A NEW State Planning Policy in Queensland would introduce buffer zones between new residential developments and quarries and resource areas.
The new Policy has nominated 100 key resource areas.
If a quarry is to be established in a key resource area, key criteria will have to be met before a development application is approved by council.
The potential quarry site will need to have a processing area, a surrounding separation area, and a transport route to a major road or railway that has the least impact on the local community.
Under a related initiative, trucks that haul gravel and other material through local communities could be required to cover the load.
The new policy will come into effect in September.
Further information is available from www.dme.qld.gov.au