Dulong Quarry

This timeline is no longer maintained.

22 June 2023: Transitioning Beyond the Quarry Timeline: A New Chapter Begins

Story

20 January 2023: Dulong residents demand transparency from council over quarry activity


26 May 2022: Haulage from Dulong Quarry

The quarry will be looking to start carting the rock from Dulong to Image Flat in the next few weeks. This rock will be used in the construction of the new landfill cells at Nambour.

Letter

29 September 2021: Dulong Quarry Blast postponed

‘The scheduled blast at Dulong has been postponed from tomorrow until next Wednesday [6 October 2021] due to the forecasted bad weather.’ 

23 September 2021: Dulong Quarry Blast

Notification letter

The tree planting project has been completed.

A contractor will keep the plants watered and looked after for 12 months.

23 August 2021: Update Dulong Quarry Tree Planting

Notification letter

26 May 2021: Truck movements increase June/July

Notification letter

  • Upcoming haulage from Dulong Quarry (June/July).
  • Letterbox drop to residents next week.
  • Planting the screen of trees along Dulong School Rd expected to commence in July.

Contact: Cameron Shields, Quarry Manager

P: 07 5459 2801

M: 0427 113 998

E: cameron.shields2@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
 

22 May 2021: Tender issued by Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Tender Number ITT052

‘Tenders are invited for suitably qualified suppliers to provide material testing services to the Sunshine Coast Council (Council). Services are to be provided in accordance with the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) accreditation standards.’

Queensland Government, QTender (ITT2055)


1 May 2021: Tender issued by Sunshine Coast Regional Council

It’s the Labour Day long weekend, and a tender has been released ‘for the establishment of a Supplier Arrangement for the supply of quarry products and material cartage services’.

Calling for greater transparency and communication about quarry operations; ‘delivery plan’, ‘material cartage services’, changes, impacts and benefits to the local community, and the region.

Tender Overview

Tenders are invited for the establishment of a Supplier Arrangement for the supply of quarry products and material cartage services.

All supplies will be in accordance with Council’s requirements for materials and delivery program. To be considered for this Arrangement, Respondents are to meet mandatory criteria for technical specification from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), and material cartage in accordance with all relevant Australian Standards and legislative requirements.

Source: Queensland Government Q Tenders (1 May 2021)

(Documents saved for future reference)


25 February 2021: Update Tender Quarry Drilling and Blasting Services

Tender Number ITT 2022

On 24 February 2021, two new documents were added to the tender information.

  1. Meeting Minutes of Information Session held on 23 February 2021.
  2. Pre Closing Date Notice to Respondents dated 24 February 2021.
??? ??? ?????
? Blasting at the Dulong Quarry is capped at two shots per year, with a permit to extract a maximum of 1,000,000t.
? Dulong Quarry has High Voltage powerlines that traverse the Dulong Quarry extractive zone.
? A number of videos of recent blasts at both Image Flat Quarry and Dulong Quarry were shown at the information session.
? Council will conduct a letter box drop one week prior to the blast day. 
? The Contractor will be required to place all blast monitors in accordance with the blast plans.

13 February 2021: Tender Quarry Drilling and Blasting Services

Tender Number: ITT2022 

(Link)

Released: Saturday 13 February 2021 at 12.00 am Brisbane, Queensland

Closing: Tuesday 9 March 2021 at 12.00 pm Brisbane, Queensland

Tender Overview:

‘Tenders are invited for drilling and blasting services at Council’s quarries.

Council’s quarries are situated at Image Flat Road, Image Flat and Sherwell Road, Dulong. Council also owns the rights to extract material from a number of smaller quarries and gravel pits across the region.

There are two principal types of material extracted from the Image Flat Quarry, overburden which is used as landfill, and rhyolite hard rock which is crushed into aggregates and aggregate dusts and used for road-base and landscaping. Material extracted from the Dulong Quarry is basalt rock which is used for production of asphalt and bitumen aggregates for road surfacing, drainage aggregates, road-base and rubble.

This is a Schedule of Rates contract for rock on ground, with the successful Contractor being engaged on an as needs basis. The contract will be for a period of two years, with the option of two (2) further 12 month extensions.

An information session will be held at Image Flat Quarry on 23 February 2021 at 10:00am to allow Respondents to familiarise themselves with the site and project requirements.’

Source: Qld QTender


24 December 2020: Sunshine Coast Daily Media Article

Fears quarry will blast off next year hosed down

UPDATE: Quarry Services SCRC are currently on holiday.
A list of questions has been received by Cr Law for an official reply.
Such as, access to Quarry Services Strategic Business Plan to confirm current and future actions/activities/projections, and the business reporting process to Councillors and ratepayers.
 
Transparency; the public needs 24/7 access to clear information to determine if procurement contracts ‘achieve the best quality outcome and value-for-money for ratepayers’.
 
Confirmation of the actual amount of material to be removed from Dulong Quarry, and a breakdown of the 350,000 tonnes quoted in the Media Release 22 December 2020.
 
Also, the communication plan which has failed in 2020.
We have received reports of a blast a couple of months ago, to be confirmed.
 
 

22 December 2020: Sunshine Coast Council Media Release

Quarry contract boosts local economy

Sunshine Coast Council awarded an $8.5 million contract to local company Black Cat Civil to support quarry services at Image Flat and Dulong.

The two-year contract starts early 2021 and provides mobile crushing and screening services.

The contract was awarded last month following a robust procurement process to achieve the best quality outcome and value-for-money for ratepayers.

Black Cat Civil is a certified member of Supply Nation. The head office is in Nambour and the company works throughout Australia.

Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said council supported our growing region through the operation of quarries at Image Flat Road, Image Flat and Sherwell Road, Dulong.

“I am really pleased that a local Nambour company Black Cat Civil has won this competitive contract, it shows that the council’s local procurement policy is really working,” Cr Law said.

“They will be crushing, scalping, blending and screening approximately 350,000 tonnes per annum of rhyolite and basalt shot rock for a variety of sizes and products,” he said.

Cr Law said material extracted from the quarries was available to the construction industry and the general public.

Material is used for a range of purposes including road base, landscaping, drainage material, footpaths, driveways and to prepare a base for construction.

Contact the quarry sales office on 0437 734 913 for information on products.

Local contractors can go to https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Tenders and register for tender alerts and head to https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Business/Business-Programs/Business-Gateway and ensure they have an up-to-date profile on our ICN Gateway or create your ICN Business profile on the ICN webpage.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Pannie Mitchell, Media Coordinator  

Phone: 0419 539 133  Email: pannie.mitchell@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

For all council media enquiries, please email mediainfo@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or phone 5441 8160. Your enquiry will be actioned by the relevant Communication Officer.


Newsletter: Important Dulong Quarry News 

We need your feedback before contacting Cr David Law:
Please send to dulongfutures@gmail.com

How we handle your feedback
Your information will remain private and will not be forwarded to a third party.
Information will be collated into themes, and personal information will be removed. 
If you have any questions, please contact us.

Are you willing to attend an informal meeting to discuss your concerns and potential actions?
If so, can you assist with the practical tasks to organise a meeting? 
Do you support a community meeting with Cr Law and Council Officers to ask questions and raise concerns?
Anything else?

Here’s the contact details for Cr Law:
Division 10 Councillor David Law
P: 5441 8368
M: 0437 825 569
E: david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
W: SCRC

A timeline of quarry information is on the DF website, click here

An email has been sent to MADCA, Mapleton and District Community Association, seeking their support.
An email with the Media Statement has been sent to Scott Sawyer, Journalist, Sunshine Coast Daily.

If possible, please can you share this information with neighbours.

Thank you!
Sincere apologies for interrupting your holidays, so close to Christmas. 

Gillian Hall
M: 0403 505 866


30 June 2020: Sunshine Coast Regional Council: Quarries

Division 10 Capital Works Budget Highlights ??
It looks like we’re in for more work at Dulong Quarry!
Is this part of the pro-development COVID recovery plan with NO benefits returned to Dulong?

 Feeder Chutes replacement, Image Flat Road $150,000
 Quarry Development Works, Image Flat Road $100,000
 Cement Silo replacement, Image Flat Road $95,000
 Exploration and resource proving, Image Flat Road $50,000
 Quarry Development works Dulong, Sherwell Road $25,000
 Water Management works, Image Flat Road $25,000
 Exploration and resource drilling, Sherwell Road $25,000
 Water Management works Dulong, Sherwell Road $10,000

Source: SCRC 2020-21 Budget

The last communication with Quarry team was the Dulong Quarry Quarterly October 2019.

7 February 2020: Dulong Quarry Truck Movements

8 January 2020: Dulong Quarry – Blast Advice

16 January 2020; “the blast happened just after 12.30 pm.”

“Heard it clearly across the valley. Could hear the rocks tumbling too. Contained fairly well you could say.” 

22 October 2019: Dulong Quarry Quarterly October 2019

10 September 2019: Dulong Quarry Bli Bli Connection

4 July 2019: Upcoming Work at Dulong Quarry July – October

Dulong Quarry July – October Upcoming Works

30 May 2019: Upcoming work at Dulong Quarry – June 2019

Gmail – Upcoming work at Dulong Quarry – June 2019

11 February 2019: Community Service Announcement

Email received:

Good morning,

Sunshine Coast Council’s Quarry Services team is pleased to share the attached [BI Works at Sunshine Coast Quarries CSA_070219] Community Service Announcement about scheduled council works occurring throughout 2019 at the Dulong quarry located on Sherwell Road.

This information was published in today’s edition of the Sunshine Coast Daily [see below] and will also be shared with residents, local community groups and neighbours of the Dulong Quarry via email or letterbox drop.

For further information or to provide feedback, please contact council on (07) 5475 7272 or mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

 

Kind regards

 

Quarry Services | Civil Asset Management

Built Infrastructure Group | Sunshine Coast Council

 

Phone:      (07) 5475 7272

Email:       mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 

Website:    www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 

Mail:          Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560


 

Sunshine Coast Daily, 11 February 2019, Works to improve Coast quarry to start, online paywall access, https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/works-to-improve-coast-quarry-to-start/3644527/


8 February 2019: Sunshine Coast Regional Council Media Statement

Community Service Announcement: Heads up to locals and passers-by on upcoming works at Dulong Quarry


6 February 2019: Upcoming council works at Dulong Quarry, Sherwell Road

Aiming to start the works as of 18/2/19. There will be a letter box drop explaining scope of works to neighbouring properties, particularly those to the west of the quarry site.

Upcoming council works at Dulong Quarry, Sherwell Road

Sunshine Coast Council wishes to share information about scheduled council works occurring throughout 2019 at the Dulong quarry located on Sherwell Road.

February – March 2019

Construction works

From mid February to mid March, construction and drainage works will occur at the Dulong quarry which will involve upgrading the quarry entrance to improve sight distance for trucks entering and exiting the quarry and on-site drainage improvements.

March – May 2019

Rock blasting preparation works

From March through to early May, council’s Quarry Services team will be conducting preparation works for future rock blasts. This will involve haulage trucks to remove up to 100,000 tonne of overburden (also called waste or spoil) from the Dulong quarry. Trucks will be transporting covered loads of spoil from the quarry on Dulong School Road and travelling along Sherwell Road on weekdays only.

May – July 2019

Blasting of basalt rock

Rock blasting will occur between May and July to extract basalt rock from Dulong quarry.

The basalt rock will be transported by truck to Image Flat Quarry for further processing. Typically the product is used in asphalt production for use on local council roads. A notification will be issued to local residents and key stakeholders (residential and community groups) prior to the blasts taking place.

Traffic management

When required, traffic management and signage will be onsite to assist with pedestrian and vehicle access to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Please obey the signs and safety advice given by traffic controllers.

Important safety advice

Council asks for your cooperation with the following safety advice:

· Slow down – observe the stated speed limits within and around council works for the safety of motorists, pedestrians, road workers and traffic controllers.

· Be patient – recognise that council works are necessary even though they cause frustration for motorists.

· Allow for possible delays – factor in extra travel time to allow for potential delays due to council works.

· Be informed – please contact council for further information or to provide feedback.

Further information

Please contact council’s customer service for further information on (07) 5475 7272, mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or visit our website sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Project News – Dulong Quarry Works 2019 (1)


19 December 2018: Residents group fears Christmas quarry expansion 

Scott Sawyer, Sunshine Coast Daily

A HINTERLAND residents’ group fears a festive expansion of a nearby quarry is on the cards.

Sunshine Coast Council this week issued a tender for the sale of general fill material from Dulong Quarry.

The fill is overburden, made up of soil and materials on top of the quarried rock, which has to be removed from the site to allow for future blasting.

Depending on the tender responses, up to 100,000 tonnes could be removed.

The removal of the overburden from the western side of the mined area was part of regular business operations and the removal was expected to happen in February or March next year.

Dulong Futures founder Gillian Hall said local residents feared the tender was a sign the nearby quarry would be expanding or production would be increased significantly.

“The quarry’s very close to our houses,” she said.

“We know it’s a valuable asset.”

A council spokesman said there was “no increase in production of the quarried rock forecast for 2019”.

On average, between 30,000 and 60,000 tonnes of basalt was extracted from Dulong Quarry each year.

Basalt rock is typically used in the production of asphalt to be used on council-maintained roads.

In 2011 the Dulong Quarry had been identified as one of multiple local quarries to provide fill for the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion.

But a council spokesman said the materials “were not of a quality suitable for use as airfield fine crushed rock pavement”.

The spokesman said neighbours and the wider Dulong community would be notified before any future blasting and quarry activities started.

Source: Sunshine Coast Daily


17 December 2018: QTender Sale of Fill at Dulong Quarry

Sale of General Fill Material – Dulong Quarry

It has been brought to our attention, that a tender was released on the 15th December 2018, (closing on 18th January 2019), to dispose of a large quantity of fill from Dulong Quarry.

This seems to suggest an area is being cleared for future blasting with the likelihood of increasing production.

Cr Greg Rogerson and Tom Jamieson, Group Executive for Built Infrastructure have been contacted to provide an update.

More news soon.


21 August 2018: What’s going on at Dulong Quarry this morning?

Summary of community feedback sent to the Acting Coordinator of Quarry Services (SCRC) and Cr Greg Rogerson on 22 August 2018:

  • Increased production has begun
  • Quarry is operating 6 days a week, often from 6.30 am, ‘very loud’.
  • That rock is being taken to Image Flat Quarry for crushing then going to the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project.
  • The biggest volume of basalt being hauled out of Dulong Quarry witnessed in 40 years.
  • ‘.. the increase in activity is significant and detrimental.’  

 

  • Trucks
  • ‘SCRC – Some public notifications would have be appropriate and further risks mitigation around the Dulong/Kureelpa school. Yes it’s a Queensland main road. However, it would be unreasonable to proportion culpability to SCRC if there was an incident.’  
  • Suggestion, police radar at the Blackall Range Independent School zone, reduction from 80 kms to 60 kms.
  • School buses drop off Kureelpa children on the southern side of the road.
  • Issue – crossing the road, no controls, crossings or safety measures.
  • Witness – a large truck having to brake suddenly to narrowly miss a child who was confused about crossing the road in that section.
  • ‘I counted three trucks this morning between Carter Rd & Sherwell Rd after the school drop at 8 am. Two heading east, one tail gating me until I could pull away at the 80 zone.’  
  • Behind a truck at 6.30 Saturday morning and coming home at 9 am, three more drive past me between Nambour Heights and Sherwell Road. ‘I estimate there are anywhere between 5-10 trucks working the Range at least 6 days a week. It is a noticeable surge of activity. They are heading to Bli Bli so I assume they are heading to the airport.’

 

  • Driver behaviour  
  • Speeding, tail gating, pulling out of Sherwell Road in front of oncoming traffic, crossing double white lines. ‘From what I’ve seen I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone killed by these trucks. They are not driving to mountain conditions.’   
  • ‘Council is exempt from making an application over there lands. However, they must follow the applicable codes and controls under the planning scheme. If they don’t the project automatically becomes assessable.’   ‘I’m sure the state as a referral agent would have something to say about the increase fatigue on the Nambour Mapleton Road by laden trucks’  

Quarry Services (SCRC) are in the process of preparing a Briefing Paper which will be available soon.

Visit the Dulong Community Newsletter, 24 August 2018 for more information.


1 June 2018: Scheduled Shot Blast at Dulong Quarry Notification Letter

Click here

24 May 2018: Blast Postponed

Email Notification; click here.

22 May 2018: Shot Blast at Dulong Quarry

To take place on Thursday 24 May 2018.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Letter, dated 16 May 2018.

To view, click here.

26 April 2018: No Plans to increase production says council

For some time there has been concern about the operations and future of Dulong Quarry with the likelihood of increasing production to supply the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project.

On Thursday 26 April 2018, Tom Jamieson, Sunshine Coast Regional Council Group Executive Built Infrastructure, in an email to Dulong Futures, stated there are no plans to increase production and will update us should this change.

No information was provided about the increase of activity at the quarry.  In addition, as of 30 April 2018, information requested at the Dulong Community Meeting on 27 February has not been received.  

Environmental concerns; in an area of biodiversity significance and groundwater ecosystems it is important there is a rigorous development application process, and strong compliance and enforcement mechanisms to protect the environment, water catchment areas and creeks.

Threats; development, rural and residential activities, commercial activities such as the quarry and commercial plant nurseries, especially physical alteration of the water course and construction of large dams (disrupt natural flooding cycle, reduce flow and more).

Queensland Globe: Showing Biodiversity significance.
(Adding ‘inland waters’ layers highlights the significance of the area).

Dulong: Contributor to the Water Supply System

Map showing environmental values and water quality objectives for waters in the Maroochy River catchment, and is listed under schedule 1 of the EPP (Water).

Link: Map Maroochy River environmental values and water quality objectives (plan)

The Latest · Access to Justice
Spotlight on Boral Resources (Qld) Pty Limited v Gold Coast City Council
30 April, 2018

Gold Coast City Council’s (GCCC) refusal of a hard rock quarry in Reedy Creek, West Burleigh in SE Queensland has been unanimously upheld by the Queensland Supreme Court. The decision demonstrates that local councils play an integral role in protecting their local environment through careful drafting of their planning scheme and then by robustly enforcing that planning scheme in the face of contrary developments.

The decision additionally demonstrates the role local communities can play in objecting to controversial developments and ensuring that extractive industry proposals address key issues such as residential amenity.

Source: Environmental Defenders Office Qld


19 September 2017: Have you noticed the changes taking place at Dulong Quarry?

Property owners in this area are concerned about quality of water pumped from the pit that enters the creek. Also, growing concern about the reason behind moving the fence and the relocation of top soil to the Dulong School Road boundary.

https://www.facebook.com/dulongfutures/videos/1477370565903064/


6 September 2017: What happened to the trees on the western side of Dulong State School, planted as a windbreak in 1952 – cleared by quarry operators?

Dulong School’s First Arbor Day

Fifty pine trees were planted at the Dulong School’s Arbor Day ceremony on Friday last [2 May 1952].

The school was re-opened about six weeks ago after being closed for many years. At luncheon, Mr. H. Brown (president of the School Committee) extended a welcome to all present, including Mr. D. A. Low, M.L.A. and Mrs. Low. Mr. A. Thompson (chairman Shire Council) and Miss M. Zupp (head teacher).

Mr. Brown thanked Mr. Low for his successful efforts on behalf of the residents in having the Dulong school re-opened. It was now the responsibility of the parents to see that it was kept open by sending their children regularly, and thus keep the attendance up to the required number.

In his remarks, Mr. Low stressed the importance of district educational facilities which offered an opportunity for the children and the parents to develop to the full that community spirit which was so necessary in small country centres.

Mr. Thompson also thanked the president for his kind words of welcome and expressed pleasure at being present on such an important occasion. He wished the school every success in the future.

Mr. R. Cordwell (secretary of the School Committee) said’ the function was a memorable day so far as the Dulong district was concerned. Mr. Cordwell congratulated Miss M. Zupp (head teacher) for the interest she has taken in the children and the manner in which she is conducting the school.

The trees will eventually serve as a windbreak on the western, side of the school. Mrs. D. A. Low planted the first tree.

During the morning games were enjoyed by the children, and in the afternoon ice-cream, sweets and soft drinks were distributed.

Photo from 2015 at the Dulong Quarry, site of Dulong State School, although the landscape has changed significantly; and 1960s section of a map showing the location of Dulong State School.

1952 ‘Dulong School’s First Arbor Day‘, Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser (Qld. : 1922 – 1954), 9 May, p. 5. , viewed 06 Sep 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78737224


How far have we come in 35 years?

It seems once upon a time our communities worked together, concerns about the Dulong Quarry still exist, and there are many more homes and residents living in Dulong today, with more to come!

Chronicle 2 December 1982, page 10 …
Group seeks cliff fence
Kureelpa/Dulong Residents and Ratepayers Association wants immediate construction of a strong fence around Maroochy Shire Council’s basalt quarry at Dulong.

Association president Grahame Garner said the quarry was protected by only a flimsy cattle fence.

The quarry has a face of about 15 metres.

Local residents fear a child could fall into the quarry unless adequate fencing is built.

The council has shelved consideration of a fence until the future of the quarry is decided.

Kureelpa, Dulong and Mapleton residents want the quarry phased out. However the council is trying to acquire at least another four hectares of land from a neighbour to extend the site.

Mr Garner said the only resumptions in the area should be for rehabilitation of the quarry.

“There are too many residents in the area for extension of the quarry,” Mr Garner said.

Article click here


Monday 5 June 2017:  Informal Meeting With Quarry Coordinator

At the request of concerned Dulong residents, Matt Bradley, Quarry Coordinator, Sunshine Coast Council, listened to residents concerns, answered questions and went through the report from the last blast which took place on 10 April 2017.

From our understanding, the reports indicate various readings from monitors, and were under recommended guidelines and therefore did not indicate any issues.  This is at odds with people’s experiences on the day of the blast.

On this occasion, there was noticeably more dust produced.  The location of the blast was in a different area to previous blasts and a significant amount of material was produced –  35,000 tonnes, enough to stockpile towards the annual target amount of 45,000 tonnes.  Consequentially the quarry management do not need to blast very often, to ‘minimise annoyance’, the impact on the community.

Matt emphasised that the Sunshine Coast Council is a ‘service provider’ and the Dulong Quarry has a life span of about eighty years as a managed resource to service around 98% of the Council’s needs.  
Modelling is being developed for the resource and plan for future blasting, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.  
Also discussed, drainage issues (run off from Dulong School Road), the future of Dulong School Road and the possibility of relocating the entrance of the quarry to a new location on Sherwell Road as the pit area progressively changes.
Matt said it is difficult to predict what the quarry will look like into the future until modelling is completed and areas containing resources for extraction are clearly identified.

Cr Greg Rogerson recently requested information and an interpretation of blasting operations.  Council and relevant government departments continue to receive feedback from concerned members of the community.  At today’s meeting we wanted Matt to be aware of the level of community concern about the operations of the quarry, reflected in the feedback Dulong Futures has received.  Matt wants everyone to know, he is happy to meet with people to discuss their concerns, just like he did with us today.

Location of monitors on 10 April 2017

Contact details: Matt Bradley
Quarry Coordinator, Quarry Services
P: 5459 2801
E: matthew.bradley@sunshinecoastqld.gov.au

 

Words by Gillian Hall


Monday 5 June 2017 UPDATE

Our community Facebook page proved an effective way to reach neighbours when we asked for feedback about the quarry blast on 10 April 2017.

More than 270 people reached the post, and here’s what you had to say  …


Monday 10 April 2017 Quarry Blast @ 2.00pm

Living with a Quarry as your next door neighbour.

View from 100 Dulong School Road

 

Photo: Dulong State School circa 1939 courtesy of Mr Patrick McAnalen

The Dulong Quarry is the former home of the Dulong State School which closed in 1967, making way for the council-owned quarry. 

Dulong lost another public space, in a central location within our community.

Blasting at the Dulong Quarry, corner Dulong School Road and Sherwell Road, usually occurs on a nine-month cycle.  Material from the Dulong Quarry leaves the area by truck, travelling along Sherwell Road, then down to the Image Flat Quarry for processing.

The last blasts were on 10 April 2017 and 19 May 2016.

A letter and email notification system are in place to inform residents about impending blasting operations.

If you would like to register for council’s notification service, please send the following details by email to Quarries@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
~ Name
~ Address
~ Email address

Matt Bradley
Quarry Coordinator, Quarry Services
5459 3998
matthew.bradley@sunshineocast.qld.gov.au


BACK TO AUGUST 2014

The Dulong Quarry blasted its way in our consciousness on Tuesday morning, 19 August 2014.

The blast had a big impact on the Dulong community.  Many residents reported property damage which they felt was directly related to the blast.

Several people have privately pursued damage claims.  Most residents who reported damage are still waiting on an inspection of their property.  Apparently, the Sunshine Coast Council and Quarry Management lost the list containing residents details, collected at a community meeting at the quarry in relation to this issue.

Community action resulted in the notification system that is now in place.  After the blast in May 2016, a request to meet with Quarry Management and Cr Rogerson, to discuss the impact of the blast, improvements to the notification system and release of reports and information, seem to have been ignored.

Extract from an email dated 21 August 2014 sent to a residents email group, written by local resident Gillian Hall,

Hello Concerned Residents,

Re: Dulong Quarry blasting on Tuesday 19 August 2014.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to provide feedback

Responses were received from Dulong Road northern end to the ‘dip’ approaching Phillips Road and Woodland Place.

Thank you to Cr Greg Rogerson who phoned me the same afternoon the complaint was made and it has resulted in a speedy response from the quarry manager.

From my understanding, the blasting on the day in question took place in a different manner to the usual procedure.

This is what you had to say…

“My wife at XXX Dulong Road ran out side as the house shook thinking something had fallen on the roof”.

“The quarry has been there for many years. They used to have a siren before they blasted. It doesn’t happen too often. Our house shook too, must have been a big blast”.

“Thank you for informing us of the blasting. It shook our house badly, rattling the chairs on the tiled floor. We wondered what it was?”

“I was shocked by the intensity and vibration from the blast. I had tradespeople from Coastal Skylights on my roof at the time and they were shocked by the vibration”.

“Through word of mouth suspected blasting damage has been reported to me from a household on Dulong Road earlier this year but I was not sure how to about investigations and so could not advise these people”.

“I heard it and recognised what it was as this used to happen all the time years ago. I haven’t been aware of blasting for many years. Don’t know why it has started again”.

“I also heard the explosions from my place; very loud and concerning for anyone who did not know what they were or the reason for them. I suggest that Council should be providing an advanced warning notice to householders in the area which would provide the date and timing of further detonations at the quarry”.

“We have been here 34 years and there was a lot of blasting and trucks using Dulong Road from the quarry for many years, so the other residents who have been here for 30 years either have short memories or this was a bigger blast than what we have had in the past. It is certainly not new to this area. I mentioned the trucks in a previous email to you”.

“Yes we here at Nos. XXX and XXX (northern end of) Dulong Road certainly heard it”.

“It set the dogs off across the road. My neighbour from XXX came rushing across the garden to me. She was very concerned as to what the devil it was, although I said I thought it might have been the quarry. However, it is the first time I can remember an explosion there (at least whilst I have actually been home). Anyway, my neighbour said she thought it was closer. She has lived here for 30 years and says she’s never heard anything like it before”.

About the quarry:

“The trucks at the quarry seem to be increasing as of late as you come along Dulong School Rd onto Sherwell Rd they are often roaring out at speed – it can be quite dangerous”.

“Has dilapidation surveys been done on any houses in regards to the blasting?

Noise monitoring requirements may also need to be investigated.  We are currently doing some of these on our road works”.