New planning policy to protect community and quarry resources

A new State Planning Policy will help lessen the impact of quarries on surrounding communities, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

“The rock, sand and gravel taken from quarries are literally the building blocks for our homes and businesses. We need those vital resources to support our rapid growth,” Mr Wilson said.

“The new State Planning Policy requires that local councils strike the right balance between meeting the needs of the community and maintaining long-term access to major extractive resources. We can’t have one without the other,” he said.

The Minister said the new policy would introduce buffer zones between new residential developments and quarries and resource areas.

“Buffer zones can be applied by local government when they make decisions on development applications.

“The decision on whether a quarry goes ahead rests with local government. The ball is in their court.

“Sites that have significant rock, sand and gravel resources will become known as key resource areas. The new State Planning Policy has nominated 100 key resource areas,” he said.

“If a quarry is to be established in a key resource area, key criteria will have to be met before a development application is approved by council.

“The potential quarry site will need to have a processing area, a surrounding separation area, and a transport route to a major road or railway that has the least impact on the local community.

“Having said that, any potential development will still have to meet the requirements of the local council’s planning scheme and the Integrated Planning Act.

“Local councils will have to take these key resource areas into account in their planning decisions.

“It doesn’t mean that a quarry can automatically expand – this is clearly spelt out in the policy. It protects the quarry’s operations and it protects the community from any adverse impact from those operations. It’s a win for quarries and a win for the community,” he said.

Minister Wilson said under a related initiative, trucks that haul gravel and other material through local communities could be required to cover the load.

The new State Planning Policy came about after extensive consultation with key industry stakeholders and the community over the last six years.

“Many local councils have already adopted the intent of our new policy as good planning practice,” he said.

Minister Wilson and the Minister for Local Government, Planning and Sport, Andrew Fraser, have jointly written to all Queensland Mayors to inform them of the new State Planning Policy.

“Local councils will remain the decision-makers when it comes to individual development applications,” Mr Wilson said.

The new policy will come into effect in September.

Further information is available from www.dme.qld.gov.au

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819