Blackall Range residents have until midnight Friday, 19 September 2025 to shape the “rulebook” that will govern our community for years to come – and fix a worrying quarry planning inequality that threatens hinterland safety.
The Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed Planning Scheme will determine everything from building heights and lot sizes to tourism developments and quarry operations across our region, including Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, North Maleny, Balmoral Ridge, Dulong, Kureelpa, Reesville, Witta, Bald Knob, and parts of Wootha, Curramore, Hunchy, and West Woombye.
What’s at Stake for Our Community
While the proposed scheme includes several positive elements for the Blackall Range – maintaining low-density residential zoning with large lot sizes, keeping building height limits at two storeys (8.5 metres, except 10 metres in Maleny Town Centre), strengthening scenic view and heritage protections, introducing new tourist accommodation limits, and establishing a “green frame” concept to maintain separation between settlements – there’s a critical flaw that demands immediate attention.
For nearly a decade, two council-owned quarries at Dulong and Image Flat have operated under drastically weaker planning controls than every private quarry operation in the region – leaving residents without basic protections or legal rights when it comes to quarry expansions, changes, or intensifications.
The Double Standard
While all private quarries on the Sunshine Coast must undergo the highest level of planning assessment – “Impact Assessment” – if they want to make changes, the council-owned Dulong and Image Flat quarries (including the latent asphalt plant) are classified as “Accepted Development” under Community Facilities zoning.
This classification means:
- No development assessment required for any changes or expansions
- No public consultation – residents cannot have their say
- No notification requirements – council doesn’t have to tell residents about proposed changes
- No legal rights of appeal for affected communities
- No environmental protection checks and balances
- Zero transparency or accountability from council
“These are believed to be the only two quarries in Queensland operating under such unsafe and inequitable planning arrangements,” said a spokesperson for the Hinterland Quarry Action Group.
Council’s Position vs Community Concerns
The community has been demanding council fix this anomalous situation for three years, ever since the problem was created by council in 2014. Council defends retaining “Accepted Development” status for their quarries, citing operational certainty and cost efficiency as key reasons for avoiding the more rigorous assessment processes applied to private operations.
However, affected residents point to serious environmental and social impacts that justify requiring the same impact assessment standards for all quarries, including:
- Traffic safety concerns from increased heavy vehicle movements on narrow hinterland roads
- Noise pollution affecting nearby residential areas and wildlife
- Air quality impacts from dust and emissions
- Potential groundwater contamination and environmental degradation
Despite continuous community pressure highlighting these risks, council has refused to address the inequality. Now, in the proposed Planning Scheme that could govern the region for the next 20 years, council is proposing to maintain the same problematic arrangements – perpetuating the dangerous double standard between council-owned and private quarry operations.
Understanding the Submission Process
With council defending their position on operational and cost grounds while ignoring community safety concerns, resident submissions are the only remaining option to force change.
Once the submission period closes on 19 September, Council must consider all properly made submissions and prepare a comprehensive report on the feedback received. The final scheme then requires State government sign-off before adoption.
Important to understand: Even if hundreds of submissions oppose the quarry provisions, Council is not legally obligated to change them. However, significant community opposition creates substantial political risk for councillors, making change more likely.
“A submission is nothing more than a letter,” explains the Hinterland Quarry Action Group. “Everyone can do it, and you can submit multiple times as long as each submission raises different points.”
The process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online, though residents are advised to write their comments offline first as the website doesn’t allow you to save and return later.
Step-by-Step Guide
To assist residents in making effective submissions follow the link for comprehensive “how-to guide” providing step-by-step instructions and covering all the important facts needed to advocate for safer, more equitable quarry planning.
Time is Running Out – How to Make Your Submission
Deadline: Midnight, Friday 19 September 2025
Submissions must include your name, residential address, and email or postal address. You can either type your concerns directly into the online form or upload prepared documents.
Key tip: Use clear language like “strongly object” or “strongly agree” to ensure your position cannot be misinterpreted.
The submission portal is available at: https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplannings…
“A submission is nothing more than a letter,” explains the Hinterland Quarry Action Group. “Everyone can do it, and you can submit multiple times as long as each submission raises different points.”
These guides will help residents understand how to request changes that would make Dulong and Image Flat operations safer while providing better protection for the precious hinterland environment.
Stay Connected
For regular updates and access to the upcoming submission guides, residents can:
- Follow Hinterland Quarry Action Group on Facebook
- Check MADCA Community Connect
- Read Range Community News
- Join the mailing list by emailing: hinterlandquarry.ag@gmail.com
Your submission can help ensure the final scheme reflects our community’s values and protects what we cherish about the Blackall Range. The deadline is fast approaching – don’t let this opportunity pass. Your voice matters, and your community’s future depends on it.