LATEST @ 8.30 AM | The decade long battle over the Reedy Creek quarry is finally over, with the State Government moving swiftly to permanently block any future industrial mining on the site.
Following the formal withdrawal of the controversial development application by Boral on Thursday, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie moved quickly to strip the land of its “Key Resource Area” status.
The move effectively dismantles a 2007 Labor-era planning overlay that had left the community vulnerable to mining proposals for nearly twenty years.
Deputy Premier Bleijie said the Government has “listened to the Gold Coast community” who remained loud and clear in their opposition to having an industrial-scale project in their backyard.
“The Crisafulli Government has listened to the Gold Coast community, who were loud and clear that they didn’t want this industrial scale project near their homes,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“After years of uncertainty and their concerns falling on deaf ears under Labor, the Crisafulli Government, including its local Gold Coast MPs, have taken action.
“Removing the Key Resource Area designation for the area sends a clear signal and reflects the community’s views.”
Local MPs are hailing the decision as a massive win for “people power,” celebrating the thousands of residents who strongly campaigned to protect their hinterland lifestyle.
“Every single person who took up this fight should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved not just for themselves and their families, but for future generations of our community,” Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates said.
“This was only possible because of the strength and solidarity we showed as a community, and I’m eternally grateful for the thousands of people who used their voice to shout down this quarry.”
Member for Currumbin Laura Gerber echoed those sentiments, declaring the community had been heard.
“The Gold Coast said “no”, and the Crisafulli Government heard it loud and clear,” Ms Gerber said.
“The Crisafulli Government has taken decisive action to end the fear and uncertainty for the community.”
EARLIER @ 6.45 AM | There’s been a major update surrounding the future of the controversial Reedy Creek quarry, with Boral officially withdrawing its development application.
Local Councillor Glenn Tozer confirmed the news overnight, much to the delight of thousands of residents who have spent months protesting against the proposal over fears it would wreck their hinterland lifestyle.
“I have received advice this evening that Boral has withdrawn its development application for a quarry at Reedy Creek, in Division 9,” Cr Tozer said.
“The following advice was provided to me by council officers.
“Late this afternoon, Boral advised that pursuant to section 52 of the Planning Act, they have formally withdrawn their development application for the proposed quarry at Reedy Creek.
“As there is no longer a development application, there is now no need for the Deputy Premier to make a decision”.
It comes after Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie invoked call-in powers, giving the State Government the final decision on whether the project should proceed.
The move was flagged after a push from Council and local State MPs following years of uncertainty, with councillors and MPs at odds over who was to blame.
“Queenslanders deserve transparency and confidence in planning decisions, as well as certainty about the future of their area,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said at the time.
“After a decade of uncertainty and angst regarding this proposal under Labor, we will calmly and methodically consider both the merits and impacts of this project and deliver certainty for everyone involved.
“The Crisafulli Government is ensuring communities are heard after a decade of decline under Labor where lack of consultation created frustration and eroded trust.”
