• Council staff recently inspected site and surrounding waterways after heavy rain, together with Department of Environment, including results from water probes in various locations external to the quarry. The result was that the quarry is compliant regarding environmental issues from the site. Both are satisfied that silt in local creeks following rain events are from creek banks/erosion and local trails, rather than runoff from Shepperson’s Lane or the quarry site itself.
  • Council’s evidence gathering continues in preparation for their court case. The daily evidence is supporting lower average numbers than the reported 200 plus truck movements that have been seen at peak times.

Total fines now more than $160,000. The operator is still exercising their right to appeal, however Council will continue to issue fines when breaches occur.

  • Council is investigating improvements to pedestrian crossing in Cooran for safety, which includes brightly painted barricades on the crossing entries and road chevrons on approaches.
  • Expecting further information from TMR within the week regarding further options being investigated to assist in road safety. Any of these options also involves approval from the Minister before being action can be taken and we will provide updates as soon as available.
  • The TMR representative confirmed during the meeting that noise from state roads is a matter for TMR and not DES. Anything sent to the DES pollutions hotline, will be forwarded on to TMR for their attention. For more information regarding TMR’s Transport Noise management please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Technical-standards-publications/Transport-noise-management-code-of-practice.aspx
  • TMR’s edge strengthening works have been delayed due to heavy rains and are now expected to commence mid-year when the substrate has dried out.
  • TMR have noted the request for a pedestrian lane for safety on the new Six Mile Bridge #7 and they are checking that this request has reached those working on designs.
  • TMR have advised the vegetation management along Kin Kin Rd should be completed within the month and they then move on to McKinnon Drive as part of their vegetation management works along all state roads.
  • Noted was the refusal of a quarry permit by Sunshine Coast Council and upheld by the Planning & Environment Court recently for Beerburrum. Noosa Council confirmed in one of the earlier Kin Kin Roundtable meetings that a quarry in Kin Kin under today’s conditions would not receive the same permit as was issued originally . However a permit was issued which is legally binding and that an existing permit is a different scenario  than the refusal of an application for a new quarry.
  • All residents continued to be warned of upcoming road compliance efforts in the region and this will impact anyone not following road rules regardless of their vehicle type. So please everyone, follow speed and other road rules as these compliance efforts are to improve safety for all road users.
  • A reminder that during flooding events, you can phone 131940 to find out about road/bridge closures. TMR is also currently installing flood monitoring equipment on many of the bridges that regularly flood in our area in efforts to allow faster reopening after flood events as well as real time information becoming available on their website at https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/