More than 1000 residents oppose 24-7 dust and noise from cement works for tram

Councillor have had their say on plans for an around-the-clock concrete batching plant at Burleigh needed for light rail works which more than 1000 residents have opposed.

An around-the-clock concrete batching plant at Burleigh needed for light rail works is recommended for approval by council despite opposition from more than 1000 residents.

A report from City officers supports the industrial application, which will see concrete supplied for light rail Stage 3 for 24 hours each day, seven days a week until mid-2026.

The site on the western side of the Pacific Motorway, opposite the Bermuda Street connection, is currently used and approved for landfill and a waste and recycling facility.

But Councillor Josh Martin opposed the application at Tuesday’s planning committee and was successful with a majority – four of six – councillors supporting him.

“Residents already live with significant industrial impacts of the current concrete recycling operations which are approved until 2028 – dust, noise, and traffic are part of their daily reality. Adding a 24/7 batching plant would have made things worse, not better,” he said.

Only city planning chair Mark Hammel and senior councillor Peter Young opposed Mr Martin. A final vote will be at a full council meeting on May 13, with the outcome uncertain.

“This site is zoned Low Impact Industry for a reason – to protect the community, not escalate heavy industry,” Mr Martin said.

Site picture of the planned concrete batching plant west of the Pacific Motorway at Burleigh Heads.

“Nearly 1,000 objections made it clear – enough is enough. Planning Committee had a choice – back the community, or back more high impact operations. I chose the community.”

Councillor Naomi Fowler said the batching plant would increase truck movements from 220 to 415 daily using an access road 60 metres from people’s homes “at all hours of the night”.

“While I understand the importance of supporting industry and infrastructure delivery, I also firmly believe we must do so while limiting the impact to surrounding communities,” she said.

The site of a planned concrete batching plant west of the Pacific Motorway at Burleigh Heads.

“Imagine living only 60 metres away from the only road access point in and out of the site with a projected 415 trucks entering and then exiting the site, the light and noise impact interrupting the sleep of yourself and your family for the next 12 to 18 months. I don’t think that is an acceptable outcome for the community.”

Ms Fowler said light rail Stage 3 has been sourcing the required concrete for the past two years, and questioned whether the plant was essential for the project.

McPherson LNP candidate Leon Robello, after door knocking homes, was the lead petitioner having secured support from hundreds of residents against “this inappropriate development”.

The petition notes “the right of residents to the quiet enjoyment of their homes, free from environmental nuisance and safety risks”. It also reminded council of the Boral Quarry fight.

Councillor Josh Martin — supporting residents opposed to concrete plant. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“I’ve always fought for the southern Gold Coast – I’ve knocked on doors, collected signatures and met with locals to give Councillor Josh Martin the support he needed to secure the right outcome,” Mr Robello said.

The concrete batching plant is to include two hopper-conveyor structures which sort aggregate materials to mix with cement to produce concrete, occupying an 8769 sqm development footprint located centrally within the site.

City officers said the proposed High Impact Industry use was appropriate in the location, given the area had a landfill and a waste and recycling centre.

“The proposed development will appropriately manage dust emissions and any associated impacts,” officers said.

Officers say conditions set will limit impacts like noise and dust on nearby homes and the development is not going to cause any undue traffic impacts to the surrounding road network, with a site access intersection upgraded.

Picture of the site of the planned concrete batching plant west of the Pacific Motorway at Burleigh Heads.

The 24/7 operation of the site was intended to service Stage 3 of light rail’s concrete requirements, they said.

“These extended hours will enable this significant piece of infrastructure to be delivered sooner, providing broader benefits for the city,” officers said.

“The applicant has demonstrated that all associated impacts are appropriately managed or will be appropriately managed through the recommendation of conditions.”

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Originally published as More than 1000 residents oppose 24-7 dust and noise from cement works for tram