McCullough Robertson acted for The City of Gold Coast in the Planning and Environment Court, and the Court of Appeal in defence of Council’s decision to refuse a controversial quarry proposal in Reedy Creek by Boral Resources (Qld) Pty Ltd (Boral).

The City of Gold Coast’s refusal of the quarry application was upheld by both the Planning and Environment Court and the Court of Appeal. The decision by Boral not to further appeal means that this case is now finalised and the proposed quarry will not proceed.

The proposed quarry site, surrounded by residential areas, is heavily vegetated and would have resulted in the clearing of 67 hectares, representing a loss in the order of 23,247 non-juvenile koala habitat trees, natural waterways and ridgelines as well as the introduction of about 450 heavy haulage vehicles per day onto Old Coach Road.

This case involved significant economic and environmental issues including flora, fauna, traffic, amenity and need. It also dealt with the balancing of competing interests of natural resource development and biodiversity.

Our Client, The City of Gold Coast is pleased to have achieved this significant result for its community.

The Court of Appeal has also ordered that The City of Gold Coast’s costs of the appeal be paid by Boral on a standard basis.