Hard rock revival: Brisbane quarries could become tourist destinations

Brisbane residents will have their say in the future of the Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries as part of the 2023-24 budget.

Community consultation via the council website opens on Sunday until June 30 next year.

The Mt Coot-tha Quarry could undergo a transformation for the community to use as a local destination.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said there was potential to transform them into tourism, environmental and recreational destinations.

“Just like the desolate industrial precinct on the banks of the Brisbane River was transformed into South Bank after Expo ’88, these two quarries present similar opportunities,” he said.

“Brisbane needs more experiences to grow our tourism economy and the Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries could one day become destinations people from across the world want to see.”

Schrinner said the Eden Project in the United Kingdom and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore are great examples of what Mt Coot-tha could be transformed into while Tasmania’s Blue Derby mountain bike trails could suit Pine Mountain Quarry.

“I’m genuinely excited our community will be able to help shape the future of our quarries and we want everyone to have their say to help us make Brisbane even better,” he said.

Mt Coot-tha Quarry has served Brisbane residents for more than a century and still supplies an estimated 96 per cent of asphalt aggregate for Brisbane roads.

Quarrying no longer occurs at Pine Mountain, however, it remains as an asphalt and concrete recycling facility for council.

Pine Mountain Quarry

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Holland Park Ward Krista Adams said a transformation of Pine Mountain Quarry would create more things to see and do in the area.

“Pine Mountain Quarry is surrounded by beautiful bushland and an incredibly popular sporting precinct,” Adams said.

“The transformation of Pine Mountain Quarry will create even more opportunities for people to stay active while enjoying Brisbane’s incredible natural areas.”

Paddington Ward councillor Clare Jenkinson said a quarry transformation would boost the reputation of Mt Coot-tha being a popular destination.

“Local residents love Mt Coot-tha and they’re incredibly excited about this opportunity to transform it into a world-class destination,” Jenkinson said.

“I can’t wait to work with the local community to help make Mt Coot-tha even better.”

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