The Noosa Council-owned Ringtail Creek hard rock quarry, located near Tewantin in Queensland, will soon recommence operations to supply a $4.7 million road upgrade.
The project, which would seal the full 4km gravel stretch of Dr Pages Road and part of Kinmond Creek Road at Cootharaba, was proposed to increase tourism in the region.
“The sealing of [the roads] will complete the ‘missing link’ hinterland tourist drive for visitors as well as generating improved road conditions for locals,” a Friends of Ringtail Creek Inc Facebook post cited Noosa councillor Tony Wellington as saying.
Wellington noted that using the council-owned quarry to supply the upgrade would provide the best value for money for local residents. “Clearly the quarry is a community resource, and thus its short-term activation provides a better overall outcome than if Council were to source the same material from privately owned quarries,” he explained.
“Using the Ringtail Creek quarry also reduces the impact of haulage trucks on the local road network,” Noosa Council planning and infrastructure director Martin Drydale added.
Drydale indicated that there would likely be two blasts at the quarry to provide bulk fill for embankment earthworks. The quarry may potentially be used to supply the project with base course crushed rock as well.
However, Drydale stated that the quarry’s rock was not suitable for use as top course, and that the contractor selected to undertake the road works would need to source additional material from an alternative site.
In a media statement dated 28 August, Drydale said the first quarry blast would occur within the next two weeks.
Quarry approached Noosa Council for further information but a spokesperson declined to comment until the project – which was about to be put out to tender – was underway.