Council gives go-ahead to port quarry proposal
Date published: 26 April 2016
Townsville City Council has given the green light to a quarry project that will support the future development of the Port of Townsville and boost economic growth in the city.
Council today approved a development application from the Port of Townsville to establish a quarry at the Pinnacles, west of the city, to supply marine grade armour stone for the port’s expansion plans.
Deputy Mayor and Planning and Development Committee chairman Cr Les Walker said the quarry would play a direct role in the growth of the port and ensure the facility kept up with trade demand.
“Council’s approval of the quarry proposal will support the future of the port and the future of Townsville’s economy and jobs,” Cr Walker said.
“Today’s decision ensures the Port of Townsville can source locally the type of marine grade rock needed for planned expansion works that will further increase the trade capacity at the port.
“That’s good for the port and good for jobs.
“The council’s planning assessment has also ensured that the appropriate controls are in place at a local and State level to minimise any potential impacts the quarry could have in the community.”
While the nearest residence is 9 kilometres away, the quarry will be subject to a range of conditions to mitigate against potential impacts including noise, dust, ground vibration and stormwater run-off, and truck movements in the local area.”
As part of the proposal, the port will construct a private road to haul the rock from the quarry onto Riverway Drive, and then to the port via the ring road to avoid utilising Granitevale Road.
The State Government has also announced $30 million in funding to duplicate Riverway Drive between Gollogly Lane and Allambie Lane which will improve traffic flows for the Upper Ross.
Today’s approval has provision for the extraction and haulage of a maximum of 500,000 tonnes a year.
The quarry, which is on land owned by the Port of Townsville Ltd, will also be subject to a range of State and Federal environmental conditions.
More information on the Port’s future plans can be found at www.townsvilleport.com.au.
