2016-07-12 - Item 13 - Att 1 - Extractive Resources and Mineral Planning Study 2016

Extractive resource:
Quarry Rock

Status:
Operational – The operator submits there is in excess of 30 years of hard rock remain. Up to 12
million tonnes in the currently approved extraction area.

Approvals & permits:
There is a valid 1987 court approved Town Planning Consent. Approval exists only on
Sheppersens’ land (150 & 900 Sheppersen’s Lane -259 & 259/MCH187). Approval is valid until
2033 sunset clause.

On 26 July 2012 Council approved an amended Quarry management plan. At its meeting on 19
May 2016 Council considered changes to the approval by the court.

Extractive resource description:
A large elongate body of fresh to moderately weathered intrusive andesite occurs in the Wahpunga
Range east of Kin Kin. The deposit occurs as a ridge extending southeast from the Gympie to Kin
Kin road onto private property. The intrusion is 150 metres wide. Drilling and testing indicated
suitability for bitumen screenings and road pavement gravels. Suitability for concrete aggregate
has not been confirmed.

Significance:
The site is identified as a Key Resource Area. In the past Council extracted rock for use in road
works. The site is now operated by another entity.

Although present production levels are small, the scarcity of other resources close to growth areas
in Noosa Shire and adjoining regions means it is of strategic significance for many years.
Significant resources are present and the deposit is considered by the State to be the most
important in the Noosa area, although disadvantaged by distance from markets.

Separation Area:
The resource is sited on a high ridge, and will need to be worked by the retreating tree line method
to optimise extraction from the intrusive dyke. The residential areas of Kin Kin lie about 1000
metres west of the northern end of the resource, so the full distance has been adopted for the
whole separation area. The surrounding country is zoned as Rural therefore a separation distance
of 1000 metres around the resource was adopted.

Note: Council has requested the Minister amend the separation area boundary to reflect a more
locally appropriate boundary having regard to the topographical features of Wahpunga Range that
provide a natural buffer.

Transport route:
The transport route uses the eastern part of Shepperson’s Lane and then onto Gympie to Kin Kin
Road. This is the council approved transport route. There are community held concerns with the
suitability of this road. There are also noise impacts on the health retreat on this road in terms of
noise from truck movements. An assessment of the haul route suitability would be required for any
changes to the current approval.

Special considerations:
Some parts of the separation area and a small portion of the resource/processing area are covered
by Strategic Cropping Land Trigger Mapping.

Constraints to exploitation:
Exploitation of deposits on the higher slopes of Wahpunga Range will have an adverse effect on
visual amenity – particularly from Kin Kin – Gympie Road and Cootharabah Road.
                                                                                                  18