Controversial sand mine error
Sanbar Pty Ltd is proposing to intensify operations at the Pioneer Sand Quarry, located approximately 14.5 kilometres southwest of Gladstone.
January 15, 2025
By Rachel Williams
Pioneer residents say they are relieved they will have another opportunity to raise concerns about a sand mine proposal in their town after Dorset Council admitted an administrative error that has stalled the planning process.
Planning Consultant George Walker, from 6tyo said there had been a failure to notify four adjoining landowners and occupiers in accordance with the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
“Accordingly, public notification of the application has not formally occurred under the Act with this to occur from Saturday, 18 January 2025,” he said.
Mr Walker confirmed that all representors who provided submissions to Council during the initial notification period last November would need to re-submit their submissions during the upcoming two-week public notification period.
“Previous representors are able to expand upon their original submissions if they would like to and new submissions are able to be made,” he said.
Sanbar Pty Ltd is seeking discretionary approval for sand extraction of up to 50,000 m3 per annum and sand processing of up to 50,000 m3 per annum at a site off Racecourse Rd.
The former tin mine site was given a planning permit for sand extraction of less than 5000 m3 per annum and sand processing of less than 1000 m3 per annum in 2011.
The Environmental Protection Authority is also undertaking an assessment of the project concurrently with Council’s assessment, because it is classified as a Level 2 Activity.
Mr Walker said Council must accept and oblige the decision of the EPA.
“For example, if following their assessment, the EPA determine to refuse the sand mine, then Council must refuse the application. Conversely, if the EPA approve the sand mine subject to conditions, then Council must include the EPA’s conditions within any permit they determine to approve.”
However, there is no clear timeframe for a decision. Mr Walker said the EPA had foreshadowed that it would request supplementary information from Sanbar Pty Ltd once the new public exhibition period is finalised.
“The timeframe for the EPA’s determination will be based on when the proponent is able to respond to the supplementary information request in a satisfactory manner,” he said.
“Once the EPA has notified Council of their decision, Council will arrange for the application to be presented at the next available Council meeting.
“It is likely that a decision is still two-three months, if not longer, away.”
Pioneer resident Tim Slade said it was a relief to be given another opportunity to respond to the application.
“Personally if I haven’t read your story in the Advertiser I would definitely had missed the two-week submission period to oppose it and later down the track that would have meant if it went to appeal I would not have been included in that,” Mr Slade said.
“It is a great relief that through Dorset Council’s mistake we have another opportunity for a full and proper process to make another submission.”
Residents argue they have never seen any activity on the site and the proposed activity would be a significant change, with a lifespan of more than 40 years and plans for 14 truck movements in and out per day.
They have written to Blue Derby Foundation to highlight their concerns about the impact of more trucks though the town. Traffic impacts would be considered by Council, Mr Walker said.
Dorset Council remains suspended with Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw acting as the elected Council. A decision on whether elected councillors will be reinstated or dismissed is due before the end of the month.
“A new elected council should be making this decision and the delay will hopefully give that a better chance of happening,” Mr Slade said.