With dimensions exceeding the size of the South Bank parklands, the 30-hectare Pine Mountain Quarry is envisioned to provide extensive green space for residents and visitors, once transformed under a proposed rehabilitation plan.
The proposed rehabilitation plan covers both Pine Mountain Quarry and the Mount Coot-tha Quarry.
Whilst currently operating as a recycling facility, Pine Mountain Quarry had a previous life as a quarry that supplied hard rock for nearly three decades. It was part of Boral’s operations from 1964 to 1991 before being acquired by the BMI group in 2013.
Meanwhile, Mount Coot-tha Quarry has been operational for over a century, supplying approximately 400,000 tonnes of asphalt aggregate each year. It has played a crucial role in Brisbane’s infrastructure, with asphalt aggregates from the quarry used in over 96 per cent of the city’s roads. Council has managed the site since 1926.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, envisions these currently “very barren” sites becoming valuable assets for the city. The vastness of the quarries is notable, with Pine Mountain Quarry spanning approximately 30 hectares and Mount Coot-tha Quarry covering around 26 hectares. These dimensions exceed the size of the South Bank parklands, offering ample space for the development of extensive green areas.
Brisbane City Council aims to open these rehabilitated quarries to the public before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing additional recreational opportunities. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing importance of the quarries, Cr Schrinner emphasises the need for long-term planning and preparation to ensure a seamless transition.
Alongside the quarry rehabilitation plans, the Brisbane City Council unveiled the master plan for the transformation of Victoria Park/Barrambin. The project’s $141 million allocated budget for the following four years is intended to rejuvenate the 64-hectare site.
The master plan outlines various exciting features, including the restoration of central waterholes and the introduction of a “rewilding” canopy covering over 60 per cent of the area. Also included is an adventure playground and nature water play gully. Additionally, a high ropes course, and mountain biking trail are proposed under the master plan.
Cr Schrinner expresses enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to create a beloved destination in Brisbane. The plan’s focus on restoring the natural landscape, wetlands, and watering holes, along with a substantial increase in tree cover, promises an exciting and vibrant outcome.
Published 30-June-2023