Rockers dig in against quarry

Coolum residents are rallying together to reduce the impact of a planned quarry in their hinterland neighbourhood and what better way to fight a noisy quarry than with a community concert.
The residents are fighting a proposed rock quarry along North Arm-Yandina Road in Yandina Creek that was refused by the council but then approved by the Planning and Environment Court on the basis the council provides a list of conditions.
The community wants to make sure the conditions are as “stringent” as possible to “ensure the safety and amenity of the local residents”.
The Yandina Creek Progress Association (YCPA) president Alex Watson said the group held concerns about the impact of heavy vehicles on roads such as Coolum Yandina Road.
“We know Coolum Yandina Road has tragically been the location of a number of serious and fatal accidents. The extra 100-plus quarry trucks will increase the risk of accidents and rapidly deteriorate the road surface,” he said.
The YCPA plans to return to court to support the Sunshine Coast Council to ensure the stringent conditions are upheld, but the group needs a barrister. With a price tag of over $20,000 and a deadline of 14 February, the group is working hard to fund-raise.
The group is holding a fund-raising concert on Sunday 5 February at Coolum Civic Centre to help raise funds for the fight against the quarry.
Doors will open at 2.30pm and event-goers will be treated to the sounds of Euphoria, Eric McKinney, DJ Jason J Sun and much-loved locals Oka.
There will also be a sausage sizzle, licensed bar and plenty of entertainment for the kids to make for a great family-friendly event.
Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door (cash only) for adult, juniors under 17 are $10 online and $12 at the door. Kids under 10 are free and an family pass for two adults and two kids is $50 online or $60 at the door.
Visit www.trybooking.com/onjr to buy tickets online with all proceeds going directly to the No Blasted Quarry campaign.
The group also has a Go Fund Me page for anyone who would like to support the group that way, at www.gofundme.com/yandina-creek-quarry-fight