‘It’s over’: Developer backs down in sand mine battle

Plans to construct a controversial sand mine on the Sunshine Coast have been pulled after the developer dropped its long-running appeal against the council.

Plans to construct a controversial sand mine on the Sunshine Coast have been pulled after the developer dropped its long-running appeal against the council.

The 105ha sand extraction facility proposed by Maroochydore Sands Pty Ltd for Eudlo Flat Rd and Maroochydore Rd in Forest Glen will no longer go ahead.

COMMUNITY'S SAND MINE FEARS EXPOSED IN COURT DOCUMENTS

Sunshine Coast Council voted against the sand mine in October 2016, which was to extract on average 200,000 tonnes of sand per year across 30 years.

Following the refusal, an appeal was filed by the applicant with the Planning and Environment Court and more than 250 concerned residents elected to oppose the application.

Divisional councillor Ted Hungerford said he was pleased to hear the applicant had filed a notice of discontinuance.

"It has always been a no-brainer for me," Cr Hungerford said.

"There would have been significant impacts on the visual amenity, particularly when viewed from Maroochydore Road, a designated scenic route."

Cr Hungerford said one of his main concerns was the environmental impact that regular flood waters could have on the site, which could possibly lead to increased sediment being deposited in either Eudlo Creek or Maroochy River.

CRUCIAL DATE LOOMS IN LONG-RUNNING SAND MINE BATTLE

"Safety for students and pedestrians, particularly with the proximity to the school and volume of truck movements per day, was one of council's principal concerns.

"These concerns were shared by local residents with many indicating in their submissions that they considered such a proposal as unacceptable.

"I would like to thank the local residents for their interest and involvement in the matter, and council for their efforts in defending the appeal."

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