Hinterland groups claim victory on two year battle to halt Quarry EOI process
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Mapleton and District Community Association Inc. (MADCA) has shared a significant victory for the Sunshine Coast hinterland. After years of persistent community advocacy, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has pulled back from pursuing the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for privatising the Image Flat and Dulong quarries.
The decision, effective December 20, 2024, marks a turning point in the community’s efforts to retain public ownership of these assets. The previous council’s original decision, made in December 2022, saw nine out of ten councillors vote to explore private management for the two hinterland quarries.
The proposal sparked widespread dissent, leading to the formation of the Hinterland Quarry Action Group (HQAG), supported by MADCA and other Blackall Range community organisations.
Community concerns centered around zoning irregularities, including the classification of the council-owned quarries as “Community Facilities”, a zoning designation typically reserved for infrastructure like hospitals and community centers.
Residents feared privatisation could lead to increased quarry activity without adequate environmental and impact assessments.
MADCA President Max Standage welcomed the outcome, saying, “The community is very pleased that Council listened to residents and halted the privatisation plans. We will now be watching with interest as the new town planning scheme is revealed, which we hope will appropriately rezone these quarries.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed a two-stage procurement process has been underway since 2023 to identify the potential of a commercial operator to manage Council’s quarry business and sites at Image Flat and Dulong.
“Council has decided not to pursue Stage 2 of the EOI at this time, and instead is progressing a six-month turnaround strategy,” the Council spokesperson said.
“It is important to note that the final outcome and next steps of the EOI process will not be realised until the completion of the six month strategy estimated to be completed by July 2025.
“The intent of this turnaround strategy is to explore all opportunities to provide a long-term sustainable approach for the ongoing management of the quarries.”
