SIRA and KCAP...

(Kholo Creek Hardrock Resource Advisory Panel)

In 1996, the Queensland Government established the Kholo Creek Hardrock Advisory Panel (KCAP) in recognition of the need to protect access to a substantial hardrock resource located just to the north of Mt. Crosby from growing residential development. A stated objective was also to protect the interests of existing and future residents who wish to reside in the general area of Mt Crosby, Karana Downs, Chuwar, Tivoli and Karalee.

The KCAP is chaired by the Department of State Development and comprises within its membership representatives from the local community, the quarry industry, local government and Queensland Government agencies. SIRA represents the local community and holds two seats on this panel.

SIRA believes that by participating in the KCAP, it has an opportunity to put forward the community viewpoint and influence direction of resource development to minimise adverse impact on the community. SIRA also believes that participation allows SIRA to provide feedback to the community on the status of events.

The impact of potential quarry development and access for extraction of material has been uncertain for many years. SIRA has an objective to resolve the uncertainty, such that residents know and understand the impact and are adequately compensated in a timely manner if adversely affected.

If this cannot be achieved, then SIRA is of the opinion that the resource should be sterilized, i.e., cannot be developed. Thus the uncertainty and potentially adverse impact on the community is removed.

SIRA supported the decision of the State Government to commission PPK Environment and Infrastructure Pty Ltd (now Parsons Brinkerhoff (Australia) Ltd) to review previous work undertaken in determining possible haul route route options and determine whether there was an appropriate transport route alignment, with adequate buffers, south-west from the Kholo Creek hardrock resource to the Warrego Highway.

It is this most recent study report, a copy of which may be obtained from SIRA, (note that limited copies are available) that is the subject of the current community consultation.

SIRA believes however, that this report is flawed and has failed to meet the stated terms of reference. See Summary of SIRA feedback on PPK (now PB) report. Regrettably this is not a view currently shared by the majority of KCAP members or the Department of State Development.

SIRA notes that the role of the KCAP was originally to assist the State Government in the identification and resolution of community issues associated with resource development. SIRA is concerned that this objective is no longer being met and that the future role of KCAP is uncertain .