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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Sandstone miner scraps Lockyer Valley project after farmers' pleas

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A sandstone mining project in Queensland's Lockyer Valley was withdrawn after local farmers, led by Daniel Storey, voiced strong objections.
  • Rosehill Sandstone had applied for a 62-hectare quarry, including 21 hectares of the Storey family's historic farm.
  • The company cited community opposition, particularly from Storey, as the reason for abandoning the project, prioritizing a harmonious environment over potential legal success.

Daniel Storey, a 29-year-old farmer in Queensland, found himself becoming an activist against his initial inclinations when a mining lease application threatened his family's Junction View farm. Rosehill Sandstone had sought approval for a 62-hectare quarry, with 21 hectares encroaching on the Storey property, which has been farmed by his mother's family since the 1920s.

I'd still think of an activist as a person going off for something they do believe in, but in a way that's not productive.

— Daniel StoreyStorey describes his initial perception of activists before becoming one himself.

Storey feared the quarry's impact on noise levels, the landscape, and the farm's future viability. Under Queensland law, while the state owns minerals beneath private land, landowners must negotiate compensation or challenge applications in the Land Court. Storey chose to voice his objections through letters and public statements, rallying the small community of about 60 people.

I don't think I would have been as vocal if it was happening somewhere else, because it is on our place.

— Daniel StoreyStorey explains his motivation to speak out against the mining lease application on his family's farm.

Last week, Rosehill Sandstone unexpectedly withdrew its application, bringing immense relief to Storey and his neighbours. "We all felt very relieved," Storey said, noting that the removal of the mining threat allows for future planning and optimism. Neighbouring grazier Danny D'Andilly echoed this sentiment, stating the decision brought much-needed certainty to his own plans and calling it "a win for the small guy."

We all felt very relieved.

— Daniel StoreyStorey expresses the community's relief after Rosehill Sandstone withdrew its mining lease application.

John Doherty, representing Rosehill Sandstone, candidly explained the decision to withdraw. He stated that community feedback, particularly from Storey, revealed significant local opposition. While acknowledging the company might have succeeded in the Land Court, Doherty decided against proceeding in an environment where they were "really not welcome." He emphasized that development must involve community consultation, not override local sentiment.

Without this mining lease application over our heads, we've got a bit more … ability to plan and to be excited about what could happen.

— Daniel StoreyStorey discusses the future possibilities for his farm now that the mining threat has been removed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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