Blue on bigger quarry
A PLAN to triple the size of a quarry near Leslie Dam, west of Warwick, has sparked debate among councillors over enforcement of council rules.
Hutchison Quarries applied for permission to expand its operation from a maximum of 100,000 tonnes of rock a year to 300,000 tonnes, attracting objections from locals.
Many were concerned about local road damage from heavy-vehicle movement to and from the site on Pink Gum Lane - which will supply gravel across southern Queensland - with councillors and staff yesterday considering how to ensure they use sealed roads.
Speaking at the Planning Committee meeting, Cr Jamie Mackenzie insisted a condition be put in place that the quarry be required to advise all truck drivers of the need to stick to sealed roads, with the exception of local gravel deliveries.
Planning director Ken Harris said short of installing a council foreman on site and "tailgating" trucks, such a condition would be difficult to enforce.
A final decision on the quarry will be made at next week's general meeting.
