (pictured left), said the tougher environmental restrictions should help mitigate impacts if the project moves forward.
“I understand the concerns of locals, and I’m confident we can ameliorate the impacts if the expansion goes ahead,” Mr Powell said.
“Strict environmental controls will help ensure effects on the community are minimised.”
He reiterated that the quarry’s closure was never an option.
“I’ve been pretty clear with the community from up front. What’s not on the table here is an ability to close the quarry,” Minister Powell said.
“The quarry is a pre-existing operation that has all the necessary approvals.
Regardless of the Council’s decision, the quarry will continue to operate at current levels if the expansion is not approved.
“I know the community’s frustration, I understand their anger, but people need to understand what’s in question here.”
“My department approves quarries all the time, all around the state, and then often in really tricky situations. What they do is what they’ve done here – they thoroughly and rigorously assess it, and if they need to increase some conditions and monitoring, then they do – and that’s what they’re proposing here.
“They understand the sensitivities of being at the base of Mount Coonowrin that is not lost on them.
“They know that – but again, we’re talking about an existing quarry, not a new quarry. If there was a proposal for a new quarry, like there had been at Beerburrum recently, then it probably wouldn’t get approved.”
Save Our Glasshouse Mountains co-founder Megan Standring described the decision as “devastating.”
“I find this decision shocking,” she said.
“We all need to stand up if we don’t want this to happen.”
Resident Lisa Malcolm expressed similar concerns.
“I am devastated by this approval,” she wrote in an online response.
“Just unbelievable, no sense of environmental stewardship nor respect for traditional custodians, nor heritage listing, nor community at all.”
Despite receiving EA approval, Heidelberg must still secure final development approval from the Sunshine Coast Council (MCU23/0197) before proceeding with the expansion.
A Council spokesperson confirmed that the quarry expansion application had progressed to the decision stage but did not specify a timeframe for the final verdict.
“An impact assessment development application (MCU23/0197) for the expansion of the existing quarry at 22 Mount Beerwah Road, Glasshouse Mountains, has progressed to the decision stage,” the spokesperson stated.
“Council is unable to confirm when a decision will be made.
“A report will be presented at a future Council Ordinary Meeting.”
A Heidelberg spokesperson said the company welcomed the State Government’s EA approval and reiterated its commitment to obtaining final development approval from the Council.
“While the new EA conditions are significantly stricter than the existing ones, Heidelberg is satisfied with the robust assessment conducted by the Department,” a company spokesperson said.
“Heidelberg will continue to work with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to secure final development approval and meet the growing demand for quarry materials needed to support housing and infrastructure within the region.”
sonia@gcnews.com.au