Background
Summary
Barro Group Pty Ltd currently operates a quartzite quarry at Mount Cotton in the Redland Bay Shire, Queensland. Barro's total land holding is approximately 241 hectares and is located in Koala conservation area. The existing quarry will soon be depleted of quartzite and Barro is preparing a Development Application to extend the quarry onto reserves of metagreywacke located to the south-west of the existing pit.
History of the Site
As shown in the 1944 aerial photo, large portions of the site were cleared for timber-getting, banana growing and agricultural pursuits. Since then it has primarily been used as grazing land.
1944 aerial photo
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Quarrying operations began in the 1960’s. An aerial photo taken in 1970 shows the extent of continued clearing in the eastern and southern parts of the site.
1970 aerial photo
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Barro purchased the existing quarry in the 1990’s, then applied for and obtained approval to construct and operate a concrete batching plant. Land adjoining to the east and west of the existing quarry was subsequently purchased.
A 2004 aerial photograph shows partly regenerated vegetation, particularly in the western part of the former livestock grazing land.
Aerial photo 29-May-2004
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Quarry Extension
Quarrying operations have proceeded in accordance with Quarry Development Plans voluntarily submitted and endorsed by the Redland Shire Council. The Environmental Protection Agency carried out an Audit in 2003 and found that quarrying activities were in compliance.
The existing quarry extracts quartzite, which is crushed and screened to produce an aggregate for concrete and materials for road building. However reserves of this rock are likely to be depleted in 3-4 years. An economically significant deposit of metagreywacke has been identified in an area to the south-west of the existing quarry.
Drillcore containing metagreywacke
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Barro have lodged a Development Application for approval to extend the quarrying operations onto these reserves of metagreywacke. The application is for sourcing rock elsewhere on the land and the scale of operation will remain similar to the existing operations. There will be no super quarry.
Barro intends to consult widely with the local community, environmental groups, government authorities and any interested persons, as well as take advice from experienced professionals. If you would like to visit the quarry you are most welcome. Please telephne Greg Matthews, the Quarry Manager, on 0438 922 906 to arrange a mutually convenient time. In addition to extending the quarry, it is intended to rehabilitate large regions of previously cleared land in order to improve habitat and linkages for the local flora and fauna.
Environmental management consultants have been engaged to assess the site and provide information and advice. Preliminary fauna and flora assessments of the site were made in 2004 (see Flora and Fauna).
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