Arabic version: روزهل ساندستون تسحب طلب محجر في لوكير فالي

According to ABC News, Rosehill Sandstone has withdrawn its mining lease application for a proposed quarry at Junction View in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, bringing relief to farmers whose land was included in the plan.

The small family-run Southern Downs business had sought approval for a 62-hectare sandstone quarry, including 21 hectares of the Storey family’s Junction View farm. The property, first farmed by Daniel Storey’s mother’s family in the 1920s, was among landholdings covered by the proposal. Mr Storey feared the quarry could create noise, change the landscape and affect the farm’s future.

Mr Storey, a 29-year-old fourth-generation farmer, became publicly active after the consultation period opened last month. About 60 people in the small community rallied behind objections to the project. Neighbouring grazier Danny D’Andilly, whose property was also within the proposed lease, said the withdrawal gave him certainty after leaving his plans “up in the air”.

Rosehill Sandstone cattle producer and manager John Doherty said objection responses revealed how strongly residents, particularly Mr Storey, opposed the development. He said the company may have been able to succeed in the Land Court, but did not want to operate where it was not welcome. Mr Doherty also cited his family’s experience of having a sandstone mine imposed on its grazing property.

Under Queensland law, the state owns minerals beneath private land, meaning landholders cannot simply refuse mining access and may instead negotiate compensation or challenge applications through the Land Court. ABC News reported that a bill before the Queensland Parliament would expand compulsory acquisition powers for some critical minerals projects, prompting warnings from lawyers that Land Court rights could be weakened.