Councillors ‘dig’ new quarry
GYMPIE region councillors have enthusiastically welcomed a second major quarry near Gunalda.
The quarry is expected to employ 30 people and have a life of nearly 200 years, yielding more than one million tonnes of road base, aggregate and rail ballast a year.
The Hermans Rd, Scotchy Pocket site is forecast to be an important source of raw materials for a range of construction jobs, including highway and railway projects.
As the application referred to the uncertainty of current markets, the investment appeared to be a confident move in an area destined for significant economic and population growth.
Planning portfolio councillor Ian Petersen said the Wagners Investment proposal was "an exciting development," especially after the adjoining application for a similar quarry operated by the national firm Hy-Tec.
"I was very impressed by the proposal and the public consultation," Cr Petersen said.
"Hy-Tec and Wagners are very successful at what they do and they do things very thoroughly."
Acting Mayor Tony Perrett said it was obviously a major development for the wider region.
"The proponents have been easy to work with and very professional," he said.
