- The Deputy Premier has prevented any future plans for a quarry in a Gold Coast neighbourhood by removing a key planning overlay that had been implemented by Labor.
- The move follows a withdrawn application for a quarry, which had been called-in by the Deputy Premier in March.
- The decision will provide certainty regarding the site following a decade of inaction and lack of consultation under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has permanently blocked a quarry at Reedy Creek following a decade of inaction and a lack of consultation under Labor.
The proponents of a proposed quarry, which was called in by the Deputy Premier in March, have now formally withdrawn their application.
Following the withdrawal, the Deputy Premier and Planning Minister has moved swifty to prevent any future plans for a quarry on the site by removing a key planning overlay that had been implemented by Labor.
In 2007, the then Labor Government designated the region as a Key Resource Area (KRA), allowing the site to be mined.
Despite strong opposition from the community, numerous requests from Gold Coast City Council and costly legal challenges, successive Labor Governments ignored concerns and refused to remove the KRA.
Removal of the KRA reflects local sentiment and signals the strong community opposition to any future quarry plans.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the community now had certainty.
"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."
Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates said the move was a win for people power.
"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," Ms 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 said 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."
Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said the community now had certainty about the area's future.
"Residents can now breath easier, free of fear of what could happen next door," Mr Vorster said.
"The area's beautiful natural environment is no longer under threat thanks to the strong advocacy of our community, who had been ignored for years under Labor."
