Heidelberg materials say no change to heavy haulage route
By Sonia Isaacs
THERE are no plans to change the route used by Heidelberg Materials (Hanson) to transport rock from the Glass House Mountains quarry despite increasing community concern that a doubling of truck movements could force a change to the established corridor.
Currently, quarry trucks drive along Coonowrin Road to Steve Irwin Way, a route Heidelberg Materials says is approved and appropriate for heavy vehicle movements.
But as major infrastructure projects like the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) rail upgrade progress, concerns have surfaced over future traffic impacts, prompting scrutiny of the quarry’s operations.
A Heidelberg spokesperson said the existing route was state-determined and the company was not considering alternatives.
“The existing route…has supported heavy vehicle movements for many years,” the spokesperson said.
“A comprehensive traffic assessment was provided to Council in 2023, with proposed road upgrades, costings, and draft agreement terms submitted in 2024.”
While the Sunshine Coast Council is responsible for assessing local impacts of the quarry, including haulage routes, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) maintains state-controlled roads and provides technical advice to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), which reviews any proposed changes.
TMR said any route changes would require formal submission by the operator and undergo assessment to determine impacts on road safety and efficiency.
Meanwhile, construction of the B2N’s Barrs Road and Burgess Street overpasses set to replace the current rail crossing and bridge will aim to ease local congestion and improve transport safety.
Coordination between rail and road agencies is expected to minimise disruption for residents.
Community members are encouraged to direct enquiries regarding quarry operations and haulage approvals to the Sunshine Coast Council as the responsible local authority.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
