SOGHM group calls on GHM residents to sign community declaration
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Save Our Glasshouse Mountains (SOGHM) community group is intensifying its campaign against the proposed expansion of the Glasshouse Quarry, citing “overwhelming” opposition from residents and visitors.
Heidelberg (formerly Hanson) applied in mid-2023 to the Sunshine Coast Council to double rock extraction from its hinterland quarry to 1.2 million tonnes per year.
SOGHM has been pressuring the council to reject the plans, with member Burnice Starkey saying a recent grassroots doorknocking campaign had gathered almost 50 first-hand accounts from locals directly affected by the quarry.
The group now plans to mobilise the community further through two Community Declaration Day events, where residents will be invited to formally sign a declaration opposing the project. The doorknocking initiative began after members became dissatisfied with official responses about the expansion.
“We decided we don’t know who you’re talking to. We’ll go and talk to people ourselves,” Ms Starkey said.
The survey canvassed households along Coonowrin Road and surrounding areas. Of the 50 surveys later submitted to Division 1 councillor Jenny Broderick, the vast majority expressed opposition. Residents raised concerns about blasting vibrations, dust, truck traffic and transparency around land zoning.
“Their biggest complaints are the vibrations from the blasting, the damage to the wilderness, and the constant trucks going past,” Ms Starkey said.
Some locals also described health and wellbeing impacts, expressing frustration that the site remains zoned rural despite operating as a major extractive industry.
The group’s efforts will culminate in Community Declaration events at the Glasshouse Mountains Community Hall, with one held on Sunday August 31 and another the evening of September 3. The signed declarations will be presented to Sunshine Coast Council.
The declaration calls for the quarry expansion to be rejected and for reforms to planning and zoning laws to better protect both the community and the Glasshouse Mountains’ national heritage values.
“By signing something concrete that will be presented to council, it’s not just hot air – we’re actually delivering,” Ms Starkey said.
“We’re calling on the council to reject the expansion and protect the national heritage landscape, to prioritise community and visitor wellbeing in all planning decisions.”
She said the events aimed to galvanise support and ensure the community’s voice was heard before council made its decision.
“We won’t shut up. We just keep being annoying,” she added, underscoring the group’s determination to defend what they describe as the unique character and environment of the region.
In response, quarry operator Heidelberg said it was continuing to work with Sunshine Coast Council to ensure information addressing community concerns was available, with documentation publicly accessible on council’s platform.
Ms Broderick said she welcomed the feedback gathered through SOGHM’s campaign. “I’m always really grateful for any feedback that the community provides, and I do value the work and effort that has gone into gathering reports from residents, particularly those most affected along Coonowrin Road,” Cr Broderick said.
She said she was also conducting her own doorknocking and one-on-one conversations with residents to ensure a wide range of views were heard.
A Council spokesperson confirmed an impact assessment application is under consideration. Council said it was committed to a transparent process balancing industry, community and environmental needs.
