Ordinary minutes, 21 August 2025

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                        21 AUGUST 2025


8.
   NICK COOKE
2
  Question 1
  To assure Hinterland residents that Council will effectively enforce the Kin Kin Quarry
  Management Plan, can council outline the specific actions it will take to address the enforcement
  constraints identified through the failed court action Noosa Council v Cordwell Resources
  (155/21) and the decision not to pursue over $160,000 in fines issued to the Kin Kin Quarry
  operator?

  Response provided by Director Development & Regulation, Richard MacGillivray
  Thank you for your question regarding Council’s enforcement of the Kin Kin Quarry Management
  Plan (QMP). Council understands the community’s concerns and remains committed to ensuring
  compliance with the approved conditions, including the QMP.
  In response to the court proceeding, it is acknowledged that Council was successful in part of
  the proceedings with an enforcement order being granted with respect to covered loads. It is also
  relevant to highlight that Council has also successfully defended an appeal against an
  Enforcement Notice relating to fixed plant infrastructure in the Planning & Environment Court,
  with obligations continuing to be pursued. Regarding historical infringement notices that were
  appealed, these were not pursued through the Magistrates Court as Council focused its legal
  efforts on broader compliance issues in the Planning and Environment Court. Due to statutory
  limitations, these past infringements can no longer be pursued. However, Council remains
  committed to considering all available enforcement options should any clear breach be identified
  and validated moving forward. In terms of ongoing compliance monitoring regular inspections
  are being conducted at varied times to assess quarry operations in line with council approval
  requirements. Council has worked with contractors to introduce automated data capture
  systems, reducing reliance on manual monitoring and improving the consistency and reliability
  of compliance data, this data is supported by photographic and video evidence. Ongoing review
  of this data demonstrates that the quarry operations are generally in accordance with their
  obligations under the QMP regarding vehicle queuing and departure intervals. Council also
  working closely with the State Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) who
  regulate the Quarry operations through an Environmental Authority.




  Question 2
  Can Council continue to assure the Hinterland community, that the council will not extend the
  Kin Kin Quarry permit beyond its end-of-life 2033 sunset clause, which marks 46 years since the
  original approval?

  Response provided by Director Development & Regulation, Richard MacGillivray
  Thank you for your question regarding the future of the Kin Kin Quarry and Council’s position on
  the 2033 sunset clause. Council acknowledges the strong community interest in ensuring that
  the quarry operations do not extend beyond the current approval period. If an application is
  made to extend the sunset clause Council will assess the application thoroughly, with full
  consideration of community concerns, environmental impacts, and planning requirements. It is
  important to acknowledge that the site is subject to a State imposed Key Resource Area (KRA)
  overlay. If no application is made to extend the currency period, the current sunset clause
  remains in place and is enforceable. We appreciate the community’s ongoing interest on this
  matter and will continue to provide regular updates in due course.