Boral Quarries Ormeau (Kingsholme)
578 Upper Ormeau Road
Kingsholme QLD 4208
Australia
About Us
Boral Limited is an ASX listed company and one of Australia's largest building and construction materials suppliers. In Queensland, Boral operates more than 100 sites including 20 quarries, 62 concrete batching plants, and 16 asphalt plants, with operations in major centres from the Gold Coast to Cairns.
Boral Ormeau Quarry is located in Kingsholme, a northern suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland, approximately 5.5 kilometres from the Pacific Highway, 33 km from the Gold Coast and 43 km from Brisbane major centres.
The Darlington Range forms the western boundary of the site.
Geology
Kingsholme is located within a major rock formation named the Neranleigh-Fernvale beds. Rocks within this unit consist of regionally metamorphosed sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The Boral Ormeau Quarry is located within a large zone of meta-greywacke, which is a metamorphosed sandstone. The deposit consists of massive to slightly foliated meta-greywacke with minor bands of shale and argillite.
Site Ownership
The quarrying of the site began in 1981 by Adelaide Quarry Industries. In 1987, a joint venture (JV) was established between BMG Resources and Quarry Industries. The JV operated the quarry until Boral acquired Quarry Industries in 1994. Boral Resources (Qld) Pty Ltd has been the sole owner-operator since this date.
Northern Darlington Range KRA 67
Boral Ormeau Quarry in Kingsholme is located within the Northern Darlington Range. The State Planning Policy describes the significance of the northern Darlington Range (KRA67) in stating the resource will provide the main long-term source of aggregates for markets in the Brisbane-Gold Coast growth corridor. The existing or proposed quarries cover most of the resource, which has an estimated life of about 100 years at the current rate of production.
A 500 metre wide separation distance has been adopted from the outermost boundary of the available resource, which is defined as the edge of land parcels currently zoned for extractive industry.
The Transport route of the quarry is via Upper Ormeau Road to the Pacific Highway.
Boral Landcare Partnership
The Boral Landcare Partnership tells a story of a long-term (since 1994) partnership between Boral and a group of dedicated local residents working under the banner of the Northeast Albert Landcare Group (Landcare) rehabilitating the upper reaches of the Pimpama River (Gold Coast area) running alongside Boral’s Ormeau Quarry.
This partnership has delivered excellent environmental and community outcomes for all parties. In addition to rehabilitation of the river and creating a healthy ecosystem supporting the livelihoods and lifestyles of people in South East Queensland, the partnership has created the Boral Environmental Reserve, an area of approximately 3 Ha set aside by Boral as a recreational shared community space and for conservation. Over the years the partnership has successfully rehabilitated the upper reaches of the Pimpama Creek.
Landcare organises planting days throughout the year. Boral provides in-kind and monetary support for plants endemic to the area, mulch, weeding, spraying etc.
Boral was the Winner of the CCAA Innovation Awards – Community Leadership Award - Boral Ormeau Quarry – Community Relationship Initiatives
Since 1994, Boral has been partnering with Landcare to improve the local catchment area flowing through quarry buffer land at their Ormeau quarry, commencing with the Pimpama River Revegetation Partnership. This Partnership also supports the Ormeau Bottle Tree Program.
In 2005, Boral implemented their “community liaison group model” which provides a forum for discussing and sharing information with the local community.
Two long term goals were identified where Boral could assist with the local Ormeau community including creating a continuous riparian zone along the upper reaches of the Pimpama River, and to support Landcare by establishing a permanent base in the area. In recognition of the 20+ year partnership, Boral has provided a dwelling in close proximity to the quarry- Darlington Conservation House - which provides a permanent base for Landcare, as well as providing a meeting point for many other community groups to facilitate environmental programs.
The ongoing partnership has also achieved a continuous riparian zone, spanning over 6 kilometres, as well as the creation of the Boral Environmental Reserve, an area of some 3 hectares set aside on Boral’s land for the local community to enjoy, demonstrates how industry and community can work together creating significant positive outcomes for the environment.
Darlington Conservation House - Official Opening
On 20 June 2014, we celebrated the 20 year partnership between Boral and Northeast Albert Landcare & Catchment Management Group (Landcare) with the official opening of the “Darlington Conservation House” on Boral land at Ormeau, with the assistance of Deputy Mayor Donna Gates and Mark Boothman MP.
It was in 1994 when Landcare organised their first community planting day on quarry buffer land just up the road from the house as part of the Pimpama River Revegetation Project. Boral partnered with Landcare to create a continuous riparian zone along the upper reaches of the River to improve its health and provide a wildlife corridor.
Darlington Conservation House was established in response to a need for a local facility, a place where Landcare can coordinate and carry out its conservation works, including environmental rehabilitation and habitat protection programs. Landcare is also utilising the dwelling as a base for workshops, developing educational and environmental activities and training volunteers in activities such as revegetation and rehabilitation. Boral is proud to have been able to make this possible and being involved in this project.
The house also provides a venue for the Boral Ormeau Quarry Liaison Group to hold their regular meetings.
The official opening included special guests such as a local artist - Janet Hauser (now retired), and Glenn Leiper - a native plant enthusiast and author of the book ‘Mangroves to Mountains’, displaying samples of their life’s work.
Other VIP’s included representatives of Council, Landcare, and Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, education officials, our valued neighbours, and Boral staff.
This partnership is a testimony of how industry and community can work together in harmony, creating significant outcomes for the environment, and leaving behind a legacy for future generations.
Launch of the Pimpama Catchment Study Guide
Boral in partnership with Landcare attended the launch of the Pimpama Catchment Study Guide, which was developed by the Gold Coast City Council Catchment Management Unit. This guide is providing a valuable learning tool for teachers and students with hands-on activities and classroom exercises.
Boral & Landcare attended the launch held on Wednesday, 8 May 2013, demonstrating their support of the environmental and sustainability learning outcomes for students of the Pimpama Catchment.
The launch was attended by students from five local schools (Toogoolawa School, Pimpama State School, Ormeau Woods State High School, Ormeau State School, and Livingstone Christian College); VIP attendees included Gold Coast City Council’s Lord Mayor - Tom Tate, Junior Mayor - Zac Revere, Deputy Mayor and Councillor - Donna Gates, and the State Member for Albert - Mark Boothman.
Councillor Donna Gates said, “the aim of this study guide is to inform and engage local primary & secondary students and their teachers, and to raise community awareness of our local catchment."
Boral sponsored the bus transport for students of the Livingstone Christian College enabling students to participate in the launch activities.
Boral is planning further school projects in collaboration with Landcare and CVA volunteers at Ormeau along the Pimpama River, continuing our long-term Partnership.
Ormeau Community Liaison Group
Boral recognises the importance of stakeholder engagement to sustainable development of the business. At key quarry sites a significant commitment has been made to effectively engage with stakeholders using the Boral "community liaison group model".
Typically members include: neighbours, community representatives such as the Progress Association, representatives of environmental heritage protection, local government representatives, councillors and Boral representatives.
The objectives of community liaison groups are to:
- facilitate open communication: creates a forum for discussion and exchange of information on topics related to the Boral quarry and our neighbours;
- create a forum to raise issues: acts as a "structured" communication link between Boral, the community and other stakeholders;
- provide an opportunity to influence operations: assists in identifying and addressing local issues and concerns relating to the Boral quarry and our neighbours;
- identify opportunities to partner with Boral on community projects: builds relationships between Boral, the community and stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
Minutes from the community liaison group meetings::
- December 2023
- July 2023
- November 2022
- April 2022
- November 2021
- June 2021
- July 2020
- February 2020
- November 2019
- July 2019
- February 2019
- October 2018
- July 2018
- February 2018
- 1 November 2017
- 2 August 2017
- 2 March 2017
- 26 October 2016
- 24 August 2016
- 24 February 2016
- 21 October 2015
- 3 June 2015
- 25 February 2015
- 22 October 2014
- 25 June 2014
- 26 February 2014
- 20 November 2013
- 29 May 2013
- February 2013
Outcomes
Outcomes and achievements of the Ormeau Quarry Liaison Group include:
- Site Visits: Boral holds site visits with quarry liaison group members
Site tours include:
- visitor induction
- introduction to Boral and the Ormeau Quarry
- updates on site rehabilitation and buffer land between Pimpama Creek and the quarry
- new plant, equipment, and upgrades such as the new Stormwater Management System
- Quarry Operation including quarry pit, operational and stockpiling area, amenities buildings, weighbridge and wheel wash. Site visits provide a real time view of information discussed at the meetings - Transport Route Review: Local residents voiced traffic/road safety concerns regarding Upper Ormeau Road (quarry haul route) and surrounding road infrastructure. To understand the concerns, Boral prepared road plans (aerial photographs) of the Upper Ormeau Road corridor from Boral Ormeau Quarry to the Pacific Highway. The Quarry Liaison Group members reviewed the plans to identify black spots. The review was presented to the Gold Coast City Council and responses received.
Subsequently further road improvements occurred in conjunction with the quarry DA, including contributions from Boral and Council. - Transport Code of Conduct: In direct response to local community concerns and from discussions during our Quarry Liaison Group meetings, Boral has developed and rolled out a Transport Code of Conduct that clearly sets out Boral’s expectations in respect of anyone transporting extractive materials from our quarries.
Boral follows up on all complaints and takes road safety seriously. Any complaints are recorded and investigated by relevant Boral staff. Results of investigations are discussed with truck drivers at toolbox meetings and with community members at Quarry Liaison Group meetings. In addition Boral’s Logistics Team conducts random checks on trucks on Upper Ormeau Road carting from and to the quarry.
Community complaints, since the introduction of the Code of Conduct in 2009, have significantly reduced and the community and members of the Ormeau Progress Association have commended Boral truck drivers on their driving behaviour. See the Transport Code of Conduct here.
Driver Behaviour
Since the implementation of the Transport Code of Conduct and ongoing training, truck driver behaviour has greatly improved and community complaints have reduced.
Boral’s Transport Code of Conduct dictates to avoid the use of engine brakes in built-up areas or where signs are posted.
Cr Donna Gates, Gold Coast City Council, has assisted with erecting a sign on the corner of Tillyroen Road and Upper Ormeau Road, reminding truck drivers to limit compression braking on Upper Ormeau Road. This will aid in educating external truck drivers, who are using Upper Ormeau Road only on occasion or for the first time.
However, if you do observe unacceptable truck driver behaviour, we ask that you please contact our quarry.
In order to effectively investigate and take action, we need your help. Please report all complaints immediately to the quarry, or as early as possible, with as much detail as possible:
- Date & time
- Registration (most important)
- Location of the incident
- Any other distinctive features, such as colour of truck, truck & dog, colour of tray, etc.
This approach will provide us with the best chance to follow up on offending trucks instantly and we can respond back to the complainant in a timely manner. The earlier Boral is aware of the issue, the quicker we can respond and follow up.
All Boral company trucks are now fitted with dash cameras where footage is periodically audited to investigate driver behaviour. This footage is saved for 24 hours and is also being used for complaint investigations; hence the early reporting of complaints is essential.
Please note: Upper Ormeau Road is a public road and is free to be accessed by all trucks, not restricted to trucks visiting the quarry.