Boral commissioned an independent Noise Impact Assessment for the Reedy Creek Key Resource Area Project (RCKRA Project). The study examined potential noise from quarry operations at full production (1.2 million tonnes per year) and how it might affect nearby homes and businesses.

How Was It Assessed? 

• Ambient noise monitoring at five locations over six days. 

• Computer modelling to predict noise during all stages of quarry development. 

• Consideration of existing noise sources like the M1 motorway, Old Coach Road traffic, and nearby industrial areas. 

What Did It Find? 

The Noise Impact Assessment confirms that the project has been designed to keep noise levels low and protect the amenity of nearby residents. Key outcomes include: 

• All permanent plant will be fully enclosed, which significantly reduces operational noise. 

• Predicted noise levels at nearby homes during operating hours (including maintenance) meet regulatory standards, without requiring additional controls. 

• Blasting will be restricted to set hours and occur under controlled conditions to minimise disturbance. 

These measures ensure the project operates responsibly while maintaining a comfortable environment for the surrounding community. 

Traffic Noise 

The assessment also examined potential traffic noise from quarry trucks travelling along Old Coach Road. 

Result: The findings show that the increase will be less than 0.5 dBA—so small it’s imperceptible compared to the current traffic noise levels. (For perspective, rustling leaves measure about 20 dBA, far louder than the predicted change from quarry-related traffic.) 

Information Request Response findings 

The information requests received from Council and SARA have been carefully reviewed, and the independent Noise Experts confirmed that the RCKRA Project has been designed in a manner which ensures noise impacts are appropriately mitigated to comply with the relevant noise amenity criteria at the surrounding noise sensitive receptors. 

What This Means for the Community 

This assessment confirms that, with the planned design features and control measures in place, noise impacts will remain within approved limits. As a result, the RCKRA Project is not expected to cause any significant noise impacts for surrounding residential areas, ensuring the local community’s amenity is protected throughout operations. 

Further details about Boral’s proposal 

The DA is viewable on Council's PD Online ref. COM/2025/101 here:  

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Planning-building/PD-Online