Speaking in Parliament, Ms Bates confirmed that written submissions to the Deputy Premier regarding the proposed ministerial call-in notice for the Reedy Creek quarry have now closed.
“Written submissions to the Deputy Premier regarding the proposed call-in notice for the Reedy Creek quarry closed today,” Ms Bates told Parliament. “I wish to place on the record my thanks to our community for their incredible response to this application.”
Her comments reflect the growing concern among residents across the southern Gold Coast, particularly in Reedy Creek, Tallebudgera Valley and surrounding hinterland communities, about the potential impacts of a large-scale quarry operating in the area.
A Grassroots Community Movement
According to Ms Bates, opposition to the proposed quarry has been clear and consistent from the beginning.
“From day one, our community has been steadfast in their opposition to a Reedy Creek quarry,” she said.
In recent weeks that opposition has been highly visible, culminating in a major community rally held at Coplick Family Sports Park, where hundreds of Gold Coast residents gathered alongside local representatives.
“We saw generations of Gold Coasters standing shoulder-to-shoulder, unified in their opposition to a quarry in our backyard,” Ms Bates said.
Many of the residents involved in the rally were part of the original campaign against the quarry more than a decade ago, returning to once again advocate for the protection of their community.
“It was incredible to see locals who fought against the quarry the first time around once again manning placards and organising protesters,” she told Parliament.
Longstanding Community Concerns
Residents have raised a number of concerns about the potential impacts of the quarry proposal, including:
- Health impacts from dust and quarry operations
- Traffic and road safety issues from heavy vehicle movements
- Impacts on local property values
- Environmental damage to surrounding bushland and wildlife corridors
- Long-term industrialisation of a semi-rural residential area
Ms Bates said the level of concern within the community remains as strong today as it was during the previous quarry proposal.
“I remember reflecting in this House all those years ago that I had never seen an issue that stirred such a response within my electorate,” she said. “And that remains true to this day.”
Recognising the Community Leaders Behind the Campaign
During her speech, Ms Bates also acknowledged several residents who have played a significant role in mobilising the community.
She thanked members of the original Stop the Gold Coast Quarry campaign group, including:
- Sam Stewart
- Lorraine Cook
- Rob Belanda
- Tony Davis
“They never thought we would be back here, but nevertheless answered the call from our community when they were once again needed,” she said.
Ms Bates also recognised the efforts of residents who helped organise the recent community rally, including:
- Kimberly Seymour
- Mike Keith
- Bronwyn Wright
- Emma Brown
- Susan Ann Hagen
Their efforts helped bring together hundreds of local residents concerned about the future of the Gold Coast hinterland.
What Happens Next
With the submission period now closed, the decision now rests with the Deputy Premier in his role as Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, who will consider the submissions and determine whether to “call in” the development application.
A ministerial call-in would allow the Queensland Government to take over the planning assessment of the quarry proposal.
Ms Bates also confirmed that the Key Resource Area (KRA) designation for the site remains under review following correspondence she sent to the Deputy Premier.
The matter will be further considered once the call-in decision has been finalised.
Community Awaiting the Outcome
Residents across the southern Gold Coast are now waiting to see what the government’s next step will be.
“Our community is eager to know the outcome of this application,” Ms Bates said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to continuing to represent the concerns of local residents as the process moves forward.
“I thank the community members at Old Burleigh Town, Tallebudgera Valley and in Reedy Creek for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me and my colleagues… to stop this quarry once and for all.”
Watch the Parliamentary Update
You can watch Ros Bates’ full parliamentary statement about the Reedy Creek quarry below.
