Ring the State Government hotline on 1800 600 163 for information on Key Resource Areas.

Make a submission by Wednesday 12 June 2013 5pm

SOME QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED

Should our local council be consulting with the community when the council is preparing its response to the draft SPP?

When Council is undertaking a new planning scheme, they are required to consider all of the state's interests as outlined in the SPP and apply them in a local context; during this process council must extensively consult with the community on these matters, such as KRAs.

It is not appropriate or required under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, for local councils to undertake community consultation in preparation of their response to the draft SPP. As mentioned we encourage everyone and anyone to provide a submission by the June 12 due date to ensure that your views are heard.

Further to this, the Mayor of Scenic Rim Regional Council Cr John Brent, has provided a statement regarding the draft SPP and in particular concerns around the proposed KRAs. It can be found on the Beaudesert Times website: http://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/beaudesert/218-mayoral-statement  and may be of assistance.

While it is pleasing to see the Mayor acknowledge the Council's Community Plan, developed in partnership with the local community over a period of 18 months, which captures residents' vision and aspirations for the Scenic Rim during the next 15 years and we ie council are guided by the values detailed in this document, there is an escape clause

The Plan outlines the importance of preserving our natural surroundings, however, this is not to the absolute exclusion of the development and industry needed to help grow this and other regions.

How have the boundaries of the proposed KRAs been determined, especially KRA 140?

The draft SPP Guideline: Mining and extractive resources includes detailed information about what constitutes a state or regionally significant resource and includes information on how separation areas are determined.

The location and boundaries of KRA's are based on the estimated location of the extractive resource of state or regional significance. The draft KRA 140 boundary is based on the location of two high intersecting ridges of basalt.

In the guidelines, a report and a map of each of the proposed KRAs is also included - this provides information on local circumstances which may influence the boundaries of a KRA such as resource type, topography, environmentally sensitive areas etc.

Who has been responsible for deciding which areas are proposed as KRA's?

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines has been undertaking the assessment of potential Key Resource Areas. The location of KRA 140 was determined through a desktop analysis which included the extrapolation of geological data and a review of drilling activities in nearby locations.

Why have two haul routes been nominated for KRA 140 effectively placing restrictions on twice as many properties whose land falls within the 100 metres of the haul route?

Two routes have been identified as potentially appropriate for the KRA area. If an extraction of resources were to be approved by Scenic Rim Regional Council, the applicant would have to identify through research, the most effective and least intrusive haul route.

The transitional development assessment criteria's only applies to land that is 100 metres either side of the centreline of the proposed KRA transport routes. This identification does not change the existing rural uses on land adjacent to the transport route.

What real restrictions are likely to be placed on properties which fall within the separation zone?

The draft SPP proposes that Council ensure that the State's interest in protecting significant extractive resource deposits is appropriately considered in local planning decisions.

The actual conditions imposed on a development or included in the local planning scheme, will vary depending on the local circumstances. As a general rule of thumb, the State's intent is to not increase the number of people who may be adversely impacted by the current or possible future extraction of resources from an identified KRA.

The model code included in the SPP Guideline: Mining and extractive resources (Appendix 2) gives an example of the provisions that the State feels are appropriate to be applied to development affected by a KRA. While the state provides this example, it does not mandate requirements. Ultimately the conditions placed on a development application are the responsibility of the local council.

We trust this information is of assistance, if you have any further questions or concerns regarding the SPP please do not hesitate to contact the SPP team on 1800 600 163.

State Planning Policy project team 

Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Queensland Government tel 1800 600 163
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