The Mt Coot-tha Quarry Will Be Transformed Into... | An Interview with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Summary

Brisbane's Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, has announced the closure of Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries, seeking public submissions for their redevelopment. With over 20 hectares available, the sites present an opportunity for significant urban renewal. The community is encouraged to envision innovative uses, such as the Eden Project in Cornwall or Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, transforming the quarries into green spaces, recreational areas, or tourist attractions. The city aims to finalize a draft vision by 2024, potentially creating a lasting legacy for Brisbane's growth and the 2032 Olympics.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ Brisbane's Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries are set to be closed and redeveloped.
• 🌳 Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is seeking community submissions for the future use of the sites.
• 🚧 The quarries cover more than 20 hectares each, larger than South Bank Parklands, offering significant redevelopment potential.
• 🛤️ Mt Coot-tha quarry has been a key supplier of asphalt for Brisbane's road network for over a century.
• 🔄 Pine Mountain Quarry currently serves as a recycling center for asphalt and concrete.
• 🌱 The city is considering green space, recreational facilities, and tourism assets as potential new uses for the sites.
• 🌍 International examples like the Eden Project in Cornwall and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore are suggested as inspirations.
• 🏞️ Other former quarries worldwide have been transformed into hotels, adventure parks, community developments, and botanical gardens.
• 🎤 There's a possibility of revisiting the zip line proposal for Mt Coot-tha, considering the environmental and economic benefits.
• ⏰ The city aims to finalize a draft vision for the quarries' redevelopment during 2024.

Q & A

Which two Brisbane quarries are being considered for redevelopment?

The Mt Coot-tha and Pine Mountain quarries are the two sites being considered for redevelopment.

Why are the quarries being closed according to Adrian Schrinner?

The quarries are being closed because their current use for extracting rock will come to an end in the foreseeable future, and there's an opportunity to repurpose the land for green space, recreation, and tourism assets.

What is the significance of the Mt Coot-tha quarry in Brisbane's history?

The Mt Coot-tha quarry has been vital to Brisbane for over a century, initially established in the mid-1890s, and it provides metamorphic rock used in manufacturing durable asphalt products for the city's road network.

What is the current role of Pine Mountain Quarry?

Pine Mountain Quarry no longer extracts rock but serves as a recycling center for asphalt and concrete as part of Brisbane City Council's operations.

What is the alternative source of material once Mt Coot-tha quarry is depleted?

The alternative source is the Bracalba quarry, which has a significant amount of material left and will cater to Brisbane's long-term needs.

What are the community consultation phases for the redevelopment of these quarries?

The community is currently in a consultation phase where they are invited to submit ideas for the redevelopment of the quarries.

What are some of the international examples given to inspire the community's submissions for the quarries' redevelopment?

Examples include the Eden Project in Cornwall, which transformed a former quarry into a major tourist attraction and environmental hub, and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, built on reclaimed land and now a top tourist destination.

How does the redevelopment of these quarries align with Brisbane's vision for the future?

The redevelopment aligns with Brisbane's vision to become Australia's number one city by creating iconic, sustainable, and community-beneficial spaces that can attract tourists and support the local economy.

What is the potential environmental benefit of redeveloping the quarries?

The redevelopment could turn degraded land into community assets, potentially increasing green spaces and providing environmental benefits without causing further environmental impact.

Is there a timeline for when the council aims to finalize the vision for the quarries' redevelopment?

The council is aiming to finalize the vision for the quarries' redevelopment during 2024.

How can the public contribute to the visioning process for the quarries?

The public can contribute by submitting their ideas and suggestions for the quarries' redevelopment, either through a provided link or by commenting on the related discussion.