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Attachment 4 Noise Assessment Report (Air Nose Environment Pty Ltd 2016)

Corbet Quarries Expansion - Noise Assessment

Corbet Quarries

Issued: 25 November 2016

Prepared by:Air Noise Environment

ABN: 13 081 834 513

This document has been prepared and issued by Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd in accordance with

our Quality Assurance procedures. Authorship, copyright details and legal provisions relating to this

document are provided on the following page. Should you have any queries regarding the contents

of this document, please contact your nearest Air Noise Environment office:

Brisbane Office

A: Unit 3, 4 Tombo Street,

Capalaba, QLD 4157

T: +61 7 3245 7808

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Sydney Office

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Surry Hills, NSW 2010

T: +61 1300 851 761

E: nsw @ane.com.au

Page 2 of 37 Corbet Quarries- Corbet Quarries Expansion - Noise Assessment

/Network/Projects/4779/Reporting/4779-Rep-03.odt

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Document Details

Project Reference: 4779

Document Title: Corbet Quarries Expansion - Noise Assessment

Client: Corbet Quarries

Document Reference: /Network/Projects/4779/Reporting/4779-Rep-03.odt

Revision History

Version: Description: Date: Author: Approved by:

00 Draft for Internal Review 17/11/16 Brett Verran -

01 Draft for Client 18/11/16 Brett Verran Beau Weyers

02 Final 22/11/16 Brett Verran Claire Richardson

03 Revised Final 25/11/16 Brett Verran Claire Richardson

04

05

Copyright:

Air Noise Environment retains ownership of the copyright to all reports, drawings, designs, plans, figures and other workproduced by Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd during the course of fulfilling a commission. The client named on the cover of thisdocument shall have a licence to use such documents and materials for the purpose of the subject commission provided theyare reproduced in full or, alternatively, in part with due acknowledgement to Air Noise Environment. Third parties must notreproduce this document, in part or in full, without obtaining the prior permission of Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd.

Disclaimer:

This document has been prepared with all due care and attention by professional environmental practitioners according toaccepted practices and techniques. This document is issued in confidence and is relevant only to the issues pertinent to thesubject matter contained herein. Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd holds no responsibility for misapplication or misinterpretationby third parties of the contents of this document. If the revision history does not state that a Final version of the documenthas been issued, then it remains a draft. Draft versions of this document should not be relied upon for any purpose by theclient, regulatory agencies or other interested parties.

Where site inspections, testing or fieldwork have taken place, the report is based on the information made available by theclient or their nominees during the visit, visual observations and any subsequent discussions with regulatory authorities. It isfurther assumed that normal activities were being undertaken at the site on the day of the site visit(s).

The validity and comprehensiveness of supplied information has not been independently verified and, for the purposes of thisreport, it is assumed that the information provided to Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd for the purposes of this project is bothcomplete and accurate.



Executive SummaryA quarry and concrete batching plant is proposed at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston. The

development site currently operates as a soil manufacturing and composting facility which includes

the use of a borrow pit for on site construction activities. It is proposed to expand the existing borrow

pit to a commercial operation. A concrete batching plant is also proposed. A noise assessment has

been undertaken to identify appropriate noise criteria, and review the predicted compliance of the

proposed operations at the surrounding sensitive receiver areas.

To assess potential noise impacts, the proposed activities have been reviewed and computational

modelling has been undertaken to predict impacts on the nearest sensitive receptors, and where

appropriate, identify mitigation and management measures conducive to achieving predicted

compliance with the adopted noise criteria.

To establish noise criteria for the proposed development, background noise monitoring was

undertaken at the nearest sensitive receptors to the east of the development. From site observations

and a review of audio files, the Bruce Highway was identified as a major noise source defining noise

levels. The noise data was analysed to derive noise criteria in accordance with the Model Mining

Conditions issued by the DEHP and the EPP Noise based on conservative ambient levels on the

Sunday (when noise from the existing mine activities were not contributing).

The results of the computational modelling indicate compliance with the derived noise criteria

provided that the following measures are implemented:

⚫ Dust extraction fan located at concrete batching plant is limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A);

⚫ Installation of minimum 3.5 m high acoustic barriers shielding areas of truck slumping activities

at the concrete batching plant (See Figure 5.3).

⚫ Restricting deliveries of cement to the on-site storage silos to the Day and Evening Periods

(7 am – 10 pm).

⚫ Restricting drilling in the quarry to the Day period (7 am – 6 pm).

⚫ Restricting any ongoing excavator activities occurring on the western face of the pit during the

early morning period (6 am – 7 am) and programming activities in the area for higher ambient

noise periods (e.g. morning/afternoon peak traffic periods).

The impacts of blasting on the nearest sensitive receptors was also investigated. Predictive

equations found with a blast to receptor separation distance of 420 m, a Maximum Instantaneous

Charge (MIC) of 200 kg is required to achieve compliance with the adopted vibration criteria. As the

quarry progresses moving south, the MIC can be increased to 600 kg.



Table of ContentsExecutive Summary 4

1 Introduction 7

1.1 Scope of Study 7

1.2 Subject Site Location and Surrounding Land Uses 7

1.3 This Report 8

2 Summary of Potential Impacts 9

2.1 Description of Operations 9

2.2 Potential Noise Sources 10

2.3 Cumulative Impacts 11

2.4 Potentially Sensitive Receptors 11

3 Existing Environment 12

3.1 Local Meteorology 12

3.2 Existing Acoustic Environment 13

3.2.1 Overview 13

3.2.2 Noise Monitoring Methodology 13

3.2.3 Noise Monitoring Results 14

3.3 Discussion of Noise Monitoring Results 17

4 Assessment Criteria 18

4.1 Overview 18

4.2 Noise Criteria 18

4.2.1 DEHP Model Mining Conditions 18

4.2.2 EPP Noise 2008 20

4.2.3 Discussion of Noise Criteria 21

4.3 Criteria for Blasting 22

5 Noise Assessment 23

5.1 Modelling Methodology 23

5.2 Ground Elevation Data 23

5.3 Modelled Receptor Groups 23

5.4 Noise Source Data 24

5.5 Noise Modelling Scenarios 27

5.6 Predicted Noise Results (With Mitigation) 30

5.7 Blasting 32

6 Conclusion 35

Appendix A - Acoustic Glossary 36



Index of TablesTable 3.1 - Noise Instrument Calibration Information 14

Table 3.2 - Position N1 – Summary of Noise Levels dB(A) 14



Table 3.5 - Summary of Average Noise Levels for Each Period 17

Table 3.6 - Adopted Background Noise Levels (Position N1 – 31/10/16) 17

Table 4.1 - Model Mining Noise Conditions for Sensitive Receptors 19

Table 4.2 - Derived Noise Criteria 19

Table 4.3 – Controlling Background Creep – dB(A) 20

Table 4.4 - Acoustic Quality Objectives for Residential Dwellings 21

Table 4.5 - Adopted EPP Noise Criteria for the Concrete Batching Plant – dB(A) 22

Table 4.6 - Blasting Criteria 22

Table 5.1 - Modelled Noise Source Data (SWL Leq) 25

Table 5.2 – Predicted Noise Levels – dB(A) – With Mitigation 31

Table 5.3 - Maximum Allowable Charge Mass 33

Index of FiguresFigure 1.1 - Subject Site Location and Surrounding Land Uses 8

Figure 2.1 - Proposed Site Layout 10

Figure 3.1 - 2006 Gympie Bureau of Meteorology Station Wind Rose 12

Figure 3.2 - Unattended Noise Monitoring Locations 13

Figure 5.1 - Modelled Discrete Receptors 24

Figure 5.2 - Modelled Quarry Noise Source Locations 29

Figure 5.3 - Modelled Concrete Batching Noise Plant Sources 30



1 Introduction

1.1 Scope of StudyCorbet Quarries commissioned Air Noise Environment Pty Ltd to undertake a noise assessment for a

proposed expansion of their operations at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston. Specifically, the proposal

comprises the following components:

• Material Change of Use – Development Permit for Extractive Industry and High Impact

Industry (Concrete Batching Plant);

• Material Change of Use – Concurrent Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs); and

• Environmental Authority for Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs);

◦ ERA 16(2)(b) Extracting, other than by dredging, in a year, the following quantity of

material – more than 100,000 tonnes but not more than 1,000,000 tonnes and

◦ ERA 16(3)(b) Screening, in a year, the following quantity of material – more than 100,000

tonnes but not more than 1,000,000 tonnes.

The study has been undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the proposed operations on

nearby sensitive receptors in accordance with the requirements of Gympie Regional Council (GRC),

the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) and the Environmental Protection

Noise Policy 2008 (EPP Noise).

1.2 Subject Site Location and Surrounding Land UsesThe subject site is located at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston, described as Lot 520/ SP263809. The

site currently operates as a soil manufacturing and composting facility in addition to a borrow pit

which provides materials for onsite construction activities. It is proposed to extend the existing

borrow pit to a commercial operation supplying external customers and/or the market with an

expected generation of 200,000 tonnes per annum. In addition to the quarry, a concrete batching

plant is also proposed to be constructed with an expected production volume of 40,000 cubic metres

per annum.

Under the Gympie Regional Council 2013 Planning Scheme, the subject site and surrounding area are

zoned as Rural. The site is bounded by state-controlled roads (Bruce Highway and Mary Valley Link

Road) to the east and south. The adjoining properties consist of primarily rural land uses, with the

exception of an outdoor recreation and education facility (Garapine) located to the north at

24 Mountain View Road, Kybong. This use has been identified as the nearest sensitive receptor in

addition to the residential uses located on the same lot. The accommodation and facilities are

located approximately 420 m from the proposed quarry.

Figure 1.1 presents the subject site location and surrounding land uses.



Figure 1.1 - Subject Site Location and Surrounding Land Uses

1.3 This ReportThis report summarises the methodology, results and conclusions of the assessment. A glossary of

terms is presented in Appendix A to assist the reader.



2 Summary of Potential Impacts

2.1 Description of OperationsThe subject site currently operates as a soil manufacturing and composting facility which includes a

borrow pit for on site construction activities. It is proposed to extend the existing borrow pit to a

commercial operation for supply to external customers. The quarry, to be located in the south-

western portion of the site, has a footprint of approximately 9.3 hectares and will generate

approximately 200,000 tonnes per annum of extracted material.

The quarry process will involve the removal of the overburden and more weathered metamorphics

via dozer or excavator ripping in the upper bench. Conventional drill and blast methodologies will

occur in the benches below this. The quarried material is then processed within the pit using several

mobile crushing and screening plant items for sizing the material.

The proposed quarry expansion is proposed to operate from 6 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday.

Approximately 4 to 6 blasts per year are proposed between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm Monday to

Friday and 9 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.

In addition to the quarry, a concrete batching plant to the east of the quarry is proposed. Aggregate

sourced from the quarry will provide the necessary materials for the concrete batching process which

has an expected production volume of 40,000 cubic metres per annum. The proposed operating

hours for the concrete batching plant are 24 hours per day.

With the exception of plant items associated with the concrete batching, no additional plant items

are proposed; however, based on the production volumes and the combined operations, an

additional 41 haul truck movements per day are likely to occur.

Figure 2.1 presents the proposed site layout including the quarry and concrete batching plant

locations.



Figure 2.1 - Proposed Site Layout

2.2 Potential Noise SourcesThe main noise generating activities include both stationary and mobile equipment required for the

quarry process. A list of processing and mobile equipment expected to operate at the site is as

follows:

⚫ Quarry Operations (6 am – 6 pm):

⚫ Processing plant items

⚫ Primary Crusher - Finlay J1175 jaw crusher

⚫ Secondary Crusher - 1300 Cone Terex Pegson crusher

⚫ Tertiary Crusher - 1000 Maxtrax Cone crusher

⚫ Quaternary Crusher – Lokotrax 7150 VSI

⚫ 1 x horizontal screen



⚫ Mobile machinery

⚫ water cart

⚫ dump trucks

⚫ excavators

⚫ front end loaders

⚫ bulldozers

⚫ drill rig

⚫ Concrete Batching Plant (24 Hours)

⚫ front end loader

⚫ conveyor motor

⚫ truck slumping

⚫ dust extraction fan

⚫ truck dumping raw materials

⚫ cement deliveries

2.3 Cumulative ImpactsThe proposed quarry and concrete batching plant will operate in conjunction with the current soil

manufacturing and composting operation. The soil manufacturing and composting facility includes

the use of mulchers, haul trucks and mobile plant equipment. The potential cumulative noise

impacts associated with these items and activities have been considered in this assessment.

2.4 Potentially Sensitive ReceptorsThe surrounding area and adjoining properties consist of primarily rural land uses, with the exception

of an outdoor recreation and education facility (Garapine) located to the north. This facility provides

a range of activities including mountain biking, school camps, weddings and accommodation. This

use has been identified as the nearest sensitive receptor with several outdoor activities including

high ropes and a flying fox located within close proximity to the site boundary. The accommodation

facilities associated with the facility are located approximately 420 m from the proposed quarry.

Other nearby sensitive uses consist of predominately rural residential properties located between

600 m to 1100 m from the subject site. Figure 1.1 presents the subject site location and surrounding

uses.



3 Existing Environment

3.1 Local MeteorologyFigure 3.1 presents 2007 wind roses derived from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Gympie station

data. The Gympie station represents the nearest BOM station to the site (approximately 15 km to the

north of the site). The area is dominated by a south easterly wind component during all periods (day,

evening and night) with wind speeds becoming lighter during the night period. These wind conditions

result in the nearest sensitive receptor being located downwind from the proposed quarry for the

greatest proportion of time.

Figure 3.1 - 2006 Gympie Bureau of Meteorology Station Wind Rose



3.2 Existing Acoustic Environment

3.2.1 Overview

In order to derive noise criteria for the site, unattended noise monitoring was undertaken at three

locations from 24 October to 1 November 2016. These three positions included one location

representative of the nearest sensitive receptor and two located close to the site boundary for model

calibration purposes. During a site visit to the area, existing operations at the subject site were

audible at all three locations. In addition to noise from the subject site, traffic noise from the Bruce

Highway, bird and insect noise was also noted from site observations and a review of audio

recordings.

The following sections outline the noise monitoring methodology and results.

3.2.2 Noise Monitoring Methodology

Background noise monitoring was undertaken at three locations. Position N1 was chosen to represent

the outdoor education facility and has been used to derive the background noise levels for the

nearest sensitive receptors. The remaining two locations have been used for model calibration

purposes. Figure 3.2 presents the noise monitoring locations.

Figure 3.2 - Unattended Noise Monitoring Locations



Noise measurements were undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Australian AS

1055-1997 'Acoustics – Description and measurement of environmental noise'. Type 1 sound level

meters were utilised for the background noise logging. The instruments were situated in a free-field

position. The serial numbers and calibration information for the instruments are presented in

Table 3.1. An averaging time of 15 minutes was adopted and measurements with microphones

positioned at a height of 1.2 metres above ground level and fitted with a windshield throughout the

measurements.

Table 3.1 - Noise Instrument Calibration Information

PositionInstrument/ Serial

No.Monitoring Dates

NATA

Calibration

Current to:

Pre-

Calibration

Post-

Calibration

N1 ARL Ngara (878065) 24/10/16 – 30/10/16 17/11/17 94.0 94.0

N2 Norsonic 140 (1404663) 24/10/16 – 01/11/16 16/07/17 94.0 94.0

N3 ARL Ngara (87808A) 24/10/16 – 28/10/16 15/04/17 94.0 94.2

Calibrator Rion NC74 (334483804) - 16/11/16 - -

Wind and rainfall data from the Gympie Bureau of Meteorology station indicates approximately

3 hours of noise data was potentially affected by rainfall. To avoid a weather-related bias, noise

measurements associated with wind or rain-affected periods have not been considered.

3.2.3 Noise Monitoring Results

Table 3.2 and 3.3 presents a summary of the averages of each monitoring period (day, evening and

night). Table 3.5 presents a summary of averages for each period across the whole monitoring

period. In accordance with the DEHP Planning for Noise Control guideline, the Assessment

Background Level (ABL) or minLA90,1-hour is the 90th percentile LA90,1-hour of each period. The Rating

Background Level (RBL) is the median ABL across the whole monitoring period for the relevant period

of the day.

Table 3.2 - Position N1 – Summary of Noise Levels dB(A)

Date Period LAMax LA1 LA10 LA90 LAeq ABL

24/10/16 Day 61.9 55.2 50.6 45.8 53.7 43.7

Evening 51.0 47.2 43.6 36.3 41.5 34.1

Night 55.5 50.2 45.1 36.1 45.3 31.7

25/10/2016 Day 63.2 56.9 51.6 44.8 50.1 42.5

Evening 53.9 49.0 45.7 38.9 43.6 36.7




Night 56.1 50.6 46.0 36.3 45.2 31.0

26/10/2016 Day 61.8 55.5 50.4 44.5 49.0 42.1

Evening 57.0 50.6 46.9 40.1 45.4 37.5

Night 56.1 49.8 45.3 36.8 44.5 32.1

27/10/2016 Day 60.8 54.5 49.4 43.8 47.8 42.7

Evening 55.0 50.9 47.6 39.6 46.4 36.4

Night 55.3 49.6 45.5 35.3 44.8 29.4

28/10/2016 Day 61.1 53.7 49.6 45.0 48.3 43.2

Evening 53.8 48.6 45.2 38.8 44.7 35.5

Night 56.9 50.1 44.9 33.4 45.6 29.2

29/10/2016 Day 62.7 54.8 49.9 44.3 49.1 42.6

Evening 55.0 47.8 44.3 36.4 45.0 33.3

Night 56.2 49.4 42.5 31.9 42.9 27.1

30/10/2016 Day 61.9 54.9 49.6 43.4 48.6 40.3

Evening 52.7 49.0 45.7 38.9 46.2 35.2

Night 55.3 49.1 44.0 33.9 45.0 29.4

31/10/2016 Day 60.8 54.2 48.7 43.6 47.5 43.1



24/10/16 Day 64.4 57.8 52.3 46.3 52.4 43.7

Evening 52.1 48.0 43.4 35.2 41.4 32.8

Night 56.2 49.6 43.3 32.8 43.4 27.8

25/10/16 Day 59.7 52.9 47.1 41.2 47.7 37.8

Evening 52.3 47.4 44.1 37.4 41.8 35.0

Night 56.2 50.9 45.5 34.8 43.7 30.4

26/10/16 Day 60.5 52.4 46.5 40.7 45.6 38.7

Evening 52.2 47.8 44.5 38.8 42.9 36.4

Night 57.0 50.9 45.7 36.0 44.5 31.1

27/10/16 Day 60.9 53.1 46.8 40.8 46.1 38.9

Evening 54.0 48.4 44.2 37.3 43.5 35.0

Night 56.9 50.3 45.5 34.7 44.4 29.2




28/10/16 Day 63.2 56.3 52.0 46.9 51.0 41.8

Evening 54.2 49.3 45.0 39.1 43.5 35.5

Night 55.3 48.6 42.3 31.4 41.6 27.2

29/10/16 Day 61.1 53.5 49.4 42.7 48.7 38.4

Evening 53.3 48.3 43.8 36.7 42.8 33.0

Night 55.0 47.7 40.7 29.3 41.5 23.7

30/10/16 Day 61.8 54.3 49.1 42.0 48.9 36.6

Evening 53.5 47.1 43.3 37.7 42.1 34.9

Night 53.7 47.0 41.4 32.6 41.8 28.4

31/10/16 Day 60.9 54.0 50.0 45.8 48.9 41.9

Evening 51.9 47.6 44.0 38.6 42.6 36.0

Night 51.4 44.8 39.8 32.4 39.0 28.9

01/11/16 Day 64.5 55.6 51.2 46.2 50.8 41.6

Evening 58.6 51.2 48.0 39.9 47.6 37.0



24/10/16 Day 65.3 57.3 48.3 33.1 47.5 31.0

Evening 46.3 41.8 36.8 27.9 39.6 24.2

Night 51.0 43.6 36.4 26.2 43.9 19.9

25/10/2016 Day 61.4 55.0 47.9 34.9 45.6 33.4

Evening 48.0 44.0 39.5 29.6 41.5 27.1

Night 50.8 43.6 37.6 28.0 46.3 20.9

26/10/2016 Day 62.9 55.5 48.4 35.2 46.3 33.3

Evening 48.1 43.7 38.3 31.2 41.8 27.9

Night 51.5 43.6 37.6 28.9 46.6 22.4

27/10/2016 Day 63.6 56.1 48.2 34.7 47.3 33.1

Evening 45.6 41.7 37.8 31.1 41.9 27.6

Night 50.0 43.5 38.1 29.4 44.5 22.1

28/10/2016 Day 61.7 54.6 47.9 34.3 45.4 32.5

Evening 50.5 46.9 42.5 34.2 44.3 29.1



Table 3.5 - Summary of Average Noise Levels for Each Period

Position Period LAMax LA1 LA10 LA90 LAeq RBL

N1

Day 62 55 50 44 49 43

Evening 54 49 46 38 45 36

Night 56 50 45 35 45 30

N2

Day 61 54 49 43 49 39

Evening 53 48 44 37 43 35

Night 56 49 44 33 43 28

N3

Day 63 56 48 34 46 33

Evening 48 44 39 31 42 28

Night 51 44 37 28 45 22

3.3 Discussion of Noise Monitoring ResultsFrom site observations and a review of audio recordings, noise from existing operations at the

subject site was audible at all three positions. Based on this, to derive background noise levels with

the absence of any existing operations, measured noise levels on Sunday 31 October for position N1

have been adopted. It is noted this may result in conservative assessment criteria. Table 3.6 presents

the adopted background noise levels.

Table 3.6 - Adopted Background Noise Levels (Position N1 – 31/10/16)

Period LAMax LA1 LA10 LA90 LAeq RBL

Day 62 55 50 43 49 40

Evening 53 49 46 39 46 35

Night 55 49 44 34 45 29



4 Assessment Criteria

4.1 OverviewPotential noise emissions from the proposed quarry and concrete batching plant must meet the

requirements of both the Gympie Regional Council (GRC) and the Department of Environment

Heritage Protection (DEHP).

The GRC Planning Scheme does not provide any specific noise criteria or goals.

Guidance with respect to appropriate DEHP limits is available from a number of sources. The existing

activities at the site currently operate under an environmental authority permit no. EPPR02748514,

and this defines specific noise limits. The Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy (EPP Noise) defines

acoustic quality criteria for Queensland, and DEHP has also released draft Model Operating

Conditions ERA16 – Extractive and Screening Activities (16 February 2016) and draft Model Mining

Conditions (26 November 2014). It is noted that the draft Model Operating Conditions ERA16 –

Extractive and Screening Activities only provides vibration and airblast over pressure limits for

blasting activities.

As new planning conditions will be issued for the combined site operations, if approved, it is relevant

to consider the current planning requirements relating to noise as defined in the EPP Noise and the

model mining conditions as opposed to making reference to the existing licence conditions.

The following sections outline the adopted assessment criteria.

4.2 Noise Criteria

4.2.1 DEHP Model Mining Conditions

Table 4.1 presents noise limits outlined in the DEHP Model Mining Conditions.



Table 4.1 - Model Mining Noise Conditions for Sensitive Receptors

Noise Level

dB(A)

measured

as:

Monday to Saturday Sundays and Public Holidays

7 am to 6 pm 6 pm to 10 pm 10 pm to 7 am 9 am to 6 pm 6 pm to 10 pm 10 pm to 9 am

LAeq,adj,15mins CV = 50

AV = 5

CV = 45

AV = 5

CV = 40

AV = 0

CV = 45

AV = 5

CV = 40

AV = 5

CV = 35

AV = 0

LA1,adj,15mins CV = 55

AV = 10

CV = 50

AV = 10

CV = 45

AV = 5

CV = 50

AV = 10

CV = 45

AV = 10

CV = 40

AV = 5

1. CV = Critical Value

2. AV = Adjustment Value

3. To calculate noise limits:

If bg <= CV – AV, then noise limit = bg + AV

If CV – AV < bg <= CV, then noise limit = CV

If bg > CV, then noise limit = bg + 0

4. In the event that measured bg (LA90, adj,15mins) is less than 30 dB(A), then 30 dB(A) can be substituted for the

measured background level

5. bg = background noise level (LA90, adj, 15 mins) measured over 3-5 days at the nearest sensitive receptor

6. If the project is unable to meet the noise limits as calculated above alternative limits may be calculated using the

processes outlined in the “Planning for Noise Control” guideline

Based on the background noise monitoring data, background levels are 40 dB(A), 35 dB(A) and

29 dB(A) during the day, evening and night periods respectively. According to the Model Mining

Conditions, where measured levels are less than 30 dB(A), then 30 dB(A) should be adopted as the

background level for deriving noise criteria. Based on this, the following noise criteria is applicable to

the project:

Table 4.2 - Derived Noise Criteria

Noise Level

dB(A)

measured

as:

Monday to Saturday Sundays and Public Holidays

7 am to 6 pm 6 pm to 10 pm 10 pm to 7 am 9 am to 6 pm 6 pm to 10 pm 10 pm to 9 am

LAeq,adj,15mins 45 40 30 45 40 30

LA1,adj,15mins 50 45 35 50 45 35



4.2.2 EPP Noise 2008

For assessment of potential noise impacts from the proposed concrete batching plant, criteria

presented in the EPP Noise has been adopted. The EPP provides background creep criteria and

acoustic quality objectives (AQOs) for which new developments must comply with. The background

creep criteria is defined as follows:

'To the extent that it is reasonable to do so, noise from an activity must not be -

(a) for noise that is continuous noise measured by LA90,T – more than nil dB(A) greater than

the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T; or

(b) for noise that varies over time measured by LAeq,adj,T – more than 5 dB(A) greater than

the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T.

Table 4.3 presents the background creep noise criteria derived from the background noise

monitoring, and Table 4.4 presents the acoustic quality objectives for the applicable uses. For

assessment of noise impacts on the Garapine outdoor activities, the Acoustic Objective for School or

playground uses has been adopted.

Table 4.3 – Controlling Background Creep – dB(A)

Period RBLContinuous Noise

Sources LAeq,adj,1hr dB(A)

Variable Noise

Sources

LAeq,adj,1hr dB(A)

Day 40 40 45

Evening 35 35 40

Night 29 29 34



Table 4.4 - Acoustic Quality Objectives for Residential Dwellings

Sensitive

ReceptorTime of Day

Acoustic Quality Objectives - dB(A)Environmental

ValueLAeq,adj,1hr

dB(A)

LA10,adj,1hr

dB(A)

LA1,adj,1hr

dB(A)

Dwelling (for

indoors)

Daytime and

Evening35 40 45 Health and wellbeing

Night 30 35 40

Health and wellbeing in

the relation to the ability

to sleep

School or

playground (for

outdoors)

When the

children usually

play outside

55 - -Health and well-being,

and community amenity

To allow comparison with the internal noise acoustic quality objectives, a 5 dB reduction has been

applied to external noise predictions.

4.2.3 Discussion of Noise CriteriaAs no noise limits are specified in the Model Operating Conditions ERA16 - Extractive Industries, for

comparison of predicted noise levels from the proposed quarry operation, the noise limits specified in

the Model Mining Conditions have been adopted as presented in Table 4.2. Given the similar noise

sources and operational activities between the two industries, these limits are considered the most

appropriate and applicable for the assessment.

For assessment of noise impacts from the proposed concrete batching plant, the criteria presented in

the EPP Noise have been adopted. A comparison of the acoustic quality objectives and derived

background creep criteria is presented in Table 4.5 below. For continuous noise sources, the

background creep criteria has been adopted. The most stringent of the two criterion has been

adopted for assessment of non-continuous sources.

As stated previously, for assessment of noise levels for the outdoor activities at the nearby Garapine

facility, the EPP Acoustic Quality Objective for school or playgrounds has been adopted.



Table 4.5 - Adopted EPP Noise Criteria for the Concrete Batching Plant – dB(A)

Period Acoustic

Quality

Objectives

(LAeq,adj,1hour)1

Background Creep Adopted Criteria

Non-

Continuous

(LAeq,adj,1hour)

Continuous

(LAeq,adj,1hour)

Non-

Continuous

(LAeq,adj,1hour)

Continuous

LAeq,adj,1hour

Day (7 am – 6 pm 40 45 40 45 40

Evening (6 pm - 10pm) 40 40 35 40 35

Night (10 pm – 7 am) 35 34 29 34 29

1 + 5 added to criteria for comparison to external criteria

4.3 Criteria for BlastingThe DEHP provides criteria for blasting in the Model Operating Conditions – ERA16 – Extractive and

Screening Activities (February 2016). The limits apply to the 7 am to 6 pm period only. Blasting for

the proposed quarry will only occur during the 8 am to 4 pm period.

Table 4.6 - Blasting Criteria

Blasting Noise Limits Sensitive or commercial receptor blasting noise limits

Airblast Overpressure 115 dB (Linear) Peak for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts initiated and not

greater than 120 dB (Linear) Peak at any time

Ground Peak Vibration Particle

velocity

5 mm/second peak particle velocity for 9 out of 10 consecutive blasts and

not greater than 10 mm/second peak particle velocity at any time



5 Noise Assessment

5.1 Modelling MethodologyFor the purposes of predicting impacts associated with noise emissions from the proposed quarry

and concrete batching plant on nearby sensitive receptors, noise modelling has been undertaken

using the proprietary software Cadna/A (Computer Aided Noise Abatement Model) developed by

DataKustik. Cadna/A incorporates the influence of meteorology, terrain, ground type and air

absorption in addition to source characteristics to predict noise impacts at receptor locations.

The model is utilised to assess the potential noise emissions from the site under a range of operating

scenarios and meteorological conditions. The noise modelling also allows investigation of possible

noise management solutions, in the event that non-compliance with the assessment criterion is

predicted. The following sections discuss the inputs, assumptions and results of the noise modelling.

All predictions have been undertaken in accordance with ISO Standard 9613-2 (1996) Acoustics -

Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors. ISO 9613-2 predictions are relevant for light to

moderate downwind conditions or a well-developed moderate ground-based temperature inversion

(e.g. clear, calm night).

5.2 Ground Elevation DataTo account for ground height variability, terrain data for the area surrounding the development was

obtained from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) 5 Metre Grid of Australia derived from LiDAR model,

which represents a National 5 metre (bare earth) DEM that has been derived from some 236 individual

LiDAR surveys between 2001 and 2015. Terrain heights for the proposed quarry pit have been

obtained from the proponent.

5.3 Modelled Receptor GroupsThirteen (13) discrete receptors have been modelled to represent the nearest sensitive receptors

surrounding the proposed quarry site. These discrete receptors are identified in Figure 5.1. Also

considered in the assessment is the nearest outdoor activity at the nearby Garapine education

facility which has been denoted as C1 on Figure 5.1.



Figure 5.1 - Modelled Discrete Receptors

5.4 Noise Source DataTable 5.1 presents the modelled noise source data for the expected sources as discussed in

Section 2.2. Source noise measurements for the crushers and mulcher have been obtained from on

site measurements undertaken at the existing Corbet operation by ANE. Data for other sources have

been sourced from ANE's extensive in-house noise data base and available literature. The data

presented in Table 5.1 represent Leq noise levels.



Table 5.1 - Modelled Noise Source Data (SWL Leq)

Plant Item/Noise Source Frequency Spectra (SWL)

A Lin31.5 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k

Quarry Sources

Finlay J1175 Crusher2 97 111 114 110 111 108 105 99 91 113 118

Cone Terex Pegson Crusher 101 113 118 109 112 101 97 93 86 111 120

1000 Maxtrax Cone Crusher 97 109 113 108 104 101 98 92 85 107 116

Horizontal Screen 100 98 94 90 93 92 89 84 82 96 104

Lokotrac 7150 VSI Crusher 97 111 114 110 111 108 105 99 91 113 118

Haul Truck (10km/h) 102 105 98 100 90 90 96 98 98 103 109

Bulldozer - 117 118 109 101 102 98 96 92 108 121

40 t Excavator - 105 114 103 103 99 97 92 83 106 115

Front End Loader 77 82 84 90 95 100 98 93 85 103 103

Water Cart 95 99 104 107 102 100 97 91 85 105 111

Drill Rig 98 114 109 110 116 118 122 120 120 127 127

Reversing Beeper (LAMax)1 - - - - - 115 - - - 115 115

Concrete Batching Plant Sources

Truck Slumping 47 64 85 85 92 98 106 94 86 108 107

Conveyor Motor 85 85 86 84 82 77 71 69 64 83 92

Haul Truck (10km/h) 102 105 98 100 90 90 96 98 98 103 109

Front End Loader 77 82 84 90 95 100 98 93 85 103 103

Truck dumping Aggregate 104 100 90 89 92 95 94 96 91 101 107

Cement Delivery 100 113 109 108 108 101 101 97 96 109 116

Dust extraction fan 83 87 91 93 89 86 82 80 73 92 98




Plant Item/Noise Source Frequency Spectra (SWL)

A Lin31.5 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k

Soil Manufacturing Sources

Terex Finlay 883+ Mulcher 94 102 97 97 98 93 91 87 81 99 106

Front End Loader 77 82 84 90 95 100 98 93 85 103 103

Truck dumping 104 100 90 89 92 95 94 96 91 101 107

Haul Truck (10km/h) 102 105 98 100 90 90 96 98 98 103 109


1 Includes a + 3 correction for tonality2 Includes a + 3 correction for impulsiveness2 Iterative model runs indicate the dust extraction fan must be limited to an SWL of 92 dB(A)



5.5 Noise Modelling ScenariosGiven the various existing and proposed uses at the development site, several modelling scenarios

have been considered as part of the assessment.

Initial model runs indicated non-compliance for the night period. Through iterative modelling runs

and review of the results, it was indicated that the following sources are the main contributors to the

exceedances:

⚫ Drilling in the quarry;

⚫ Pneumatic cement deliveries to the storage silos; and,

⚫ Truck slumping in the concrete batching plant.

In order to minimise noise impacts and achieve predicted compliance, acoustic barriers shielding

truck slumping are proposed (see Figure 5.3). Where slumping occurs below the hopper/silo fill

points, it may be preferred to enclose the area, rather than construct a barrier along the boundary of

the site. Furthermore, drilling in the quarry must be limited to the Day period (7 am – 6 pm).

Similarly, cement deliveries (pneumatic delivery to the on-site silos) must be restricted to the Day

and Evening periods (7 am to 10 pm).

In addition to the mitigation measures above, it is recommended as a management measure to

restrict any ongoing excavator activities occurring on the western face of the pit during the early

morning period (6 am – 7 am) and programming activities in this area for higher ambient noise

periods (e.g. morning/afternoon peak traffic periods, such as 7 – 9 am and 4 – 6 pm).

The noise modelling scenarios are as follows:

⚫ Scenario 1 – Day Period (7 am – 6 pm) Proposed Quarry Operations and Cumulative Impacts from

Concrete Batching Plant and Existing Operations

⚫ All equipment in Table 5.1 operating continuously including concrete batching plant and

soil manufacturing facility;

⚫ minimum height 3.5 m acoustic barriers shielding truck slumping as shown on

Figures 5.2 and 5.3;

⚫ Dust extraction fan on concrete batching plant limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A);

⚫ 10 haul truck movements/15 min.

⚫ Scenario 2 – Early Morning Period (6 am – 7 am) Proposed Quarry Operations and Cumulative

Impacts from Concrete Batching Plant

⚫ All quarry sources with the exception of drilling as identified in Table 5.1 operating

continuously;

⚫ All concrete batching plant sources occurring simultaneously, no cement deliveries to

the storage silos occurring during this period;





⚫ Dust extraction fan on concrete batching plant limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A);

⚫ 5 haul truck movements/15 min.

⚫ Scenario 3 – Proposed Concrete Batching Plant Only – Evening and Night Period.



⚫ Dust extraction fan limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A);

⚫ Continuous sources: truck slumping, conveyor motor operation and dust extraction fan;

⚫ Variable Noise Sources: haul truck movements, FEL operation, cement deliveries and

truck dumping aggregate (in addition to continuous sources).

It is noted that there is a potential for noise associated with the bagging area and workshop facilities

on Earthworks Pad 2. These may include the use of hand tools, forklifts and compressors. Given the

majority of these sources are located within a building providing shielding from the nearest

receptors, in addition to a large separation distance of over 800 m, any noise impacts are likely to be

negligible in comparison to external plant items. Therefore, the modelling has only considered noise

sources with a potential for off site impacts.

The modelled source locations are presented in Figures 5.2 and 5.3. The noise source data as

presented in Table 5.1 has been adopted in modelling of these sources.



Figure 5.2 - Modelled Quarry Noise Source Locations



Figure 5.3 - Modelled Concrete Batching Noise Plant Sources

5.6 Predicted Noise Results (With Mitigation)Table 5.2 presents the predicted noise levels for the modelling scenarios outlined in Section 5.5.

Noise levels have been predicted at a receptor height of 1.8 m and 4.8 m above ground level for

ground and first floor levels respectively.



Table 5.2 – Predicted Noise Levels – dB(A) – With Mitigation

Receptor

Concrete Batching

Evening/Night Period

Non-Continuous

(LAeq,1hour)

Concrete Batching


Continuous (LAeq,1hour)

Concrete Batching


LA1,1hour)

Concrete Batching


(LA10,1hour)

Quarry Operation

( + Concrete Batching

Plant)

6 am – 7 am (LAeq, adj, 15min)

Quarry Operation

( + Concrete Batching Plant

and Soil Manufacturing)

7 am – 6 pm (LAeq, adj, 15min)

R1 26.7 24.2 25.8 25.3 29.8 37.7

R2 12.5 9.1 10.7 10.2 18.2 25.4

R3 14.5 10.7 14.8 13.4 18.8 27.0

R4 19.5 16.8 21.2 18.5 22.0 35.4

R5 23.9 19.7 26.6 23.4 24.7 38.1

R6 17.1 15.6 21.3 20.2 18.8 27.0

R7 28.9 26.9 30.1 28.2 29.3 35.8

R8 25.6 24.0 26.5 23.4 28.4 32.3

R9 25.9 24.3 25.9 23.1 29.9 35.2

R10 19.5 18.6 20.7 20.6 22.1 27.5

R11 18.9 18.1 19.9 19.8 22.7 26.3

R12 18.0 17.2 19.1 19.0 22.8 27.0

C1 - - - - - 48.1

ResidentialCriteria

Evening: 40 dB(A)Night: 34 dB(A)

Evening: 35 dB(A)Night: 29 dB(A)

Day/Evening: 45 dB(A)

Night: 40 dB(A)

Day/Evening: 40 dB(A)

Night: 35 dB(A)6 am – 7 am: 30 dB(A)

7 am – 6 pm: 45 dB(A),

6 pm – 7 pm: 40 dB(A)

School or Playground: 55dB(A)



5.7 BlastingApproximately 4 to 6 blasts are proposed annually. Any blasting would occur in a fully confined blast

hole, minimising the potential for excessive blast overpressure. Assuming blasting could occur

anywhere within the quarry, the smallest separation distance from the nearest sensitive receptor

could be 420 m. As the quarry progresses south, the distance to the nearest receptor will increase to

750 m.

For predicting air blast overpressure, the following equation has been adopted as referenced in

AS 2187.2-2006 Explosives - Storage and Use of explosives:

P = Ka (R / Q1/3)a

P = pressure (kPa), converted to dB(Linear) using 20*log(P/Po), where Po is the

reference air pressure of 20 mPa.

Q = explosive charge mass (kg)

R = distance from charge (m)

Ka = site constant for confined blast, 10

a = site exponent, -1.45

For predicting vibration levels, the following equation has been adopted:

V = 1140 (R / Q1/2)-1.6

V = peak particle velocity, mm/s

R = distance from charge (m)

Q = maximum instantaneous charge (kg)

The predicted vibration and airblast overpressure levels are presented in Table 5.3 based on various

maximum instantaneous charge rates and blast to receptor distances.



Table 5.3 - Maximum Allowable Charge Mass

Charge

Mass

Distance to Blast (m)

420 m 550 m 650 m 750 m

Vibration Level

(mm/s)

Airblast Overblast

Level (dBL)a

Vibration Level

(mm/s)

Airblast Overblast

Level (dBL)a

Vibration Level

(mm/s)

Airblast Overblast

Level (dBL)a

Vibration Level

(mm/s)

Airblast Overblast

Level (dBL)a

150 kg 4.0 118.9 2.6 115.5 2.0 113.4 1.6 111.6

200 kg 5.0 120.1 3.3 116.8 2.5 114.6 2.0 112.8

250 kg 6.0 121.1 3.9 117.7 3.0 115.6 2.4 113.8

300 kg 6.9 121.9 4.5 118.5 3.5 116.4 2.7 114.5

400 kg 8.7 123.1 5.7 119.7 4.3 117.6 3.5 115.8

500 kg 10.4 124.0 6.8 120.6 5.2 118.5 4.1 116.7

600 kg 12.1 124.8 7.8 121.4 6.0 119.3 4.8 117.5

700 kg 13.7 125.4 8.9 122.0 6.8 119.9 5.4 118.1

Criteria 5 115 dB (9 out of

10 consecutive

blast)

120 dB (any other

blast)

5 115 dB (9 out of

10 consecutive

blast)

120 dB (any other

blast)

5 115 dB (9 out of

10 consecutive

blast)

120 dB (any other

blast)

5 115 dB (9 out of

10 consecutive

blast)

120 dB (any other

blast)

a AS 2187.2 indicates that the site constant (K a ) for confined blasting overpressure predictions commonly varies between 10 to 100. A value of 10 has been adopted and this results in

similar predictions to other literature available on airblast overpressure for confined blasting.



The results of the predictions indicates that compliance with the vibration limit can be achieved with

a Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) of 200 kg or less during the early stages of the quarry

excavation when the distance to the blast are smallest. As the quarry progresses south, the

predicted compliant MIC increases to 600 kg with a distance to blast of 750 m.



6 ConclusionA noise assessment has been undertaken for the proposed quarry and concrete batching operation

at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston. Also considered in the assessment are cumulative impacts from

the existing soil manufacturing and composting facility.

Unattended noise monitoring was undertaken at the nearest sensitive receptor with noise levels used

to derive noise criteria for comparison to the relevant Department of Environment and Heritage

Protection criteria.

Computational modelling was undertaken to predict noise levels at the nearest surrounding sensitive

receivers. Based on the predictive noise modelling, compliance at the existing sensitive receptors

(residential and educational) is predicted for the proposed hours of operation provided the following

measures are implemented:

⚫ Dust extraction fan located at the concrete batching plant is limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A).

⚫ Installation of minimum 3.5m high acoustic barriers shielding areas of truck slumping at the

concrete batching plant, as located on Figure 5.3 (potential to enclose area below the hopper/silo

fill point, rather than constructing extensive barriers).

⚫ Restricting pneumatic cement deliveries to on-site storage silos to the Day and Evening periods

(7 am – 10 pm).

⚫ Restricting drilling in the quarry to the Day period (7 am – 6 pm).

⚫ Restricting any ongoing excavator activities occurring on the western face of the pit during the

early morning period (6 am – 7 am) and programming activities in the area for higher ambient

noise periods (e.g. morning/afternoon peak traffic periods).

For blasting activities, compliance with the appropriate noise and vibration criteria is predicted

provided that fully confined blasting is undertaken with a Maximum Instantaneous Charge of 200 kg

with a receptor to blast distance of 420 m. As the quarry progresses further south, the Maximum

Instantaneous Charge can be increased to 600 kg.



Appendix A - Acoustic Glossary



APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY OF ACOUSTIC TERMINOLOGY

A-Weighting A response provided by an electronic circuit which modifies sound in such a way

that the resulting level is similar to that perceived by the human ear.

dB (decibel) This is the scale on which sound pressure level is expressed. It is defined as 20

times the logarithm of the ratio between the root-mean-square pressure of the

sound field and the reference pressure (0.00002N/m2).

dB(A) This is a measure of the overall noise level of sound across the audible spectrum

with a frequency weighting (i.e. ‘A’ weighting) to compensate for the varying

sensitivity of the human ear to sound at different frequencies.

Facade Noise Level Refers to a sound pressure level determined at a point close to an acoustically

reflective surface (in addition to the ground). Typically a distance of 1 metre is

used.

Free Field Refers to a sound pressure level determined at a point away from reflective

surfaces other than the ground with no significant contribution due to sound from

other reflective surfaces; generally as measured outside and away from buildings.

Hertz (Hz) A measure of the frequency of sound. It measures the number of pressure peaks

per second passing a point when a pure tone is present.

LAeq

Equivalent Continuous

Sound Level

This is the equivalent steady sound level in dB(A) containing the same acoustic

energy as the actual fluctuating sound level over the given period. For a steady

sound with small fluctuations, its value is close to the average sound pressure level.

LA90,T This is the dB(A) level exceeded 90% of the time, T.

LA10,T This is the dB(A) level exceeded 10% of the time, T.

LA50, T This is the dB(A) level exceeded 50% of the time, T.

LWA The A-weighted sound power level in dB.



Our Ref: KMF/JMR0695 File No: 2016–1895 Your Ref: 1948.DA1.310.002 13 December 2016 Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd C/- Groundwork Plus PO Box 1779 MILTON QLD 4064 Attention: Megan Benham

Acknowledgment Notice Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (s268)

Application Details Application no: 2016-1895 Assessment manager: Gympie Regional Council

PO Box 155 GYMPIE QLD 4570 Ph: 5481 0454 Fax: 5481 0801 Email: [email protected]

Assessing officer: Kasia Fuller Real property description: Lot 520 SP263809 Property location: 1944 Bruce Highway (South), Traveston It is advised that the following matters relate to the above application. 1. Development Approval

The following development approval is being sought:

Development Proposal details Approval type Making a Material Change of Use

Extractive Industry and High Impact Industry (Concrete Batching Plant) and

Development Permit

mailto:[email protected]

2016-1895 Page 2 of 4

Development Proposal details Approval type Environmentally Relevant Activities ERA 16(2)(b) Extracting, other than by dredging more than 100,000 tonnes but not more than 1,000,000 tonnes of material in a year and ERA 16 (3)(b) Screening more than 100,000 but not more than 1,000,000 tonnes of material in a year.

2. Referral Agencies

(a) Pursuant to section 272 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, the applicant is required to give each referral agency the following: (i) A copy of the application, unless the agency already has a copy. (ii) A copy of the acknowledgment notice, unless the referral agency is the entity

that gave the notice. (iii) The fee prescribed under a regulation under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009

or another Act; or if the functions of the concurrence agency in relation to the application have been devolved or delegated to a local government, the fee that is, by resolution, adopted by the local government.

(b) This application will lapse unless the applicant gives to each referral agency the

referral agency material within the period mentioned in section 272(2) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, as follows:

s.272 (2) The referral agency material must be given to all referral agencies within— (a) 20 business days after the applicant receives the acknowledgement notice; or (b) the further period agreed between the assessment manager and the applicant.

(c) The applicant must give the assessment manager written notice of the day the

applicant complied with 2 (a) and (b) above in accordance with section 275 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

(d) The following table outlines the applicable referral agencies for this application:

Referral agency Trigger How to lodge Concurrence Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning (DILGP)

Schedule 7, Table 2, Item 1 (ERAs) Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 1 (State-controlled road)

MyDAS electronic lodgement: www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/development-applications/mydas.html Standard post lodgement: DILGP SARA

http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/development-applications/mydas.html

http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/development-applications/mydas.html

2016-1895 Page 3 of 4

Referral agency Trigger How to lodge State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) | Wide Bay Burnett

Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 2 (Development impacting on State transport infrastructure)

Level 1, 7 Takalvan Street / PO Box 979 BUNDABERG QLD 4670 Email lodgement: [email protected]

This list is provided for your information only. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify

any referral agencies for the application. 3. Impact Assessment

It is determined that the development applied for requires Impact Assessment. Public notification of the development is required to be undertaken in accordance with sections 294-304 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). A “Guide on public notification of certain development applications” is available from the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government, and Planning on their website (dilgp.qld.gov.au/development-applications/development-application-public-notification.html). However, your specific attention is brought to the following legislative public notification requirements: 296 When notification stage can start

(1) If there are no concurrence agencies and the assessment manager has stated in the acknowledgement notice that the assessment manager does not intend to make an information request, the applicant may start the notification stage as soon as the acknowledgement notice is given.

(2) If no information requests have been made during the last information request period, the applicant may start the notification period as soon as the last information request period ends.

(3) If an information request has been made during the information request period, the applicant may start the notification period as soon as the applicant gives— (a) all information request responses to all information requests made; and (b) copies of the responses to the assessment manager.

298 Notification period for applications

(1) The notification period for the application must be at least— (a) 30 business days starting on the day after the last action under section 297(1)

is carried out, if any of the following apply for the application— (i) there are 3 or more concurrence agencies; (ii) all or part of the development—

(A) is assessable under a planning scheme; and


http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/development-application-public-notification.html

http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/development-application-public-notification.html

2016-1895 Page 4 of 4

(B) is prescribed under a regulation for this subparagraph; (iii) all or part of the development is the subject of an application for a

preliminary approval mentioned in section 242; or (b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—15 business days starting on the day

after the last action under section 297(1) is carried out. (2) The notification period must not include any business day from 20 December in a

particular year to 5 January in the following year, both days inclusive. 300 Applicant to give assessment manager notice about particular matters

If the applicant carries out notification, the applicant must, within 5 business days after the day the last of the actions mentioned in section 297(1) is carried out, give the assessment manager written notice of the day the last of the actions is carried out.

301 Notice of compliance to be given to assessment manager

If the applicant carries out notification, the applicant must, within 20 business days after the notification period ends, give the assessment manager written notice that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this division.

302 Application lapses if notification not carried out or notice of compliance not given

(1) An application to which the notification stage applies lapses if— (a) the last action under section 297(1) is not carried out before the end of 20

business days after the applicant was entitled to start the notification stage or the further period agreed between the assessment manager and the applicant; or

(b) the applicant has not complied with section 301 within the period stated in the section or the further period agreed between the assessment manager and the applicant.

4. Information Request

Pursuant to section 276 of Sustainable Planning Act 2009 the assessment manager may require further information to be submitted. The period within which the requirements will be notified is extended by 10 business days pursuant to section 277 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

Should you wish to discuss the above matter further, please contact me at Council's Planning & Development Directorate on (07) 5481 0454 or email [email protected]. Yours faithfully Signed by Kasia Fuller Kasia Fuller Planning Officer


Department Principal: Tegan Smith Project Contact: Megan Benham

Resources Environment Planning Laboratories www.groundwork.com.au

ABN: 13 609 422 791

Queensland 6 Mayneview Street, Milton Qld 4064 PO Box 1779, Milton BC, Qld 4064 P: +61 7 3871 0411 F: +61 7 3367 3317 South Australia 2/1 First Street, Nuriootpa SA 5355 PO Box 854, Nuriootpa SA 5355 P: +61 8 8562 4158 E: [email protected]

Date: 15 December 2016 Ref: 1948.DA1.315.002 Chief Executive Officer Gympie Regional Council PO Box 155 Gympie QLD 4570 Attention: Kasia Fuller Dear Kasia DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY, HIGH IMPACT INDUSTRY (CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT) AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ACTIVITIES (ERA’s) AT 1944 BRUCE HIGHWAY, TRAVESTON QLD 4570 (LOT 520 ON SP263809) GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL REFERENCE: 2016-1895 Groundwork Plus acts on behalf of Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd, the applicant for the abovementioned application. In accordance with section 275 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) we can confirm that the referral agency for the application has been forwarded a copy of the items mentioned in section 272(1) of the SPA, on 14 December 2016. A copy of the referral letter sent to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) has been enclosed for your reference. If you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on (07) 3871 0411 or via email at [email protected]. Yours faithfully Groundwork Plus Megan Benham Town Planning Consultant Enc.: Referral Letter to the State Assessment and Referral Agency.




ABN: 13 609 422 791

Queensland 6 Mayneview Street, Milton Qld 4064 PO Box 1779, Milton BC, Qld 4064 P: +61 7 3871 0411 F: +61 7 3367 3317 South Australia 2/1 First Street, Nuriootpa SA 5355 PO Box 854, Nuriootpa SA 5355 P: +61 8 8562 4158 E: [email protected]

Date: 15 December 2016 Ref: 1948.DA1.315.001 State Assessment and Referral Agency Wide Bay Burnett Regional Office Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning PO Box 979 Bundaberg QLD 4670 Via: Online MyDAS System Dear Sir/Madam DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY, HIGH IMPACT INDUSTRY (CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT) AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ACTIVITIES (ERA’s) AT 1944 BRUCE HIGHWAY, TRAVESTON QLD 4570 (LOT 520 ON SP263809) GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL REFERENCE: 2016-1895 Groundwork Plus acts on behalf of Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd, the applicant for the abovementioned application. The application has been confirmed by Council as properly made and an Acknowledgement Notice was issued on 13 December 2016. The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) is a Referral Agency for the above application, for the following trigger:

Schedule 7, Table 2, Item 1 (Environmentally relevant activities);

Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 1 (State-controlled road); and

Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 2 (Development impacting on State transport infrastructure). In accordance with section 272(1) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, please find the following available on the MyDAS system:

(a) one (1) copy of the application (including application forms and supporting material)

(b) one (1) copy of the Acknowledgement Notice (13 December 2016). This referral will be accompanied by the relevant fee as set by the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009. If you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on (07) 3871 0411 or via email at [email protected]. Yours faithfully Groundwork Plus Megan Benham Town Planning Consultant


Our Ref: KMF/JMR0727 File No: 2016-1895 Your Ref: 1948.DA1.310.002

18 January 2017

Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd C/- Groundwork Plus PO Box 1779 MILTON QLD 4064

Attention: Megan Benham

Dear Madam

Re: Development Application Information Request - s276 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009- Material Change of Use of Premises- Extractive Industry and High Impact Industry (Concrete Batching Plant) and Environmentally Relevant Activities ERA 16(2)(b) and ERA 16 (3)(b) over Lot 520 SP263809 -1944 Bruce Highway (South), Traveston

Upon review of the abovementioned development application and supporting information, further information is required to satisfactorily assess this application. The informat ion requested is set-out below:

High Impact Industry- Concrete Batching Plant:

1. It is accepted that a number of industria l uses have been approved on the subject land including a Transport Depot, High Impact Industry (Compost manufacturing and organic waste processing) and Bulk Landscaping Supplies; however these uses were allowed in this rural location primarily because of the noxious nature of compost manufacturing component and ease of access to the Bruce Highway, with the Transport Depot and Bulk Landscaping supplies being necessarily associated with th is use. Consequently, further justification is required from a land use perspective demonstrating the following:

a. why the proposed concrete batching plant should be established on the subject land, given a concrete batching plant is typically an urban activity, normally located in an established industrial estate in close proximity to other urban uses and services;

b. that there is a need for the concrete batching plant at this location and what catchment is expected to be serviced by this facility; and

c. why there is a need to operate the proposed concrete batching plant on a 24 hour basis.

• 1300 307 800 I gympie.qld.gov.au PO Box 155 (242 Mary Street), Gympie Qld 4570

ABN 91 269 530 353 •

Extractive Industry- Quarry:

Need and Community Benefit:

2. It is accepted that there is some support under the planning scheme for an extractive industry use where located in the Rural Zone, which is often the case. Despite this, the proposed development is subject to impact assessment, is not identified as a Key Resource Area (KRA) under the State Planning Policy (SPP) and is also not included in the Extractive Industry Zone or shown to be a local resource under the current planning scheme. Consequently, it is questioned that there is a need for the quarry at this location and also what community benefit will be provided by the development. The applicant is required to demonstrate that there is some need for a quarry at this location and also provide further information about the benefit that will be provided to the general community.

Blasting Safety Risk:

3. The proposed quarry operation is located about 10m from the neighbouring property to the west known as 'Garapine', which is the nearest sensitive receptor. It is understood that this development provides for several outdoor activities close to the boundary, with accommodation facilities also provided, which are located about 420m from the proposed quarry. While a borrow pit has been recently approved, being generally in the same location as the quarry, the borrow pit is of a limited scale, with all extracted material to be used for construction of approved development on the land. Further, this borrow pit use is temporary in nature and is to cease once construction of the approved development is completed.

With respect to the above, please provide further information about the following: a. the risk from blasting to the 'Garapine' development, given the proposed excavation

of material from the quarry will be on ongoing with the extraction of a significant amount of material. In particular, it needs to be demonstrated that the proposed development can operate without causing a risk to persons using the 'Garapine' development, in particular outdoor activities; and

b. that the proposed quarry operation will not significantly compromise the 'Garapine' development to operate in accordance with the existing use rights, given the outdoor activities are an intrinsic component of this use.

Impacts upon Amenity:

Visual Amenity:

4. The matter of impact upon visual amenity is of some concern for the proposed development. While the applicant has advised that this issue has been considered, further information is required with respect to this issue, given the seemingly 'piecemeal approach' to the expanding industrial uses on the land. Please provide further information from a suitably qualified visual amenity expert about the extent of visual scarring caused by the development and the mitigation measures that are to be employed to reduce the impact

2016-1895 Page 2 of 5

caused to the sensitive receptors and the general public using the Bruce Highway and the Mary Valley Link Road, in conjunction with the requirements for landscaped buffering to be provided under the other approvals that have been issued over the land.

5. It is acknowledged that a Noise Assessment has been prepared by Air Noise Environment (ANE). The matter of noise impacts generated are of some concern in terms of the quarry operation and the concrete batching plant, which is proposed to be operated on a 24 hour basis. Both of these uses have potential to cause substantial environmental impacts during daylight hours, in the evening and in particular at night, with respect to the proposed concrete batching plant use. Further justification is to be provided from the noise expert confirming the proposed quarry operation will not adversely impact upon the existing amenity of the sensitive receptors, in particular the 'Garapine' development and its operation. The advice is to confirm that the operation of the borrow pit, being a temporary use on the land, played no part in justifying current and proposed noise levels for the operation of the quarry, in terms of establishing ambient background noise levels.

6. According to the Noise Assessment undertaken by Air Noise Environment (ANE), the operation of the proposed concrete batching plant on a 24 hour basis relies on the erection of acoustic barriers and other measures to ensure compliance for night time operation. The noise expert is to confirm that despite these measures being employed, the noise from the operation of concrete batching plant will be audible at the sensitive receptors. This being the case the applicant is to provide further justification as to why this development should be supported having regard to the rural nature and amenity of the locality.

7. Confirm computational noise modelling assesses impact associated with the front end loader (FEL), as Concrete Batching Plant- Attachment 3 of the application indicates that the machine will be approximately 4.0 to 5.0 metres above ground level when loading, placing it well above the proposed acoustic barrier (3.5 metres).

8. Confirm location and detail of slump adjustment facility (if any).

9. Confirm that the ANE Noise Assessment has considered the impact of noise generated by all activities conducted at the proposed concrete batching plant, including but not limited to reversing alarms, conveyor belt alarms, FEL loading of storage bins, vehicle air brakes and securing of tipper gates as these noises are impulsive in nature.

2016-1895 Page 3 of 5

Community Expectations:

10. The subject land is included in the Rural Zone and is not shown to be a local or State resource for an extractive industry. It is acknowledged that there are a number of current development approvals over the land that allow for High Impact Industry (compost manufacturing and organic waste processing), Bulk Landscape Supplies and a Transport Depot. Despite this, a reasonable person living in the locality would not expect an extractive industry and a concrete batching plant to be established on the land. The applicant is to provide further justification why the development as a whole should be supported, having regard to the reasonable expectations of residents in the locality.

Pursuant to section 278 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, the applicant has three options available in response to this Information Request. The applicant must give the requesting authority (in this case the assessment manager):

1. All of the information requested; or 2. Part of the information requested, together with a written notice asking the requesting

authority to proceed with the assessment of the application; or 3. A written notice:

a) stating that the applicant does not intend to supply any of the information requested; and

b) asking the requesting authority to proceed with the assessment of the application.

The information response should also include a statement indicating which of the above options describes the response you are providing. Your response to this Information Request should be forwarded to the:

Chief Executive Officer Gympie Regional Council PO Box 155 GYM PIE QLD 4570

Pursuant to section 279 (1)(b) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, the application lapses if the applicant does not comply with section 278 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 within six (6) months after receiving the information request (the response period) or the further period agreed between the applicant and the requesting authority.

If the application lapses in accordance with section 279 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (i.e. no response to the information request is received), it may be revived in accordance with section 280 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

2016-1895 Page 4 of 5

Please note: The notification stage for the application cannot commence until the applicant gives:

a) all information request responses to all information requests made; and b) copies of the responses to the assessment manager.

Should you wish to discuss the above matter further, please contact me at Council's Planning & Development Directorate on (07) 5481 0454 or email [email protected].

Yours faithfully

Kasia Fuller Planning Officer

2016-1895 Page 5 of 5

Wide Bay – Burnett Region PO Box 979 BundabergQueensland 4670 AustraliaTelephone (07) 4331 5614Website www.dilgp.qld.gov.au

Our reference: SDA-1216-035761Your reference: 1948.DA1.310.002

1 February 2017

Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd C/- Groundwork PlusPO Box 1779MILTON QLD [email protected]

Attention: Ms Megan Benham

Dear Ms Benham

Information request—concurrence agency1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston QLD 4570 – Lot 520 on SP263809(Given under section 276 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009)

The referral agency material for the development application was received by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning under section 272 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (the act) on 22 December 2016.

The department has carried out an initial review of the application and has determined that in accordance with section 276 of the act, the following additional information is requested to complete the assessment of the application:

Item Information requested

Environmentally relevant activities state code

1. Performance Outcome PO1, Table 4.1.2, Module 4 of the SDAP

Information requested:Please demonstrate how the development activity is to be carried out to minimise serious environmental harm on areas of high conservation value and special significance and sensitive land uses at adjacent places.

Reason for request The application material stated that an assessment against Performance

Outcome 1 was not required due to the site not ‘containing areas of high conservation value or special significance’.

http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au

SDA-1216-035761

Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Page 2

The department notes that there are existing ‘sensitive land uses at adjacent places’ - a commercial place known as ‘Garapine Property’ located on Lot 11 on Plan RP837925 and therefore the relevant assessment must be provided against PO1.

Noise receptors

2. Performance Outcome PO2, Table 4.1.2, Module 4 of the SDAP

Information requested: Please provide information about the potential impacts of the proposed

operations on the acoustic environment (including noise assessment and impacts of blasting) on the nearest sensitive receptor. Please note the nearest commercial place is located approximately 70 meters (not 420 meters) from the western boundary of the proposed quarry.

Please verify compliance and re-design mitigation measures to ensure compliance with Performance Outcome 2.

Please provide attended noise measurements with notes showing sources of transient noise for at least one night. The notes should show how the unattended measurements compare with the attended measurements. The modelling and associated noise mitigations should be verified to ensure compliance will be achieved within the site boundary.

Reason for request The submitted noise assessment report models noise impacts and suggests

mitigation measures based on the nearest sensitive receptor being located approximately 420 meters from the proposed quarry on Lot 11 on Plan RP837925 (Garapine Property).

It has been noted that there are commercial outdoor activities being conducted on Lot 11 (outdoor activities including outdoor education and recreation camps for schools, communities and sporting clubs), which classifies Lot 11 as a commercial place.

The western face of the proposed quarry is actually located approximately 70 meters from the eastern boundary of Lot 11, the department notes that the current proposed modelling (including modelling of impacts of blasting) is not accurate and therefore the proposed noise mitigating measures will be insufficient to protect environmental values of the acoustic environment at the nearest sensitive receptor (commercial place).

The noise monitoring revealed high levels of LAmax, LA1 and LAeq during night time especially for the noise monitoring N1. It is unclear if the noise is to be attributed to the Corbet quarry. The noise levels indicate LAmax as high as 57dB for site N1, which is not acceptable. It is important to establish whether the noise is to be attributed to the Corbet quarries.

Defining noise levels

Performance Outcome PO2, Table 4.1.2, Module 4 of the SDAP

Information requested: Please clarify whether the noise from the upgrade works on the Bruce Highway

has been taken into consideration while background noise measurements were undertaken.

Please confirm that short term construction noise associated with the Bruce Highway upgrade would not influence the output of the noise model and associated recommendations.

Please specify what time of day/night the background noise has been measured.

SDA-1216-035761


Reason for request The submitted noise repose states that ‘from site observations and a review of

audio files, the Bruce Highway was identified as a major noise source defining noise levels’. It has been noted that the upgrade works of the Cooroy to Curra Section C on the Bruce Highway are being currently undertaken. The upgrade works that are likely to be carried out for the next 12 – 18 months resulting in construction noise.

The report not referenced as to whether the noise levels of the highway are associated with the construction noise from the upgrade (which is a short term activity) or the traffic noise.

Air quality

3. Please provide an Air Quality Report that addresses the environmental objectives and Performance Outcomes for air stipulated in Schedule 5, Part 3, Table 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008.Reference should be made to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protections guideline “Application requirements for activities with impacts to air” and address the following points:

Accurately identify the environmental values of the site and surrounding areas, including any nearby sensitive place(s).

Describe the characteristics, including physical properties and chemical composition of emissions from each source.

Provide details on potential “worst case” emissions. Describe any proposed control measures to minimise the emission of

contaminants to air.

The guideline can be accessed online at https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/assets/documents/regulation/era-gl-air-impacts.pdf

Under section 278 of the act, when responding to this request you must advise whether you are supplying all of the information requested, part of the information requested, or none of the information requested. If you are supplying part or none of the information requested, you are also required to provide written notice asking the department to proceed with the assessment of the application.

The due date for receipt of this information is 6 months after the day you receive this request. If necessary you may request an extension to this period. Unless a response to this request for further information has been received from you within this period or any extension during this period, your application will lapse.

A pro forma is attached to this notice to assist you in providing an information request response which complies with the requirements of the act.

Please be advised that the application will be assessed on the basis of the information provided. It is therefore recommended that you respond to all of the information requested by the department. Further details regarding the information request response period and the lapsing of development applications are set out in sections 279 and 280 of the act.

Your response to the information request must be submitted to the department through MyDAS or alternatively emailed to [email protected].

SDA-1216-035761


As the department is a concurrence agency, you must also give a copy of the information request response to the assessment manager under section 278(2) of the act.

If you require any further information, please contact Rachel Pratt, A/Planning Officer, on (07) 4331 5614, or via email [email protected] who will be pleased to assist.

Yours sincerely

Stefan de BeerManager (Planning)

cc: Gympie Regional Council, [email protected]

SDA-1216-035761


Our reference: 1948.DA1.310.002Your reference: SDA-1216-035761

Attn: [email protected]

Response to information request—concurrence agency1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston QLD 4570 – Lot 520 on SP263809(Given under section 278 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009)

Assessment manager reference: 2016-1895

Local government area: Gympie Regional Council

As the applicant of the above development application, I am responding to your information request by:

Enclosing all of the information requested.

Enclosing part of the information requested and asking that the requesting authority proceed with the assessment of the application.

Advising that I do not intend to supply any of the information requested and asking that the requesting authority proceed with the assessment of the application.

Name of applicant: Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd C/- Groundwork Plus

Signature of applicant:

Date:

Our Ref: KMF/JMR0838 File No: 2016-1895 Your Ref: 1948_DA1

2 May 2017

Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd C/- Groundwork Plus PO Box 1779 MIL TON QLD 4064

Attention: Megan Benham

Dear Madam

l GVMPIE

REGIONAL COUNCIL

~

Re: Development Application Information Request - s276 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 - Material Change of Use of Premises- Extractive Industry and High Impact Industry (Concrete Batching Plant) and Environmentally Relevant Activities ERA 16(2)(b) and ERA 16 (3)(b) over Lot 520 SP263809- 1944 Bruce Highway (South), Traveston

I refer to the above application and the public notification requirements under Chapter 6 Part 4 of the Sustainable Planning Act. To assist you in carrying out this procedure, please find enclosed:

• A list of names and addresses of adjoining property owners. • The Department of Local Government and Planning's Guide on public notification of certain

development applications. • A Notice of commencement of public notification and a Notice of compliance of public

notification. These forms must be completed and returned to Council at the appropriate times in accordance with the provisions of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009.

For further information about the public notification process please go to Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning's website at www.dilgp.gld.gov.au. Council has supplies of the public notice sign which must be placed on the road frontage of the property. These signs are currently available at a cost of $71 each.

Should you wish to discuss the above matter further, please contact me at Council's Planning & Development Directorate on (07) 5481 0454 or email [email protected].

Yours faithfully

Kasia Fuller Planning Officer

1

Shannan Salt

From: Megan Benham <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, 15 May 2017 2:41 PMTo: PlanningSubject: Doc 1924210 2016-1895 Response to Council Information Request Corbets

Traveston Attachments: Package__5MiGg6-BbqUP5xUOFlKqOnUOgsso8WMWxEGRgOZ.html

The following attachment has been sent to you using Mail Express®:

1948.DA1.320.001_LTRO_Response to Council IR 15052017.pdf (32.0 MB)

Click the links above or visit the pick-up portal for batch retrieval or to reply with your own attachments. These links will expire in 6 months.

Our ref: 1948.DA1 Your ref: 2016‐1895 Good afternoon Kasia, On behalf of Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd, please find attached a response to the Information Request, issued by Gympie Regional Council and dated 18 January 2017 for the proposed Quarry and Concrete Batching Plant at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston (2016‐1895). In accordance with section 278(1) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, the attached letter and supporting documents comprises a full response to the items raised by Council. It is therefore requested that Council continue with the application process. In accordance with section 296(3) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, a copy of the response to SARA will be forwarded to Council shortly. Should you have any further questions in relation to the material provided, please contact me as detailed below. Regards, Megan

Megan Benham Town Planning Consultant

GROUNDWORK Plus Resources, Environment, Planning, Laboratories 6 Mayneview Street, MILTON QLD 4064 AUSTRALIA (PO Box 1779, MILTON QLD 4064) Ph: +61 7 3871 0411 Fax: +61 7 3367 3317 www.groundwork.com.au

The information in this e‐mail from Groundwork Plus together with any attachments is intended only for the person orentity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any form of review, disclosure,modification, distribution and/or publication of this e‐mail message is expressly prohibited. If you have received thismessage in error, you are asked to inform the sender as quickly as possible and delete this message and any copies of



ABN: 13 609 422 791

Queensland 6 Mayneview Street, Milton Qld 4064 PO Box 1779, Milton BC, Qld 4064 P: +61 7 3871 0411 F: +61 7 3367 3317 South Australia 2/1 First Street, Nuriootpa SA 5355 PO Box 854, Nuriootpa SA 5355 P: +61 8 8562 4158

E: [email protected]

Date 15 May 2017 Ref: 1948.DA1.320.001 Chief Executive Officer Gympie Regional Council PO Box 155 Gympie QLD 4570 Attention: Kasia Fuller Dear Kasia RESPONSE TO INFORMATION REQUEST - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGEOF USE – DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY, HIGH IMPACT INDUSTRY(CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT) AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT ACTIVITIES AT 1944 BRUCE HIGHWAY, TRAVESTON QLD 4570 (LOT 520 ON SP263809) GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL REFERENCE: 2016-1895 On behalf of Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd, Groundwork Plus provides the following response to the Information Request, issued by Council and dated 18 January 2017 relating to the abovementioned application. In accordance with section 278(1) of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ("SPA"), this response comprises

a response to all of the information requested by Council. It is requested that Council proceed with their assessment of the application. A response to each item is provided below. Item 1 – High Impact Industry – Concrete Batching Plant It is accepted that a number of industrial uses have been approved on the subject land including a Transport Depot, High Impact Industry (Compost manufacturing and organic waste processing) and Bulk Landscaping Supplies; however these uses were allowed in this rural location primarily because of the noxious nature of compost manufacturing component and ease of access to the Bruce Highway, with the Transport Depot and Bulk Landscaping supplies being necessarily associated with this use. Consequently, further justification is required from a land use perspective demonstrating the following:

a. why the proposed concrete batching plant should be established on the subject land, given a concrete batching plant is typically an urban activity, normally located in an established industrial estate in close proximity to other urban uses and services;

b. that there is a need for the concrete batching plant at this location and what catchment is expected to be serviced by this facility; and

c. why there is a need to operate the proposed concrete batching plant on a 24 hour basis. Information Response An Economic Needs Assessment has been prepared by Location IQ in response to Item 1a and Item 1b (refer Attachment 1 – Economic Needs Assessment). This report states that:

1948.DA1.320.001_LTRO_Response to Council IR.docx 2

(a) Concrete batching plants typically locate in areas which are in industrial areas near urbanised areas or as part of quarry sites themselves. The advantages of concrete plants locating as part of quarries is that hard rock material forms a key component of concrete. Consequently, locating any concrete batching plant away from a quarry incurs transportation costs. Therefore, there are time and cost savings if batching plants are co-located with the quarry to ensure direct sourcing of materials.

(b) Concrete typically has a 90 minute shelf life, which means that most concrete plants usually locate within 15 to 30 minutes of their target audience. Given the sites location, the proposed concrete batching plant would be able to service major areas such as Gympie, Cooroy and parts of Noosa.

The actual hours of operation will depend on levels of demand for concrete production and the requirement of particular jobs. Infrastructure and development projects undertaken by local authorities, State agencies and contractors are increasingly requiring works to be undertaken during the night, as well as on public holidays and on Sundays. This is due to factors such as minimising traffic disruption, safety, economics and scheduling. For these same reasons flexibility of operation is important. It is expected however, that a majority of the batch plant operations will take place between 5am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 5am to 3pm on Saturday. Item 2 – Extractive Industry – Need and Community Benefit It is accepted that there is some support under the planning scheme for an extractive industry use where located in the Rural Zone, which is often the case. Despite this, the proposed development is subject to impact assessment, is not identified as a Key Resource Area (KRA) under the State Planning Policy (SPP) and is also not included in the Extractive Industry Zone or shown to be a local resource under the current planning scheme. Consequently, it is questioned that there is a need for the quarry at this location and also what community benefit will be provided by the development. The applicant is required to demonstrate that there is some need for a quarry at this location and also provide further information about the benefit that will be provided to the general community. Information Response Extractive resources are formed as a result of fortuitous geological events and hence their location is fixed. While the State Planning Policy (“SPP”) states that the supply of extractive resources (such as sand, gravel, rock, clay and soil) is essential to the construction industry and the delivery of infrastructure, it is uncommon for Local and State governments to actively identify extractive resources areas. Thus, resource investigations are primarily carried out by private industry with applications sought over sites where a sufficient quality and quantity of resource exists. The Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme (“Planning Scheme”) reflects the (now repealed) State Planning Policy 2/07 – Protection of extractive resources (“SPP 2/07”), with land at Moy Pocket and Meadvale identified as Key Resources Areas (“KRA”) under the Key Resource Area Overlay. Land at Moy Pocket and Goomeri is also identified in the Extractive Industry Zone. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines (“DNRM”) considers requests for new KRAs in accordance with the SPP State Interest Guideline for mining and extractive resources (“the SPP guideline”). The SPP guideline defines a KRA as locations across Queensland that are identified as containing important extractive resources of state or regional significance which the state considers worthy of protection for future use. The state or regional significance of a KRA is determined by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, in accordance with the criteria detailed in Part 3: Extractive resources - criteria for state significance of this guideline. The purpose of a KRA is therefore to protect an identified resource, not only in the present but also in the future. The extractive resources – criteria for state significance is as follows:

3.1 An extractive resource is of state or regional significance and therefore identified as a key resource area, if it meets one or more of the following criteria:


• Size: the size of the extractive resource is equal to or greater than the annual demand for the commodity type in its region or sub-region

• Production: the resource is capable of producing five per cent of annual demand for the commodity type in its region or sub-region

• Market: the resource can supply more than one significant part of the region or sub-region

• Scarcity: the resource has particular physical properties that are scarce in the region or sub-region

• Specialised: specialised resources needed for strategic infrastructure. It is proposed to extract up to 200,000 tonnes per annum, of which approximately one-quarter will be taken up by the proposed concrete batching plant. Given the size and type of resource available on the site, the resource does not achieve the abovementioned criteria and a KRA is unlikely to be identified on the site. Notwithstanding the above, the Economic Needs Assessment concluded that the proposed quarry would add to supply within the relevant catchment to meet future quarrying demand throughout the defined study area and was well located for future infrastructure and population growth as compared with the quarries in the northern part of the Gympie region (refer Attachment 1 – Economic Needs Assessment). Item 3 – Extractive Industry – Blasting Safety Risk The proposed quarry operation is located about 10m from the neighbouring property to the west known as ’Garapine’, which is the nearest sensitive receptor. It is understood that this development provides for several outdoor activities close to the boundary, with accommodation facilities also provided, which are located about 420m from the proposed quarry. While a borrow pit has been recently approved, being generally in the same location as the quarry, the borrow pit is of a limited scale, with all extracted material to be used for construction of approved development on the land. Further, this borrow pit use is temporary in nature and is to cease once construction of the approved development is completed. With respect to the above, please provide further information about the following:

a. the risk from blasting to the 'Garapine’ development, given the proposed excavation of material from the quarry will be on ongoing with the extraction of a significant amount of material. In particular, it needs to be demonstrated that the proposed development can operate without causing a risk to persons using the 'Garapine’ development, in particular outdoor activities; and

b. that the proposed quarry operation will not significantly compromise the 'Garapine' development to operate in accordance with the existing use rights, given the outdoor activities are an intrinsic component of this use.

Information Response Refer to the attached Blasting Impact Assessment, prepared by Blastechnology (refer Attachment 2 – Blasting Impact Assessment). This report concludes that full compliance with both blast vibration and overpressure limits is expected at all times, though the extreme north west corner of the proposed pit may be a sensitive area in which quite minor adjustments to blast design might be required. Such adjustments, if necessary, may be restricted to a zone of no more than a hundred metres around the north west corner of the proposed final pit. Flyrock is considered as any rock fragment which is projected from the blast area beyond the clearance zone. Having modelled the proposed blast design parameters, the Blasting Impact Assessment indicates that rock fragments will not be projected more than approximately 70 metres from any blast. The potential for flyrock to occur can be reduced through the application of leading practice blasting techniques. In addition to the protocols discussed in the Blasting Impact Assessment, it is proposed to undertake blasting in accordance with leading practice, including:

(a) Ripping (not blasting) the top two (2) benches on the western face; (b) Utilising blasting mats and/or earth fill to act as a safety measure;


(c) Identifying an exclusion zone; (d) Ensuring people are not within the exclusion zone during blasts; and (e) Orienting blasts to direct blasts away from adjoining properties.

Adopting these leading practice measures will ensure that the proposed activity does not compromise the existing use rights of adjoining land or safety to persons using the adjoining land. Item 4 – Amenity – Visual Amenity The matter of impact upon visual amenity is of some concern for the proposed development. While the applicant has advised that this issue has been considered, further information is required with respect to this issue, given the seemingly 'piecemeal approach' to the expanding industrial uses on the land. Please provide further information from a suitably qualified visual amenity expert about the extent of visual scarring caused by the development and the mitigation measures that are to be employed to reduce the impact caused to the sensitive receptors and the general public using the Bruce Highway and the Mary Valley Link Road, in conjunction with the requirements for landscaped buffering to be provided under the other approvals that have been issued over the land. Information Response A Visual Impact Assessment has been prepared by Insight DAS to address Council’s concerns (refer Attachment 3 – Visual Impact Assessment). This report concludes that appropriate mitigation measures can be adopted to reduce the residual impact significance for identified receptors. These mitigation measures include, but are not limited to:

(a) Incorporating vegetation buffering to the east and south of the proposed quarry site as identified on Figure 1: Aerial view showing area of potential landscape screening;

(b) Painting the silos of the concrete batching plant a recessive colour (e.g. grey or green). Item 5 – Amenity – Noise Assessment It is acknowledged that a Noise Assessment has been prepared by Air Noise Environment (ANE). The matter of noise impacts generated are of some concern in terms of the quarry operation and the concrete batching plant, which is proposed to be operated on a 24 hour basis. Both of these uses have potential to cause substantial environmental impacts during daylight hours, in the evening and in particular at night, with respect to the proposed concrete batching plant use. Further justification is to be provided from the noise expert confirming the proposed quarry operation will not adversely impact upon the existing amenity of the sensitive receptors, in particular the 'Garapine’ development and its operation. The advice is to confirm that the operation of the borrow pit, being a temporary use on the land, played no part in justifying current and proposed noise levels for the operation of the quarry, in terms of establishing ambient background noise levels. Item 6 – Amenity –24 hour operation of Concrete Batching Plant According to the Noise Assessment undertaken by Air Noise Environment (ANE), the operation of the proposed concrete batching plant on a 24 hour basis relies on the erection of acoustic barriers and other measures to ensure compliance for night time operation. The noise expert is to confirm that despite these measures being employed, the noise from the operation of concrete batching plant will be audible at the sensitive receptors. This being the case the applicant is to provide further justification as to why this development should be supported having regard to the rural nature and amenity of the locality. Item 7 – Amenity – Front end loader position Confirm computational noise modelling assesses impact associated with the front end loader (FEL), as Concrete Batching Plant — Attachment 3 of the application indicates that the machine will be approximately 4.0 to 5.0 metres above ground level when loading, placing it well above the proposed acoustic barrier (3.5 metres).


Item 8 – Amenity – Slump Confirm location and detail of slump adjustment facility (if any). Item 9 – Amenity – Concrete batching plant noise Confirm that the ANE Noise Assessment has considered the impact of noise generated by all activities conducted at the proposed concrete batching plant, including but not limited to reversing alarms, conveyor belt alarms, FEL loading of storage bins, vehicle air brakes and securing of tipper gates as these noises are impulsive in nature. Information Response Air Noise Environment have amended the Noise Assessment to address Council’s concerns (refer Attachment 4 – Noise Assessment). Table 1.1 of the Noise Assessment addresses items 4 to 9 of the information request letter. The cumulative impacts of the existing approved activities and proposed operations have been considered in the Noise Assessment. The design of the concrete batching plant has been amended in response to item 7 (refer Attachment 5 – Concrete Batching Plant). The aggregate hoppers are now proposed to be located partially below ground, removing the need for a ramp to allow loading to the hoppers. This report concludes that compliance with the noise criteria can be achieved through the adoption of mitigationmeasures. These mitigation measures include, but are not limited to:

(a) Drilling in the quarry must be limited to the Day period (7am to 6pm);(b) Restrict ongoing excavator activities occurring on the western face of the pit during the early morning

period (6am to 7am) and programming activities in the area of higher ambient noise periods (e.g.morning/afternoon peak traffic periods);

(c) Installation of acoustic barriers shielding areas of the concrete batching plant;(d) Restricting pneumatic cement deliveries to on-site silos to the Day and Evening periods (7am to 10pm);(e) Restrict front end loader operations at the concrete batching plant to the Day and Evening periods

(7am to 10pm);(f) Dust extraction fan located at the concrete batching plant is limited to a SWL of 92 dB(A); and(g) Restrict mulching activities to the Day period (7am to 6pm).

As required, the Noise Assessment considers the cumulative impacts of the existing and proposed development. Modelling has identified risk of non-compliance if the concrete batching plant and mulching activities occur simultaneously between 6am to 7am and 6pm to 7pm. Mulching, which is only part of the process of compost manufacturing/organise waste processing, was previously assessed and approved by Council (Council ref: 2014-1332). The two operations can be easily coordinated to avoid this scenario. Our client is committed to achieving compliance and will voluntarily manage the two operations to achieve compliance. It should also be noted that table 5.4 of the Noise Assessment identifies a maximum charge rate for blasts which is compliant with the appropriate noise at the nearest residential receptor. The Blasting Impact Assessment identifies a lesser (i.e. a more restrictive) maximum charge rate, to achieve compliance with both vibration and overpressure criteria. For the purposes of this application, the maximum charge rate identified in the Blast Impact Assessment will guide the ongoing development of the quarry. However, it is important to retain flexibility in the maximum charge rate and a specific amount should not be conditioned in any approval. Rather it is best dealt with by standard conditions imposed by Department of Environment and Heritage Protection for the Environmental Authority which set the criteria to be achieved. This enables the operator to refine the blasting procedures over time and adapt to changing technology and blast design innovations over time.


Item 10 – Community Expectations The subject land is included in the Rural Zone and is not shown to be a local or State resource for an extractive industry. It is acknowledged that there are a number of current development approvals over the land that allow for High Impact industry (compost manufacturing and organic waste processing), Bulk Landscape Supplies and a Transport Depot. Despite this, a reasonable person living in the locality would not expect an extractive industry and a concrete batching plant to be established on the land. The applicant is to provide further justification why the development as a whole should be supported, having regard to the reasonable expectations of residents in the locality. Information Response It is acknowledged that Council has previously approved Material Change of Use applications over the site. These approvals allow for a Transport Depot, High Impact Industry (compost manufacturing and organic waste processing), Bulk Landscape Supplies and Caretaker’s Accommodation to be established on the site. Our client is currently working towards complying with the conditions of these approvals. Unlike other land uses, the fortuitous nature of extractive resources limits Council’s ability to easily identify potential extractive industry areas during the preparation of planning schemes. Consequently, extractive industry often occurs outside identified resource areas. Further, as mentioned previously, there are advantages of concrete plants co-locating with quarry sites as extracted material forms a key component of concrete. The planning provisions provide guidance on whether a land use activity is appropriate and reasonably expected within a locality. The Rural Zone Code does not identify consistent or inconsistent land use activities. However, section 1.5 of the Planning Scheme states that development which complies with the code overall outcomes complies with the purpose of the code. The proposed development is considered to achieve the overall outcomes of the relevant codes. In particular, Overall outcome (1)(a) and (1)(b) of the Rural Zone Code contemplates that other primary production activities (extractive industry) and non-rural use (high-impact industry) may occur within the Rural Zone. This is further supported by Overall outcome (3)(c) which states that uses that require isolation from urban areas as a consequence of their impacts such as noise or odour may be appropriate where land use conflicts are minimised and Overall outcome (3)(i) which states that extractive industries may be established on land other than good quality agricultural land. Overall outcome (2) also seeks to support the economic viability of a broad range of existing and new agricultural and pastoral land uses, complemented by non-rural uses that are intrinsically linked to rural activities. Development is consistent with the rural character and amenity and the natural values of the area. It is acknowledged that the proposed quarry and concrete batching facility have the potential to result in noise, air quality, blasting and visual impacts to nearby sensitive receptors. Locating these uses in a rural setting removes much of this conflict. Any remaining air quality, noise or blast impacts can be mitigated to within accepted environmental criteria as discussed in the technical reports (the cumulative impacts of the existing approved activities have been considered in the assessment of noise and air quality). The visual amenity assessment also confirms that the development should achieve compatibility with the rural character of the area and appropriately maintain the local amenity through the implementation of a number of mitigation measures. The sites capacity to be used for agricultural pursuits is limited due to the sites size, location and proximity to major roads. It should be noted that land to the north of the site, which has similar attributes to the subject site, has been identified in the Industry Investigation Zone. The Planning Scheme therefore acknowledges that the locality has the potential to accommodate longer-term industrial growth (subject to completion of the Cooroy to Curra Bruce Highway Upgrade and further investigation).


Notwithstanding the existing approvals, the proposed development is contemplated by the overall outcomes of the Rural Zone Code and will support the economic viability of the region. As such, it is reasonable to consider that extractive industry, and associated uses, would occur within the Rural Zone, where the impacts to nearby properties can be mitigated. We confirm that pursuant to section 278 of SPA, this letter and the attached supporting documents comprisesa full response to the items as outlined in the information request issued by Council. It is therefore requestedthat Council continue with the application process. Should you have any further questions in relation to the material provided, please contact me by telephone: (07) 3871 0411 or by email: [email protected] . Yours faithfully Groundwork Plus Megan Benham Town Planning Consultant Enc. Attachment 1 – Economic Needs Assessment

Attachment 2 – Blasting Impact Assessment Attachment 3 – Visual Impact Assessment Attachment 4 – Noise Assessment Attachment 5 – Concrete Batching Plant


Attachment 1

Economic Needs Assessment

Corbet Quarry and Concrete Batching Plant, Traveston

Economic Needs Assessment

Prepared for Corbet Quarries Pty Ltd

May 2017

Corbet Quarry and Concrete Batching Plant, Traveston – Economic Needs Assessment

i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... ii 1 QUARRY INDUSTRY AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ........................................................ 1

1.1 The Quarrying and Construction Industry................................................................... 1

1.2 South East Queensland Quarry & Concrete Market ................................................... 3

1.3 The Proposed Corbet Quarry and Concrete Batching Plant – Traveston ................... 4

2 DEMAND ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................... 10

2.1 Quarring Material Demand per Capita ..................................................................... 10

2.2 Defined Study Area Demand ..................................................................................... 14

3 SUPPLY .............................................................................................................................. 22

3.1 Sunshine Coast Hard Rock Quarries .......................................................................... 22

3.2 Large Operating Quarries .......................................................................................... 25

3.3 Small Operating Quarries .......................................................................................... 26

3.4 Sunshine Coast Council Owned Quarries .................................................................. 27

3.5 Quarries Outside the Study Area .............................................................................. 28

3.6 Major Producers ........................................................................................................ 29

3.7 Level of Competition ................................................................................................. 30

3.8 Future Quarries ......................................................................................................... 30

3.9 Concrete Batching Plants .......................................................................................... 34

4 NEED ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................... 37

4.1 Community Need ...................................................................................................... 37

4.2 Reconciliation of Quarrying Products Supply and Demand ...................................... 38

4.3 Benefits of the Quarry ............................................................................................... 39

4.4 Benefits of Concrete Batching Plant ......................................................................... 40

4.5 Conclusions................................................................................................................ 43


ii Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This report presents an independent assessment of the need and demand for a proposed

quarry and concrete batching plant at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston in the Gympie Regional

Council Area in Queensland. The report has been prepared based on instructions received

from Groundwork Plus, the planners for the subject quarry.

The report is presented in four sections as follows:

• Section 1 reviews the regional and local context of the subject site, including the

importance of quarrying materials to the construction industry in Queensland.

• Section 2 defines the study area of relevance which would be served by the proposed

quarry and concrete batching plant. Population and quarrying construction materials

(including concrete) demand trends are outlined.

• Section 3 assesses the key suppliers within the defined market.

• Section 4 presents an assessment of need for the subject quarry and concrete

batching plant.


1 Quarry Industry and Proposed Development

1 QUARRY INDUSTRY AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

This section of the report provides an overview of the quarrying and concrete industry in

South East Queensland and the potential role of the subject quarry and concrete batching

plant at Traveston.

1.1 The Quarrying and Construction Industry

i. Quarries provide a range of essential earth materials, such as sand, gravel, crushed

rock and clay, which are processed and used as raw inputs for buildings and

construction, agriculture and industrial purposes. The most important industry is

building and construction (including road construction), which has been estimated to

absorb 90% of the output from Australian quarries. These extractive resources (or

aggregates/end product) include processed rock, gravel and sand products that are

used to build houses, schools, roads, bridges, commercial and industrial buildings,

airports, railways and other basic infrastructure our society needs.

ii. The construction of brick homes with tiled rooves relies heavily upon the supply of

clay, as well as sand, whilst larger concrete buildings require a mix of aggregate and

sand. Roads are based mainly upon road base, aggregate and sand with fill/soil

products used for the foundations. For example, a kilometre of highway typically

requires 25,000 tonnes of crushed rock, whereas a kilometre of suburban road

requires 5,000 tonnes of crushed rock, 750 tonnes of concrete for footpaths, kerbs

and gutters and 450 tonnes of asphalt for road surfacing (CCAA: Striving for Smart

Resource Utilisation).

iii. Unlike many land uses, quarries can only locate where sufficient quality resources exist

in a location that is economically viable to extract. They are site specific, limited in

occurrence by geological conditions and are finite. Furthermore, extractive resource

materials have no foreseeable substitutes, with increased efforts for the use of

recycled materials only accounting for a small percentage of society’s requirements.



iv. Quarry materials are high volume and low cost, that in the past have ideally been

processed as close as possible to the communities that use them. A range of factors,

however, are impacting on the cost to produce quarry materials, including:

— Vertical integration of companies.

— Economies of scale of larger quarries.

— Regulatory environment.

— Transport costs.

v. Urban encroachment is also becoming an important issue in South-East Queensland,

due to the high rates of population growth that have occurred and are projected to

occur into the future. In the Brisbane metropolitan area, aggregates are increasingly

being sourced from outer fringe locations. This is due to a number of constraints that

are making it increasingly difficult for existing quarries to obtain approvals for

extended operations and, in particular, for new Greenfield quarries to obtain

approvals due to higher environmental and amenity standards being imposed by the

Government and expected by the community. This trend is evident for most major

metropolitan areas including the Sunshine Coast.

vi. Most quarries generally service an area within 50 – 60 km. This is neither unusual nor

particularly cost prohibitive for the provision of such material in a modern urban

environment.

vii. Demand for aggregates has closely matched the level of construction industry activity,

which can be affected by macroeconomic factors. However, the overall demand trend

is dependent upon population growth and the consequent development of roads,

large buildings and infrastructure.

viii. The industry is highly competitive, with price being one of the key differentiating

factors. Other important factors include continuity of supply, quality of supply,

product innovation and the like. With prices of most construction inputs rising over

time, economies of scale have continually been sought from quarry operations and in



the transport of aggregates. For example, in the transportation of aggregates, larger

trucks are now being used to transport goods further distances than was the case in

the past.

ix. Concrete is the most widely used construction material throughout the world and

forms the basis in major infrastructure including buildings, roads, bridges, dams,

houses and the like.

x. Concrete is one of the main uses of quarry aggregate material, being a composite

material composed of coarse aggregate bound together with a fluid cement that

hardens over time.

xi. Consequently, most of the quarry operators in Australia are vertically integrated

companies that supply most of their own aggregate materials from their quarries to

their concrete batching plants. For major companies, this typically accounts for 50%

of their quarrying output.

xii. Quarries and concrete batching plants, therefore, are interlinked industries with:

— Concrete batching plants are usually located within 50 – 80 km of quarries, with

major players supplying their own concrete batching plants.

— Concrete batching plants usually having a spread throughout a metropolitan area

servicing a radius between 30 – 50 km around the concrete batching plant.

xiii. The shelf life of concrete is typically around 90 minutes, meaning that most concrete

batching plants service an area within 15 – 30 minutes of the batching plant to allow

an hour to pour the concrete at the end user site.

1.2 South East Queensland Quarry & Concrete Market

i. The South East Queensland (SEQ) Region hosts one of the most rapidly expanding

populations in Australia. The population has doubled from 1.6 million in 1986 to

approximately 3.2 million residents at the present. According to the 2015 edition of

the Queensland Treasury’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR), the SEQ



Region is forecast to grow at some 1.8% per annum between 2011 and 2036. This

would result in a population of some 4.75 million by 2036 (medium series projections)

Continued population growth in SEQ would bring about a strong demand for quarry

resources (including hard rock, sand and gravel).

ii. As the population has expanded, so has the demand for building materials and

infrastructure, both of which involve high demand for quarry aggregates. Between

the years of 1979 and 2008, total production of aggregate materials in South East

Queensland increased from 10 Mt per annum to 33 Mt per annum, with the average

per capita usage of aggregates per annum rising over the same period from 9 tonnes

per annum to in excess of 10. Production levels have since fallen due to a slowdown

in construction and infrastructure investment associated with the commencement of

the GFC, as well as the slowdown in major project infrastructure investment in

Queensland. Assuming that per capita consumption of aggregates continues at 9

tonnes per annum over the projection period, annual production would need to

increase to 43Mt in 2036.

iii. Closely tied to the demand for aggregates is the demand for concrete products (with

aggregate comprising between a half and two-two thirds of concrete), which has

increased significantly during the 2000s. Demand for concrete in Queensland

increased from 5.0Mt in 2000 to peak at 8.3Mt in 2008, which coincided with strong

development activity and infrastructure investment (ABS). Concrete Cement and

Aggregate Australia estimate that South East Queensland generates about two-thirds

of Queensland’s demand for concrete. Queensland demand has settled back to

average 6.5Mt per annum in the period since 2008.

1.3 The Proposed Corbet Quarry and Concrete Batching Plant – Traveston

i. Corbet Quarries are proposing to establish a new extractive industry operation and

concrete batching plant on a site at 1944 Bruce Highway, Traveston. The site is located

in the Gympie Regional Council Area, approximately 20 km south of the Gympie

township. Map 1.1 illustrates the subject site’s location in relation to Brisbane and



Gympie, while Map 1.2 provides the local context of the subject site, indicating it is

located close to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Mary Valley Link Road at

Traveston.

ii. The land of the subject development is more properly described as Lot 520 on

SP263809. The proposal is for:

— Material change of use – development permit for extractive industry and high

impact industry (concrete batching plant).

— Material change of use – Environmentally Relevant Activity being extracting other

than by dredging now more than 100,000 tonnes but less than 1,000,000 tonnes

of material per annum.

iii. There are a number of existing permits that have been issued by Gympie Regional

Council relating to the subject site, including:

o April 1st 2015 – Material change of use for transport depot, bulk landscape

supplies, caretaker’s accommodation and associated environmentally relevant

activity.

o July 21st 2015 – development permit for bulk earthworks and temporary borrow

pit.

o August 17th 2016 – development permit for bulk landscape supplies, intention

to approved area.

iv. As indicated previously in Section 1.1, quarries typically serve areas 50 – 60 km around

their subject locations, depending on factors such as access to major highways,

competition, urban areas and the like. Concrete batching plants are usually a sub-set

of this quarrying service area, although when a quarrying company supplies its own

batching plants, this can extend further.

v. Map 1.3 illustrates a 50 km radius around the subject site, indicating that it

incorporates most of the Gympie Regional Council Area, the Noosa Shire Council Area



and the northern part of the Sunshine Coast Council Area including Maroochydore and

Nambour.

vi. The excellent accessibility to the Bruce Highway for the proposed quarry as illustrated

in Map 1.2 means that it has significant advantages in terms of servicing regions within

and potentially beyond 50 km of the subject site. Consequently, when considering the

catchment for the subject quarry, it includes the Gympie and Noosa Regional Shire

Council Areas as well as the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Area (split into north and

south sector). These areas are illustrated on Map 1.3.



MAP 1.1 – REGIONAL CONTEXT



MAP 1.2 – LOCAL CONTEXT



MAP 1.3 – 50 KM RADIUS AROUND THE SITE


10 Demand Assessment

2 DEMAND ASSESSMENT

This section of the report defines the relevant study area which would be served by the

proposed quarry and concrete batching plant at Traveston, together with a review of the likely

demand for quarry materials throughout this region.

2.1 Quarring Material Demand per Capita

i. Chart 2.1 below illustrates sold extractive materials generated within South East

Queensland over a 17-year period from 2000 to 2015 compiled by the Department of

Natural Resources and Mines. Extractive materials includes hard rock, sand and gravel

as well as other material.

CHART 2.1 – SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND EXTRACTIVE MATERIAL SOLD 2000-2015

Source: Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Note: Data excludes Moreton Bay sands used by Port of Brisbane & excludes sand plants

ii. Chart 2.1 illustrates a general growth pattern during the mid-2000s that is consistent

with a development boom and an increase in the number of major infrastructure

projects that were undertaken in South East Queensland. The combination of weak

development conditions (caused by the introduction of the GFC in late-2008) and the

cessation of several major infrastructure projects resulted in a significant decline in

the use of extractive materials in South East Queensland during the 2008 (33Mt) to

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Prod

uctio

n (M

T)

Year



2012 (20Mt) period. The market has stabilised since that time and is now starting to

recover to more normalised levels.

iii. Total quarry production within the Sunshine Coast (including Moy Pocket) has also

experienced a similar pattern (Chart 2.2 below), increasing from 3.1Mt in 2001 to a

peak of 6.6Mt in 2008 before declining to 2.8Mt in 2012 before increasing again to

4.1Mt in 2016. Similar to South East Queensland, this pattern reflects major changes

in development and infrastructure activity rather than changes in population growth.

iv. The Sunshine Coast region experienced a particularly large slow down due to drops in

tourism activity with the onset of the GFC. The downturn was more severe than other

parts of South East Queensland. Since that time, however, quarry materials and

construction activity has been increasing again to more normalised levels.

CHART 2.2 – SUNSHINE COAST EXTRACTIVE MATERIAL SOLD 2000-2016

v. Similar to Queensland, quarry materials within South East Queensland and the

Sunshine Coast play a critical role for the construction industry and can be seen as the

backbone of the population increase that the South East has experienced and will

continue to experience in the next 20 to 30 years. South East Queensland is regarded

as the hub of Queensland’s quarry industry as it has historically accounted for

approximately 65% of the state’s production of construction aggregates.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 20160

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

Prod

uctio

n (t

)



vi. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines breaks up extractive materials by

types of products sold. Extractive materials have been reported in the following seven

categories, of which all but natural sand and river gravel are produced from a hard

rock resource:

— Broken rock;

— Crushed coarse aggregate;

— Crushed fine aggregate;

— Roadbase;

— Natural sand;

— River gravel; and

— Other.

vii. The increasing population in South East Queensland, drives the demand for housing,

major infrastructure and resource related projects. Demand for hard rock products

and concrete has closely matched the level of construction activity, which has been

affected by macroeconomic factors. However, the underlying demand trend is

dependent upon population growth and the consequent development of roads, large

buildings and infrastructure.

viii. Infrastructure expenditure has increased in the period leading up to 2009 and declined

subsequently during the global financial crisis.

ix. There have been numerous literature references and articles that compare the volume

of annual aggregate demanded per person within Australia and SEQ, with the results

varying from around 8-12 tonnes per person (t/p) from around 1980 (the variation is

typically influenced by infrastructure expenditure and the state of the property

development industry).



x. Table 2.1 below summarises the demand per capita for quarry materials in SEQ

between 2000 and 2015 (assuming that production in SEQ equals demand in SEQ).

Over this period the total demand for aggregates has ranged from 6.4 tonnes per

capita (2013) to 11.5 tonnes per capita (2008). The variation in demand over time is

reflective of changes in economic and population growth and consequent changes in

infrastructure and housing demand over time.

xi. In general on the Sunshine Coast, the average demanded quarrying product in tonnes

per person tends to be higher than the South East Queensland average due to the high

tourist population and, subsequently, construction activity which occurs to service this

market. This is similar to the experience on the Gold Coast.

xii. Total tourist activity on the Sunshine Coast includes:

— 5.6 million day trip visitors.

— 2.9 million domestic overnight visitors staying some 10.9 million visitor nights.

— 250,000 international visitors staying some 2.7 million nights.

xiii. The overnight visitors alone on the Sunshine Coast is equivalent to almost 37,260

persons, or approximately 10% of the population. Day trippers would add to this

demand. This means that development on the Sunshine Coast caters for a larger

population base than just a resident population, and consequently higher construction

materials per capita are typically evident in this environment.



TABLE 2.1 - SEQ AGGREGATE DEMAND (TONNES PER CAPITA), 2000-2015

Year Broken Rock

Crushed Coarse Agg.

Crushed Fine Agg.

Road/Sub-Base

Natural Sand

River Gravel

Unprocessed Total

2000 0.5 3.1 0.8 3.5 1.9 0.3 1.1 11.1

2001 0.3 2.1 0.8 2.0 1.6 0.3 1.0 8.3

2002 0.3 2.3 1.0 1.9 1.3 0.2 1.1 8.2

2003 0.3 2.5 0.9 2.3 1.5 0.2 0.8 8.4

2004 0.7 2.7 1.1 2.6 2.0 0.4 1.0 10.6

2005 0.3 2.6 1.2 2.6 1.7 0.7 0.6 9.8

2006 0.6 2.5 1.3 2.2 1.6 0.3 1.4 10.0

2007 0.4 2.7 1.3 2.9 1.5 0.3 1.7 11.1

2008 0.7 3.5 1.5 2.8 1.6 0.2 1.1 11.5

2009 0.6 3.1 1.3 2.6 1.3 0.1 1.0 10.0

2010 0.3 2.7 1.2 2.2 1.0 0.1 0.6 8.4

2011 0.3 2.6 1.2 2.1 1.1 0.1 0.8 8.1

2012 0.3 2.1 0.9 1.7 0.9 0.1 0.5 6.5

2013 0.3 1.9 1.0 1.8 0.8 0.0 0.5 6.4

2014 0.2 2.2 0.8 2.0 0.9 0.1 0.4 6.7

2015 0.2 2.2 1.0 1.7 0.8 0.1 0.5 6.6

Average 0.4 2.6 1.1 2.3 1.3 0.2 0.9 9.0

Source: Department of Natural Resources and Mines Note: Excludes Moreton Bay/marine sands used by Port of Brisbane

2.2 Defined Study Area Demand

i. The defined study area for the subject quarry and concrete batching plant at Traveston

is defined to include the Gympie, Noosa and Sunshine Coast Council areas. The

majority of these municipalities fall within a 50 km radius of the subject site.

ii. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council Area has been broken into a northern and

southern precinct, given the southern part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Area falls beyond 50 km of the subject site. This does not mean that the proposal will



not service this area, but identifies that other quarries in the Sunshine Coast are

located closer to this market.

iii. The entire municipalities are relevant in the consideration of need for the subject

quarry given quarries in the southern part of the Sunshine Coast would serve

overlapping catchments. These areas have been illustrated previously on Map 1.3.

iv. Table 2.2 summarises existing and projected population levels within the defined

study area broken down by Gympie Regional Council Area, Noosa Shire Council Area

and northern and southern parts of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Area.

v. The total population within the defined study area is 396,007 in 2016 and is projected

to grow to 525,497 persons by 2036. Projections for the study area have been based

on the Queensland Government Office of Statistical and Economic Research medium

series projections for Queensland 2015.

vi. Population growth throughout the study area is projected to increase at a rate of 1.8%

- 2.0%, well above the comparable Australian and South East Queensland averages.

vii. Total growth over the next 20 year period is approximately 180,000 persons,

representing an almost 50% increase in population.



TABLE 2.2 – DEFINED STUDY AREA POPULATION LEVELS, 2011 – 2036

LGA Estimated ForecastArea Resident Population Population

2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036

Study Area

• Gympie 46,837 49,486 51,897 54,758 57,632 60,570

• Noosa 51,038 53,630 55,558 58,154 60,147 61,940

• Sunshine Coast North 155,032 168,823 181,724 194,420 207,579 222,742

• Sunshine Coast South 112,209 124,868 145,628 172,512 202,017 230,245

Total Study Area 365,116 396,807 434,807 479,845 527,375 575,497

Study Area (excl. SC South) 252,907 271,940 289,179 307,332 325,358 345,252

2011-2016 2016-2021 2021-2026 2026-2031 2031-2036

Study Area

• Gympie 530 482 572 575 588

• Noosa 518 386 519 399 359

• Sunshine Coast North 2,758 2,580 2,539 2,632 3,033

• Sunshine Coast South 2,532 4,152 5,377 5,901 5,646

Total Study Area 6,338 7,600 9,007 9,506 9,624

Study Area (excl. SC South) 3,807 3,448 3,631 3,605 3,979

2011-2016 2016-2021 2021-2026 2026-2031 2031-2036

Study Area

• Gympie 1.1% 1.0% 1.1% 1.0% 1.0%

• Noosa 1.0% 0.7% 0.9% 0.7% 0.6%

• Sunshine Coast North 1.7% 1.5% 1.4% 1.3% 1.4%

• Sunshine Coast South 2.2% 3.1% 3.4% 3.2% 2.7%

Total Study Area 1.7% 1.8% 2.0% 1.9% 1.8%

Study Area (excl. SC South) 1.5% 1.2% 1.2% 1.1% 1.2%

SE QLD 1.7% 1.6% 1.6% 1.7% 1.6%

Australian Average 1.7% 1.7% 1.6% 1.5% 1.4%

All figures as at JuneAll figures are based on 2011 SA1 boundary definition with the exception of 2006 which is based on 2006 CCD boundary definition. 2006 and 2011 ERP is calculated using 2011 enumeration factor.Sources : ABS; SELECT

Average Annual Change (%)

Average Annual Change (No.)



ix. Map 2.1 illustrates population growth over the period from 2016 to 2036 within the

defined catchment by Statistical Area Level 2, highlighting areas where substantial

population growth is projected to occur. The major growth areas include Gympie,

Noosa and parts of Nambour and Maroochydore.

x. Substantial growth is also projected in the southern parts of the Sunshine Coast

around Palmview and Caloundra South.

xi. Map 2.2 then illustrates major infrastructure projects occurring throughout the

surrounding area, highlighting within the defined catchment area, significant new

projects including:

— Upgrades to the Bruce Highway.

— The Sunshine Coast Airport redevelopment.

— The Sunshine Coast Light Rail project.



MAP 2.1 – DEFINED STUDY AREA PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH BY STATISTICAL AREA LEVEL 2



MAP 2.2 – SUNSHINE COAST INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS



xii. The subject quarry, therefore, will be well located in relation to a growing population

but also major infrastructure projects throughout the surrounding region.

xiii. The underlying demand for quarry materials is outlined in the following Table 2.3 for

the Study Area. The same information is presented for the study area excluding the

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Area southern precinct as presented in Table 2.4.

TABLE 2.3 – STUDY AREA QUARRY PRODUCTS DEMAND BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH 2016 – 2036

TABLE 2.4 – STUDY AREA (EXCLUDING SOUTHERN SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA) QUARRY PRODUCTS DEMAND 2016 – 2036

Year Population Annual Demand for Quarry Products (Million Tonnes)No. Tonnes Per Capita Rate

9 10 11

2016 396,807 3.6 4.0 4.4

2021 434,807 3.9 4.3 4.8

2026 479,845 4.3 4.8 5.3

2031 527,375 4.7 5.3 5.8

2036 575,497 5.2 5.8 6.3

Increase Per Annum (16-36) 1.6 1.8 2.0

Year Population Annual Demand for Quarry Products (Million Tonnes)No. Tonnes Per Capita Rate

9 10 11

2016 271,940 2.4 2.7 3.0

2021 289,179 2.6 2.9 3.2

2026 307,332 2.8 3.1 3.4

2031 325,358 2.9 3.3 3.6

2036 345,252 3.1 3.5 3.8

Increase Per Annum (16-36) 0.7 0.7 0.8



xiv. The information presented in Tables 2.3 and 2.4 outlines demand for quarrying

products at various rates of demand per capita including 9, 10 and 11.

xv. 9 tonnes per capita represents a conservative view in-line with long term demand

throughout South East Queensland. The higher rate of 11 tonnes per capita would

represent a normalised market in the study area given it caters for a larger base than

the residential population due to tourists.

xvi. Within the defined study area, underlying annual demand for quarrying materials at 9

tonnes per capita is projected to increase from 3.6 million tonnes currently to 5.2

million tonnes by 2036, an increase of 45% over this period. At 11 tonnes per capita,

demand for quarrying materials is projected to increase from 4.4 million tonnes in

2016 to 6.3 million tonnes by 2036.

xvii. Under either per capita scenario, demand for quarrying materials is projected to grow

substantially, reflective of the rapid population growth projected throughout the

defined study area.

xviii. A review of quarrying material extracted on the Sunshine Coast over the period 2000

– 2016 indicates that natural sand and river gravel has accounted for around 13% of

production. In more recent times, this figure had fallen to less than 7%. The vast

majority of demand outlined above, therefore, typically at 90% - 95% of production

would be hard rock quarrying materials.


22 Supply

3 SUPPLY

This section of the report reviews the supply of quarry materials in the defined study area.

3.1 Sunshine Coast Hard Rock Quarries

i. The study area for this report includes the Gympie Regional Council Area, the Noosa

Shire Council Area and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Area. Map 3.1 illustrates

these areas together with existing and proposed hard rock quarries.

ii. Table 3.1 then outlines existing operating quarries within the defined study area

including information in relation to:

— Name of quarry

— Operator

— Key Resource Area (KRA) number

— Production including Environmentally Relevant Activity limits, as well as estimated

annual production levels

— Approved resources including millions of tonnes and years supply.

iii. The existing operating quarries on the Sunshine Coast are classified into three

categories, including:

— Large quarries producing over 200,000 tonnes per year.

— Small operating quarries typically at 200,000 tonnes or less.

— Sunshine Coast owned quarries.


23 Supply

MAP 3.1 – STUDY AREA HARD ROCK QUARRIES


24 Supply

TABLE 3.1 – KEY RESOURCE AREAS AND QUARRIES – SUNSHINE COAST

Name of Operator KRA Production Approved ResourcesQuarry Number ERA Est. Annual Million Years

Limit Production Tonnes Supply

Large Operating Quarries (Over 200,000 tonnes per year)

Moy Pocket Boral 89 >1 Mt 800-1,400 30 25-30

Bli Bli Holcim 52 <1 Mt 300-400 25 70+

Glasshouse Hanson 48 650 ktpa Up to 650 50 50+

Sunrock Holcim 57 <1 Mt 600-700 50+ 75+

Total Over 4 Mt 2.5 - 3 MT

Small Operating Quarries (Less than 200,000 tonnes per year)

Parklands Parklands Blue Metals n.a. < 1 Mt 200 < 0.5 < 2

Nick's Curra Quarry n.a. n.a. n.a. 60 n.a. n.a.

Fourmile Sandstone Brett & Jodie Johnson n.a. n.a. 60 n.a. n.a.

Total Up to 1 Mt 300 kta

Sunshine Coast Owned Quarries

Image Flat Sunshine Coast Council 53 <1 Mt 50 < 0.2 MT Almost exhausted

Dulong Sunshine Coast Council n.a. <100 kta 30 0.15-0.5 5-15

Ringtail Creek Sunshine Coast Council 56 <100 kta 30 Unknown Unknown

Total Up to 1.2 Mt 100-150 kta

Total Existing (excluding Parklands and Image Flat which are Approx. 4.3 Mt 2.8 - 3.3 MT

almost exhausted)


25 Supply

3.2 Large Operating Quarries

i. There are four large operating quarries in the defined study area, operated by Boral,

Holcim and Hanson. These are the three dominant players in the quarrying of

construction materials in Australia.

ii. These quarries include:

— The Boral Moy Pocket quarry, located in Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast

Hinterland, supplies concrete and asphalt aggregate and armour to the Sunshine

Coast and hinterland. The Moy Pocket KRA No. 89 is one of the largest producers

of aggregates for the study area and it is estimated that the quarry has around 30

years of supply remaining. Boral acquired the Moy Pocket Quarry from Sunshine

Coast Quarries in 2011, in order to replace exhausted reserves at its Toolborough

Road Coolum Quarry. The quarry produces between 800,000 and 1.4 million

tonnes per year, with the majority sold into the study area.

— The Holcim Bli Bli quarry, located around 4 km east of Nambour, was recently

approved to expand into the Eastern Development Area, which will extend the life

of the quarry by about 40 years. The Bli Bli quarry mainly serves the central

Sunshine Coast and hinterland areas. The quarry has approval to produce up to 1

million tonnes per annum, but currently produces 300,000-400,000 tonnes per

annum.

— The Hanson Glasshouse quarry is located approximately 4 km southwest of the

town of Glasshouse Mountains in the southern part of the study area. The resource

comprises hard, welded, crystal-lithic tuff of the North Arm Volcanics and overlying

sandstone. It supplies concrete and asphalt aggregates, road bases, manufactured

sand, rip rap and other coarse aggregates to the southern Sunshine Coast and

northern Brisbane area. It is a major established quarry with an estimated 45 years

of supply available, producing at a rate of around 500,000 tonnes per annum, with

capacity at 650,000 tonnes.


26 Supply

— The Holcim Sunrock resource is located approximately 3 km northeast of

Beerburrum on Nursery Road in the southern part of the study area. The resource

comprises fresh, hard, dark brown, olivine trachyte. This major quarry supplies a

wide range of crushed rock products to the southern Sunshine Coast area. It is

expected there are at least 25 years of supply available, and annual production

capacity has been estimated at around 600,000-700,000 tonnes per annum.

iii. As detailed in Table 3.1, the estimated annual production of these quarries totals 2.5

– 3 million tonnes, accounting for the bulk of the production of existing quarries on

the Sunshine Coast (over 95%).

iv. Each of these quarries can produce larger amounts than more recent production levels

under their existing approvals. This, however, typically requires further major

investment to occur at each of the quarries. In excess of 4 million tonnes can be

produced by these quarries, particularly given Moy Pocket owned by Boral has a

production limit above 1 million tonnes a year if the company wishes to produce that.

v. Typically, an allowance of around 75% - 80% of approved limits is usually a general

estimate of the annual production of these facilities.

3.3 Small Operating Quarries

i. The only other sizeable operating small hard rock quarry is the Parklands Blue Metals

quarry at Parklands near Nambour (owned by Mansells).

ii. The Parklands Blue Metal quarry is located 1 km north east of Nambour. It supplies a

wide range of products including aggregates, fill and roadbase. Given its location it

serves mainly the central Sunshine Coast and hinterland areas. Parklands is not within

a KRA and it is understood that resources in the quarry are nearly exhausted. It is

estimated that the quarry produces between 200,000 and 250,000 tonnes of hard rock

products annually.

iii. There are two other smaller quarries operating in the northern part of Gympie

Regional Council Area. These quarries produce a limited amount of material at around


27 Supply

60,000 tonnes per annum. The Four Mile Sandstone Quarry produces sandstone which

is indicated on the company website to supply South East Queensland from Brisbane

to Bundaberg. Consequently, much of the product is not necessarily directed to the

local study area market.

iv. Similarly, Nick’s Curra Quarry produces a small amount of limestone.

v. These two quarries are of limited relevance to the subject proposal.

3.4 Sunshine Coast Council Owned Quarries

i. Sunshine Coast Council owns three quarries throughout the study area, including at

Image Flat, Dulong and Ringtail Creek. These quarries are described as follows:

— The Image Flat quarry, owned and operated by the SCRC, is located approximately

3 km northwest of Nambour and comprises flow-banded rhyolite. Output at the

quarry is currently 50,000 tonnes but historically has reached 200,000 to 300,000

tonnes annually with only minimal quantities supplied to users other than Council.

According to the State Planning Policy Mining and Extractive Industries (April

2016), at current extraction rates there are approximately 10 years of resources

available.

— The Sunshine Coast Regional Council also operates the small Dulong quarry west

of Nambour, which trucks its rock to Image Flat for processing. It is a small

resource of basalt, with production around 30,000 tonnes per year, and Council’s

only internal source of aggregates for asphalt. The Dulong quarry only operates

on an as-required basis for Council, which is around 4 months of the year.

— The small Ringtail Creek quarry, located approximately 10 km west of Tewantin, is

similarly closed for the majority of the year and operates only when required by

SCRC. Council estimates that production is very low at around 30,000 tonnes per

annum.


28 Supply

ii. As indicated, Sunshine Coast owned quarries are producing minimal amounts for

Council’s internal purposes and does not sell to the market more generally. Most of

these resources will be exhausted within the next 10 – 15 year period.

3.5 Quarries Outside the Study Area

i. There are a number of quarries outside the study area within the Northern Brisbane

area around Moreton Bay which supply very small proportions to the subject study

area. These include:

— The Bracalba quarry, owned by the Brisbane City Council (BCC), is located

approximately 17 km west of Caboolture on the D’Aguilar Highway and consists of

greenstone and granite. The State Planning Policy – Mining and Extractive

Industries Guideline estimates that there is approximately 50 years worth of

supply at current extraction rates. The quarry provides a wide range of product

including concrete aggregates, road bases and rip rap. Given its location, the

quarry mainly services the northern Brisbane market. Production levels at the

Bracalba quarry are over 1 million tonnes per annum, and a small proportion of

aggregates are imported to the Sunshine Coast from the quarry (approx. 10,000-

20,000 tonnes). Although owned by BCC, the quarry supplies the general market

and is able to service major projects.

— The Boral Narangba quarry is located just north of Brisbane, and produces a range

of sealing, asphalt and concrete aggregates as well as road base. It is comprised of

greenstone and blue hornfels rock and has relatively high production rates. It is 70

km driving distance from Caloundra and 80 km from Maroochydore.

Consequently, it would most likely serve minimal amounts in the Sunshine Coast.

ii. Relevantly, the quarries at Bracalba and Narangba will increasingly service areas

within the Brisbane metropolitan area due to increasing population growth areas in

this market. Consequently, they have minimal impact on supply in the study area.


29 Supply

3.6 Major Producers

i. There are a total of 11 operating hard rock quarries. Some commentary in relation to

these quarries is as follows:

— Due to their relatively distant locations, several of these are not suitable

alternatives to quarries in the northern part of the defined catchment. As

described below, transport of quarry materials over long distances can add a

considerable amount to the cost of the materials. Quarries located over 50 km to

the south of the subject site include Bracalba, Glasshouse and Sunrock. Given their

location, these quarries mainly service the southern Sunshine Coast and northern

Brisbane markets.

— The three quarries owned and operated by Council cannot be considered

alternatives to the proposed quarry, as the overwhelming majority of their output

is reserved for Council’s own requirements. The Ringtail Creek and Dulong quarries

are only small strategic resources which operate on an as-required basis for

Council and they are closed the majority of the year.

— The small sandstone and limestone quarries in Gympie supply broad regions and

would not be a direct competitor in the local market to any significant degree.

ii. After discounting distant quarries and Council-owned quarries, the remaining

resources comprise Boral Moy Pocket, Holcim Bli Bli and Parklands (which is nearing

exhaustion).

iii. Although in a downturn period, these quarries have been sufficient to meet demand.

With a return to more normalised quarrying levels and increased population growth,

this will no longer be the case. Chart 3.1 illustrates the price per tonne of quarry

materials throughout the Sunshine Coast over the period 2000 – 2016, as sourced

from the Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Mines. Although this is

a mixed price across a range of aggregates, it indicates that prices have been relatively

stable for an extended period of time. This is unlikely to be the case in the future

without new quarries to meet increased demand in this market.


30 Supply

CHART 3.1 – SUNSHINE COAST QUARRY MATERIALS, PRICE PER TONNE

3.7 Level of Competition

i. Quarrying for construction materials in Australia is dominated by three key players:

Holcim, Boral and Hanson. These three companies have an estimated 80% market

share in Australia’s gravel and sand quarrying market1 and a 76% market share in the

rock, limestone and clay mining industry2. The remainder of the industry is accounted

for by a large number of independent operators who usually, but not always,

concentrated on particular regional areas.

ii. The Sunshine Coast, therefore, is dominated at the moment by the large players in

terms of existing operating quarries.

3.8 Future Quarries

i. Table 3.2 presents information on approved and potential hard rock quarries on the

Sunshine Coast, outlining similar information to that previously in Table 3.1. These can

be summarised as follows:

1 IBISWorld Industry Report B1411 Gravel and Sand Quarrying in Australia May 2012 2 IBISWorld Industry Report B1419 Rock, Limestone and Clay Mining in Australia April 2012

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016$0

$5

$10

$15

$20

$25

Pric

e Pe

r Ton

ne ($

))


31 Supply

— Parklands Blue Metals received approval for a new quarry at Yandina. The

proposed quarry is indicated to be replacing the Parklands Blue Metals quarry at

Parklands near Nambour once that resource is exhausted. The approved quarry

has an estimated annual production of 350,000 – 500,000 tonnes with a limit up

to 1 million tonnes.

— Neilsen’s Kin Kin quarry in the Wahpunga Range KRA No. 57 is located

approximately 1 km east of Kin Kin. The deposit is fresh to moderately weathered

intrusive andesite which is considered to be suitable for bitumen screenings and

road-pavement gravels. Extraction of aggregate from the quarry has not yet

begun, and is subject to SCRC approval of a condition for production. When

operating, the quarry is expected to produce up to 250,000 tonnes of aggregate

per annum.

— Two quarries have been approved around Gunalda in the northern part of the

Gympie Regional Council Area. These include Scotchy Pocket by Hy-tec and

another by Wagners. Each has approval up to 1 – 1.2 million tonnes, however, with

approval documents indicating annual production in the range of 400,000 –

500,000 tonnes per annum.

ii. Approved quarries within the study area, therefore, have indicated estimated annual

production of around 1.5 million tonnes. These quarries are indicated to become

operational in the next few years.

iii. The only other major KRA within the study area is Meadvale KRA No. 88, which is

currently not being exploited. Meadvale KRA No 88 is located in the southern Gympie

Regional Council area. A review of the reported information from the Queensland

Government on the KRA indicates that the resource has previously been partially

worked for ballast and armour rock for the upgrade of the North Coast Railway Line.

It is also indicated as a strategic source of maintenance materials for the railway. The

future development of this quarry, therefore, at this stage is uncertain for an extended

period of time.


32 Supply

iv. The majority of future quarry operators within the study area, therefore, would be

operated by independent players to help improve the competitive environment. One

of these quarries is effectively a replacement of an existing quarry at Yandina for

Parklands Blue Metal, while other quarries such as Scotchy Pocket by Hy-tec will

service a large number of concrete batching plants operated by that company in the

study area.

v. The two new quarries at Gunalda to the north of Gympie are located almost 40 km

north of the subject quarry and will not be as well placed to service Noosa Shire and

the northern parts of Maroochydore as the subject quarry.


33 Supply

TABLE 3.2 – PROPOSED QUARRIES, STUDY AREA

Name of Operator KRA Production Approved ResourcesQuarry Number ERA Est. Annual Million Years

Limit Production* Tonnes Supply

Approved Large Operating Quarries (Over 200,000 tonnes per year)

Yandina Parklands Blue Metals 54 <1 Mt 350-500 20 40 +

Kin Kin Neilsen 57 250 ktpa Up to 250 25 75+

Scotchy Pocket Hy-tec 122 <1 Mt 500 90 50+

Gunalda Wagners 122 Up to 1.2 Mt 400 50 75+

Total Up to 3.5 Mt Around 1.5 MT

Potential Quarries (Over 200,000 tonnes per year)

Subject Traveston Corbet n.a. < 1 Mt 200 < 0.5 < 2

Meadvale QR 88 n.a. n.a. Undefined n.a.

Total Less than 1 MT 200.0

Total Approved and Potential (excluding Meadvale KRA ) Up to 4.5 Mt Around 1.7 Mt

* As outlined in the development application approval process.


34 Supply

3.9 Concrete Batching Plants

i. As indicated previously in Section 1.1, the demand for concrete products is closely tied

to the demand for aggregates in the building industry. Concrete is the most widely

used material throughout the construction industry, used throughout roads, homes,

major buildings, dams and the like.

ii. The demand for concrete, therefore, mirrors demand for major construction projects

from residential through to commercial and major infrastructure/mining projects.

iii. Most of the major players within the Australian construction industry such as Boral,

Holcim and Hanson direct anywhere up to 50% - 60% of their quarrying materials to

their own concrete and asphalt batching plants. Typically, therefore, concrete

batching plants are a sub-set of a quarrying service area, however, major players can

direct quarrying materials to their batching plants well beyond a typical 50 – 60 km

radius as it is typically more cost efficient to service their own batching plants

throughout a region rather than source from other quarries.

iv. In addition to the major players, there are a range of independent concrete batching

plants typically associated with independent quarry owners who use their quarry

materials to also supply concrete within their relevant markets.

v. Map 3.2 illustrates concrete batching plants throughout the study area, indicating the

following:

- Multiple concrete batching plants are operated by the major players including

Boral, Holcim and Hanson.

- Hy-tec also operates multiple concrete batching plants and their proposed quarry

at Scotchy Pocket will likely service these batching plants in the future.

- There are a limited number of independent concrete batching plants including:

o Mansells at Gympie, who are part of the Parklands Blue Metals group.

o Nick’s Ready Mix at Gympie.

our ref: kam:slb0 - part 6.pdfa quarry and concrete batching plant is proposed at 1944 bruce...

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