Department of Environment approves environmental authority (EA) for Glass House Mountains Quarry
By Sonia Isaacs
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESI) has approved an environmental authority (EA) for Heidelberg Materials Australia Pty Ltd (Heidelberg), causing an outcry from local residents and objectors to the proposed expansion of the Glasshouse Quarry.
The decision, announced today (Feb 24), follows months of public submissions and environmental scrutiny under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. The approval allows Heidelberg (previously Hanson) authority to increase its annual extraction rate at the Glasshouse Quarry to 1.2million tonnes and deepen the quarry pit by 66 metres (from the approved RL18m AHD to RL-48m AHD).
The proposed expansion has been a point of contention since July 2023, with local residents, activists and conservation groups raising concerns about dust, noise, traffic, and environmental and cultural heritage impacts, particularly on the adjacent Glass House Mountains and National Park.
On August 24 2023, Heidelberg applied for development application with the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for a development approval (material change of use) under the Planning Act 2016, which triggered an application for a new site-specific EA under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
The Quarry, located at 22 Mount Beerwah Road, Glass House Mountains is located within the Glasshouse Key Resource Area and is adjacent to Mount Coonowrin in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
In making its decision, the DESI stated it has taken into consideration all regulatory requirements, objectives and performance outcomes under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, as well as submissions that were received as part of the development approval process as they related to environmental impacts. It also cited consideration for the growing demand for hard rock material to support housing and infrastructure, with Sunshine Coast’s predicted population growth expected to increase demand significantly by 2030.
Despite substantial community objection, DESI determined the proposal met all regulatory requirements; however, the agency has imposed several new conditions on the quarry’s operations to mitigate environmental impacts. These include additional noise and blasting restrictions (Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm), with stricter vibration limits and mandatory monitoring, stricter air quality and water management measures, and rehabilitation commitments.
“After careful consideration of the application, and having undertaken an assessment under the Human Rights Act 2019, it has been decided that the application be approved subject to strict conditions which are considered necessary and desirable to manage the environmental risks associated with the activity,” the DESI issued notice said.
Local objectors have expressed dismay at the decision. Save Our Glasshouse Mountains co-founder, Megan Standring, said she was extremely disappointed in the decision. “I find this decision shocking,” said Ms Standring. “We all need to really stand up if we don’t want this happen. I’m disappointed in our government who are meant to be protecting our environment.”
Resident Lisa Malcolm said she was shocked and appalled by the decision.
“I am just so devastated at this approval, how could there even be a thought of allowing this awful destruction to happen?” she wrote in an online response.
“Just unbelievable, no sense of environmental stewardship nor respect for traditional custodians, nor World Heritage listing, nor community at all.”
Despite the EA approval, Heidelberg must still obtain final development approval from Sunshine Coast Council (MCU23/0197) before it can operate under the new conditions.
Heidelberg Materials Australia have been approached for comment.
