Minimising heavy truck impact
COUNCIL'S traffic assessment of the Kin Kin quarry operation is that there are no real alternatives to Pomona-Kin Kin Rd as the primary transport route.
"The use of Pomona-Kin Kin Rd as the haul route is one of the primary issues for the community, as it is narrow, winding and contains numerous hills, three single-lane bridges and other less desirable conditions," a report to go before Sunshine Coast Council on Thursday states.
"The amended management plan contains actions to try to address the haul route concerns, including a road transport protocol and a driver's code of conduct, with requirements for restriction on speeds, no overtaking, covering of loads, discouraging practices such as convoying and early truck arrivals, and avoiding cartage when the school bus is using the road system.
"In accordance with council's previous resolutions, it has approved allocation of $500,000 in the capital works program for the upgrade of Sheppersons Lane based on an equivalent contribution being provided by the operators. A formal legal agreement is being developed.
"Council is not lawfully able to restrict the number of trucks on the roads or prohibit them during school bus times. However, it is reasonable for council to ensure measures proposed by operators are more prescriptive in nature."
Proposed amendments suggested by staff are:
Road transport protocol must be revised to specify the approved haul route is Pomona-Kin Kin Rd. Where this approved haulage route is not available due to exceptional circumstances, prior approval is required from council to deviate from the approved route.
Cartage is avoided, where practicable, during times when the school bus is using the local road, and drivers must exercise extreme caution when arriving at, or departing the quarry site when school buses are operating on the route.
Road transport protocol must acknowledge the rural environment. Trucks must not arrive at the quarry site prior to approved operating hours and must not leave with a load after approved operating hours. Parking of trucks is prohibited.
