Why We Need to Act Now 

Planning and developing a new hard rock quarry is a long process—it can take 10 to 15 years from the first application to full production. That’s why early action is essential. Acting now means we can: 

• Keep essential materials available 
  The southern Gold Coast depends on a reliable supply of aggregates for roads, housing, and infrastructure. Without action, this supply will run out, creating significant challenges for future growth. 

• Protect the environment while meeting demand 
  Early planning enables us to manage excess material in a way that reduces vegetation clearing and protects important environmental values. 

• Rehabilitate existing sites responsibly 
  As quarry operations at West Burleigh come to an end, a clear and responsible rehabilitation plan is needed to restore the land and meet long-term environmental commitments. 

Timing is critical 

The Gold Coast is expected to grow significantly over the next 20–30 years. If these projects are not secured now, the consequences will be felt across the region: 

• Reduced competition and higher costs 
  Without a local supply of materials, the city would need to rely on quarries in the north, increasing transport costs and driving up the price of construction projects. 

• More traffic and road wear 
  This shift would generate about an additional 31,000 heavy vehicle trips every year on the M1, adding around 1.88 million additional kilometres of wear and tear to the road network. 

• Impact on housing affordability 
  Longer transport times and higher material costs will ultimately increase the cost of delivering housing and infrastructure, making it more difficult to keep homes affordable. 

The Bottom Line 

Starting now ensures the Gold Coast has the resources, environmental safeguards, and infrastructure needed to support its future growth—without adding unnecessary costs or impacts to the community.