Revved up: Quarry truck battle headed for court

Heavy fines issued over alleged road haulage breaches as council prepares to launch court action.

Pomona Police led by Sergeant Dan McNamara address the Majestic Theatre quarry truck information forum

Pressure is ramping up on Kin Kin quarry operator Cordwell Resources as Noosa Council issues a further $27,000 in fines over alleged road haulage breaches and voted unanimously last night at its ordinary meeting to launch court action.

That has given fresh heart to Kin Kin local Anita Poteri of Save Noosa Hinterland who has been fighting the quarry operation for a decade.

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Councillors at their ordinary meeting later today will vote on advice from a Brisbane barrister to challenge the quarry operations in the Planning and Environment Court.

"There are signs of hope," Ms Poteri said after a packed community meeting held yesterday at The Majestic Theatre in Pomona was briefed by council CEO Brett de Chastel.

Also present were Pomona Police, Mayor Clare Stewart and the Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton to address the locals.

"It seems like we're all working together," Ms Poteri said.

"We feel this is the best outcome we've ever had in the 10 years.

"I had a very good night's sleep last night," she said.

Full house at the quarry truck Pomona meeting that was restricted to a capacity of 125. There were more locals looking on outside.

At the heart of the group's concerns are the impacts of hundreds of daily quarry truck movements pounding the narrow country road which is promoted as a tourist drive.

Ms Poteri said there were lots of cheers yesterday as the proposed court action was announced.

'We're going to keep the pressure on. Pomona has stepped it up, Cooran has stepped it up which we didn't have 10 years ago because no one could see what we were fighting, but now it's in their face," she said.

"Loads of people are upset and we've got more support than we've ever had and we've got council on our side," Ms Poteri said.

Noosa Council communications manager Ken Furdek said council tonight will look to initiate legal proceedings against Cordwells and authorise the gathering of "necessary evidence".

"Further discussions will be held with council's legal team next week to ascertain the type of evidence required to progress the matter," Mr Furdek said.

"Proceedings cannot commence until advisers establish the necessary evidence required to successfully pursue legal action, which could take between eight to 12 weeks," he said.

He said the council fines issued this week to Cordwell Resources were for allegedly failing to maintain the necessary five minute gap for trucks leaving the quarry.

Mr Furdek said this brings the total fines issued to Cordwells by council to $54,000.

Cordwell has not responded to Sunshine Coast Daily request for comment as yet.

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