The Queensland Government has confirmed it will be taking over the decision-making process for a controversial quarry application on the Gold Coast.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed this week he would be using his “call in” powers to take over the process for the Reedy Creek quarry.
The move was flagged by the Minister two weeks ago after intervention by local state MPs, who raised concerns about the community impact.
Mr Bleijie said more than 2900 submissions were received ahead of the decision.
The call-in means that the Deputy Premier will now assess the application and become the decision maker, instead of the Gold Coast City Council.
Mr Bleijie said the call-in was about providing certainty for the community.
“Queenslanders deserve transparency and confidence in planning decisions, as well as certainty about the future of their area,” he said.
The quarry proposal, submitted by Boral, covers 26 percent of a 216.7 hectare site at Reedy Creek, west of Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.
Boral has said that, without the new quarry, construction materials will have to be transported from north of the city, putting an extra 31,000 heavy vehicles on the road annually to meet market demand.
According to the Queensland Government’s website, Ministerial call-ins are used only in “exceptional circumstances”.
“This power protects economic and environmental state interests. It also ensures Queensland’s development assessment system remains efficient, effective, transparent, integrated, coordinated and accountable.”
