HANSON Glasshouse Quarry has formally applied to double its extraction capacity to 1.2 million tonnes per year.
As reported by GC&M News, quarry manager Chris Wilson had recently reached out to neighbouring properties flagging the company’s intentions and offering to answer questions about the impact of increased production.
Last week the company formally lodged its development application with Sunshine Coast Council.
The quarry proposes to increase production from 600,000 tonnes of rock per year to 1.2m tonnes over two stages.
To achieve appropriate noise and dust restrictions, Hanson stated it would close its existing processing plant and relocate to a more central location within the quarry footprint.
It is proposing to extend blasting times by two hours, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The application requests approval to dig -48m below surface level, with Hanson stating that suitable rock and aggregate exists to “at least a depth of 100m”.
“The committed and planned infrastructure spend for the Sunshine Coast will need substantial volumes of quarry materials and the Glasshouse Quarry is well placed to supply a significant portion of the total volume required,” the application states.
“It is therefore prudent and wise for the Glasshouse Quarry to take the necessary steps to prepare for the increased demand in both the short and long term.”
A ‘traffic and pavement impact assessment’ concluded the “proposed development was unlikely to increase the frequency or severity of crashes along the … route”. Hanson was also proposing to pay council 11 cents per tonne for haulage between 600,000 and 1.2m tonnes – a maximum of $66,000 per year, on top of the 47 cents per tonne it currently pays for haulage up to 600,000 tonnes, which amounts to a maximum of $282,000.
According to the application, additional quarry haulage traffic would amount to 33 heavy vehicle trips (total two-way) per hour during peak times; and an additional 156 heavy vehicle loads per full weekday.
Hanson said it would pay for upgrades along parts of its haulage route.
“Upgrades to certain intersections between the site and Steve Irwin Way … would contribute to a safer environment for all road users,” it stated in the application.
“These upgrade works would be funded by Hanson and include Basic Left/Right Turn upgrades and Channelised Right Turn upgrades.”
To read the full application go to: developmenti.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Home/FilterDirect?filters=DANumber=MCU23/0070