Queensland sandstone miner withdraws Lockyer Valley lease after local farmers object

Rosehill Sandstone, a family-run quarry operator from the Southern Downs, applied for a mining lease covering 62 hectares, including 21 hectares of the Storey family's Junction View farm in the Lockyer Valley. Daniel Storey, a 29-year-old landholder, objected on grounds that the quarry would generate noise, alter the scenery and jeopardise the farm's future. After the community consultation period, the small town of about 60 residents rallied behind his objections, and neighboring grazier Danny D'Andilly also voiced relief at the project's cancellation.

John Doherty, manager of Rosehill Sandstone, said the company withdrew after hearing the community’s concerns, noting that winning a Land Court case would not have been enough without local support. The episode reflects a broader trend in rural Australia where community push-back has halted larger projects, and comes as Queensland debates legislation that could broaden compulsory acquisition powers for critical minerals. Experts say such disputes underscore the growing importance of social licence for resource developers.