Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is inviting Brisbane residents to help shape the transformation of two Council-owned quarries as part of a long-term vision announced in the 2023-24 Budget.
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries continued to play important roles, however, now was the time to consider their future use.
“Each of Brisbane’s two quarries are twice the size of South Bank Parklands,” he said.
“While there’s still an important role for both quarries right now, there is enormous potential to transform them into world-class tourism, environmental and recreational destinations in the future.
“Just like the desolate industrial precinct on the banks of the Brisbane River was transformed into South Bank after Expo ’88, these two quarries present similar opportunities.
“Brisbane needs more experiences to grow our tourism economy and the Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries could one day become destinations people from across the world want to see.
“Our city is already home to some of Australia’s best parks and tourism destinations and we’re continuing on an incredible trajectory.”
Cr Schrinner said the Eden Project in the United Kingdom and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore are great examples of what Mt Coot-tha could be transformed into while Tasmania’s Blue Derby mountain bike trails could suit Pine Mountain Quarry.
“I’m genuinely excited our community will be able to help shape the future of our quarries and we want everyone to have their say to help us make Brisbane even better,” he said.
“The transformation of these quarries is going to be a big part of Brisbane’s future and I am hopeful that in the future all three levels of government can work together to deliver our vision for them.”
Mt Coot-tha Quarry has served Brisbane residents for more than a century and still supplies an estimated 96 per cent of asphalt aggregate for Brisbane roads.
Quarrying no longer occurs at Pine Mountain, however, it continues to be used as an asphalt and concrete recycling facility for Council operations.
Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Holland Park Ward Krista Adams said the transformation of Pine Mountain Quarry would help create more to see and do for local residents and visitors.
“Pine Mountain Quarry is surrounded by beautiful bushland and an incredibly popular sporting precinct,” Cr Adams said.
“The transformation of Pine Mountain Quarry will create even more opportunities for people to stay active while enjoying Brisbane’s incredible natural areas.”
Paddington Ward Councillor Clare Jenkinson said Mt Coot-tha was a popular local destination and the quarry transformation would help make it even better.
“Local residents love Mt Coot-tha and they’re incredibly excited about this opportunity to transform it into a world-class destination,” Cr Jenkinson said.
“I can’t wait to work with the local community to help make Mt Coot-tha even better.”
Community consultation will run from Sunday 5 November until 30 June 2024, with residents encouraged to have their say via the Brisbane City Council website.
