The QLD Resources Minister has visited key quarries supporting building and infrastructure in South-East Queensland at an industry site visit on 27 September 2022.
In visiting Holcim’s Beenleigh and Boral’s Ormeau quarries, the Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart, was able to tour the operations, speak with site workers and gain a better understanding the critical role of quarries for the community.
As part of the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 olympic games, Lana Bartholomew, executive director of Geo-resources Policy for the Department of Resources accompanied Minister Stewart to first hand experience the challenges of the industry.
State Director of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), Aaron Johnstone, thanked the Minister and their team for the visit, providing insight into the use of quarrying in the state and allowing for discussion of key issues.
“On average, each Queenslander uses 10 tonnes of quarry material per year for construction, and it was a terrific for the Minister to witness first-hand the quarrying process,” Johnstone said.
“The visit allowed us to discuss key issues in quarry protection and approvals, particularly in growing SEQ, and the need for the planned Fit-for-Purpose Extractive Industry Assessment Framework being developed by the State Government as part of its Resource Sector Industry Development Plan.
“The Minister also commended the quarry managers for the quality of their operations, especially their efforts on health, safety and environmental management.”
Spokesperson for Holcim, Queensland general manager of aggregates, Steve Thomas, stated the company’s eager stance in being involved with the Minister’s visit.
“Holcim are proud to have been involved with the Resource Minister’s quarry visits, as real-life industry engagement and site experiences facilitate a better understanding of our industry’s challenges, as well as the professionalism our site teams, when producing and delivering the building blocks required for the construction of key South-East Queensland (SEQ) infrastructure.”
Boral Quarries Operations Manager Carl Buckland stated the approach the company has taken in the local community and to sustainability and safety commitments.
“The Boral Ormeau team was delighted to show Minister Stewart around our Ormeau operation and talk through our approach in providing essential building materials for the local community, as well as our efforts on biodiversity, water management and health and safety.”