Delta transport depot proponent appeals council rejection

A company trying to build a transport depot on rural land in the Whitsundays has hit back over the council’s rejection of its proposal. DETAILS

A new truck stop has been proposed for the Whitsunday region, but the council rejected the application. The decision is now being appealed.

A company trying to build a transport depot on rural land in the Whitsundays has hit back over the council’s rejection of its proposal.

KHJ Group applied to Whitsunday Regional Council to build a 24/7 depot at Lot 3, Lauriston St in Delta sparking fierce opposition from the Bowen community with members arguing it would create dangerous traffic levels and cause severe disruption to nearby residents.

In May 2023, WRC backed community concerns and rejected the application for reasons including the development would increase traffic volumes to unsafe levels, it was inappropriate for the rural zone, there were other suitable sites nearby and no conditions could manage the impacts.

But KHJ Group has appealed the decision in the Planning and Environment Court arguing the depot “provides an appropriate and sensitive transition between the local centre zone, industry zones and the rural zone”.

It argued the site was “well located for the intended use of providing critical support” to train drivers and service vehicles “and otherwise servicing and supporting rail infrastructure and the transportations of coal within the Newlands Coal System”.

KHJ’s appeal also stated the location did not “unaccountably alienate off fragment agricultural land” because the proposed development only occupied a portion of the land towards the Lauriston St frontage.

The company also said the depot was designed and would operate in a manner that “minimises and does not have unacceptable impacts” on existing and future rural activities on the surrounding land or the nearby community members.

KHJ further argued the depot would increase “safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway” with certain works being moved to the site.

“The proposed development directly supports key economic sectors of mining, extractive industry and associated development (including the transportation of coal) and increasing accessibility to rail services and facilities,” the appeal stated.

The matter had already gone through an alternative dispute resolution conference and is listed for review in November.