Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

My only concern is noise, things are very tranquil on my property and I
wonder how noise will be managed?

I support this project. We need to source raw materials for everyday life
from somewhere. Furthermore, the Southern Highlands desperately needs
long term, fulfilling jobs to support families and young people. These
jobs are not provided by serving Sydney or Canberra day-trippers their
soy moccahchinos and banana paleo-bread at the endless rows of cafes
in Bowral or Berrima, whilst working for part-time minimum wages.

In particular, the local area is experiencing enormous housing
pressure from cashed-up retirees from Sydney making homes in the local
area completely unaffordable for young people. These retirees
typically sell a $2M (or more) home in Sydney and buy a $1M home in
the Southern Highlands, putting the rest away for their enjoyment -
and who can blame them for that - I'd do the same. The NSW government
has completely failed on housing policy to-date. The fact that land
can be purchased for $10,000 or $20,000 per acre without approval for
housing subdivision, but then increases to $300,000 per acre with
approval for housing - but without even being developed - is a
testament to that fact. Government policy creates artificial scarcity,
and the blame for unaffordable housing rests solely with the NSW
government.

Wages in the local area are well below average, with a median total
income (2015) of just $41,011 in the Southern Highlands SA3 according
to the ABS. Wollondilly, to our immediate north (for example) has a
median income of $49,803 (or 21% higher).

Despite this, house prices have risen close to 100% in the last five
years, with the median house price in Moss Vale having increased from
$375,000 in 2012 to $720,000 in 2017 according to the suburb profile
on realestate.com.au. Other localities in the Southern Highlands have
experienced similar or worse unaffordable housing price growth, whilst
wages stagnated, driven in-part by the laughable economic policy of
the local Council that is focused on more cafes, solar powered
tuk-tuks, walking trails and music festivals, whilst they hike rates
by 46% to squander on ill-planned and ill-conceived public works,
wasting huge slabs of ratepayer cash - but that's another story,
unrelated to the proposal at hand.

A proposed quarry is a good fit with the local area which already has
sandstone, sand, limestone and shale quarries at Belanglo, New
Berrima, Berrima, Hanging Rock, Bundanoon, Marulan, and previously had
quarries at Bowral, Mittagong, Exeter and Sutton Forest. Bundanoon
sandstone has been used at foreshore development in Barangaroo, and a
large proportion of Sydney's historical buildings and kerbs are
adorned with Syenite quarried from Mt Gibraltar in Bowral. The Opera
House and other iconic buildings are built with cement from Berrima
using coal mined at Medway, shale mined at Berrima and limestone mined
at Marulan. Much of the aggregate used in building projects in Sydney
now comes from Marulan. Limestone milled in Moss Vale is used for
agriculture and chemical processing across NSW.

I urge the proponents to look for places nearby where they might load
the sand into rail wagons for transportation to Sydney, to minimise
truck movements into Sydney since the developments at Wilton and
Camden are only going to make the traffic along the Hume Highway worse
and worse in years to come, and the State Gov has absolutely no vision
or plan to alleviate this other than reaping the stamp duty and taxes
from these vast developments. One rail wagon holds ~78 tonnes of
material, removing 2x 9-axle b-doubles from congested Sydney roads.
Rail costs around 5-7c/t/km, compared to trucking at 15-20c/t/km.

The proponents should also consult with other local state significant
developments and industries to ensure potential cumulative impacts are
managed and potential environmental and operating synergies are
explored (for example, the proposed Austral masonry plant at New
Berrima).

I object to the application on the following grounds:
1. The boundary runs too close to Long Swamp, an upland swamp which
filters water entering the creeks and rivers flowing to Sydney's water
catchment. No drainage from the mining area should reach the creek,
which is in places only about 100 metres from the edge of the pit.
2. This is a new mining site, opening up a substantial area to
degradation through clearing, vehicle movements, windblown dust and
weed seed and loss of habitat. Within the area there are populations
of rare, vulnerable, endangered and / or threatened species and the
opening up of this area reduces habitat potential for the continued
health of these species. The area is quite rich in a variety of native
species, with 196 being identified in the Flora Survey. Such richness
in vegetation will certainly be reduced with the creation of an
extraction area and concomitant roads, structures, stockpiles, etc. It
is doubtful that any future rehabilitation would (or could) include
such a wide variety of species. It can also be noted that the exotic
weed species found in the area were on the cleared land, and the
bushland is essentially pristine. Again, future rehabilitation efforts
will be compromised with weed species competing with planted natives
on cleared areas.
3. Both Glossy Black Cockatoos and Scarlet Robins were observed to be
present in and close to the mining area of the site and other
significant fauna were noted adjacently. For all the species noted,
habitat loss is one of the major threats and the fragmentation of
landscapes is an aspect of this. The total area of the proposal is 75
hectares of which 63 ha will be substantially destroyed through
clearing, building of mining infrastructure and mining itself. While
the consultant's conclusion is that the area being lost is too small
to matter, I am concerned by the fact that every proposal is
considered in isolation, and therefore seen as too small to matter,
while the on-going, district wide removal of patches of habitat may
well be having a cumulative effect on the long-term viability of
species overall.
4. The area has been identified as part of a wildlife corridor. Work
has been done in nearby areas of the Penrose Swamps to remove Pinus
radiata and to document species such as the E. aquatica. The mining
area will take a chunk from an identified corridor linking the Penrose
Swamps with the Penrose forests. Proposed mitigation and offsets and
ultimate regeneration do not necessarily replace items such as trees
with hollows or species richness in size and variation in the
vegetation. Table 13 of the Flora & Fauna report lists 20 tree and
shrub species proposed for revegetation which is minimal when
considering that the site boasts 196 species.
5. Existence of, and high need for protection of a significant
Aboriginal site, being a rock shelter with artefacts, and art as per
item 8.9 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment. "The rock
shelter site (AHIMS site number 52-4-0323), alternatively, contains a
diversity of painted and engraved art relatively uncommon to the
region and rates moderate." [10.3.4] This is not only a site of
significance for Aboriginal people but also a reminder to more recent
local arrivals to this area that Aboriginal people were here and used
this land. Therefore, it is significant to all of us. "The rock
shelter's painted and engraved art is of high educational value"
[10.3.5]. There are possibilities of damage to the shelter and the art
through increased dust from the mining and also opening up the site to
visitation from people who might damage it.

I object to the application on the following grounds:
1. The boundary runs too close to Long Swamp, an upland swamp which
filters water entering the creeks and rivers flowing to Sydney's water
catchment. No drainage from the mining area should reach the creek,
which is in places only about 100 metres from the edge of the pit.
2. This is a new mining site, opening up a substantial area to
degradation through clearing, vehicle movements, windblown dust and
weed seed and loss of habitat. Within the area there are populations
of rare, vulnerable, endangered and / or threatened species and the
opening up of this area reduces habitat potential for the continued
health of these species. The area is quite rich in a variety of native
species, with 196 being identified in the Flora Survey. Such richness
in vegetation will certainly be reduced with the creation of an
extraction area and concomitant roads, structures, stockpiles, etc. It
is doubtful that any future rehabilitation would (or could) include
such a wide variety of species. It can also be noted that the exotic
weed species found in the area were on the cleared land, and the
bushland is essentially pristine. Again, future rehabilitation efforts
will be compromised with weed species competing with planted natives
on cleared areas.
3. Both Glossy Black Cockatoos and Scarlet Robins were observed to be
present in and close to the mining area of the site and other
significant fauna were noted adjacently. For all the species noted,
habitat loss is one of the major threats and the fragmentation of
landscapes is an aspect of this. The total area of the proposal is 75
hectares of which 63 ha will be substantially destroyed through
clearing, building of mining infrastructure and mining itself. While
the consultant's conclusion is that the area being lost is too small
to matter, I am concerned by the fact that every proposal is
considered in isolation, and therefore seen as too small to matter,
while the on-going, district wide removal of patches of habitat may
well be having a cumulative effect on the long-term viability of
species overall.
4. The area has been identified as part of a wildlife corridor. Work
has been done in nearby areas of the Penrose Swamps to remove Pinus
radiata and to document species such as the E. aquatica. The mining
area will take a chunk from an identified corridor linking the Penrose
Swamps with the Penrose forests. Proposed mitigation and offsets and
ultimate regeneration do not necessarily replace items such as trees
with hollows or species richness in size and variation in the
vegetation. Table 13 of the Flora & Fauna report lists 20 tree and
shrub species proposed for revegetation which is minimal when
considering that the site boasts 196 species.
5. Existence of, and high need for protection of a significant
Aboriginal site, being a rock shelter with artefacts, and art as per
item 8.9 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment. "The rock
shelter site (AHIMS site number 52-4-0323), alternatively, contains a
diversity of painted and engraved art relatively uncommon to the
region and rates moderate." [10.3.4] This is not only a site of
significance for Aboriginal people but also a reminder to more recent
local arrivals to this area that Aboriginal people were here and used
this land. Therefore, it is significant to all of us. "The rock
shelter's painted and engraved art is of high educational value"
[10.3.5]. There are possibilities of damage to the shelter and the art
through increased dust from the mining and also opening up the site to
visitation from people who might damage it.

As an active environmentalist I strongly oppose the Sutton Forest Sand
Quarry project on the grounds of the destruction to the Great Western
Wildlife Corridor. This project plans on clearing up to 60 hectares of
bushland within the corridor. In the EIS it states the corridor will
be reduced to a minimum of 500 metres at one point. As for the noted
BLASTING happening at least 12 times a yr for the next 30 yrs, this
will definitely scare off any possible bird life that once used this
corridor. This is a vital stretch of bushland stretching from Bullio
to Bunginia and the Blue mountains. It provides a critical environment
in an ever diminishing landscape. it provides feeding grounds and
habitat for various birds and wildlife. Some of which are endangered
like the Glossy Black Cockatoo. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
only just released a media statement on 24/4/18 about the importance
of this corridor.
.
My other concern is for the Koala population in the area. It is noted
in the EIS that there is acknowledged koala habitat present but no
koalas seen. Just because a koala wasn't spotted on the day the
consultant went there does not mean they are not there. I have spoken
with several people bordering this location who state they have seen
and relocated koalas back in to the bush. I refer to a press release
By Pro Goward and Minister of Environment Gabrielle Upton Dec 2017
about the Koala land acquisition program in the southern Highlands.
Canyonleigh which again links with the wildlife corridor.
This project will have devastating consequences to the good work done
by hundreds of people over many years trying to help save the
endangered Koala.

The time for using the Southern Highlands' resources for exporting or
exhuming is over. This booming shite needs to focus on its community
and strengthening its own environmental edge for growth, or the whole
area will be over before it's started.

I have been travelling regularly to the Southern Highlands for 45 yrs,
initially because it is a beautiful location and then because I am
lucky enough to have a daughter who now lives in Sutton Forest. I was
horrified to hear such a large mine was being proposed for such a
lovely bush area. I now spend several months in the year there. Right
next to the proposed site. I am concerned on several areas.
Firstly the air pollution, I am seriously concerned for my health and
the health of all those living nearby. The dust that will be generated
and spread over such a large area will be of enormous concern. As for
the damage to the local wineries that we visit I hate to think, they
will suffer loss of quality to the grape vines and tourism will be
affected.
My other concern is for the bird life, I sit on my daughters veranda
and watch the various birds fly by, there is an amazing diversity of
birds some of which I believe are endangered or threatened. this
Quarry will ruin the corridor that these birds use and destroying
their habitat as well. I feel very sad that this natural environment,
and the homes of these animals are not considered to be as important
as sand for human creatures homes! As an elderly person who has seen
so much destruction of the environment, I ask, Please consider
carefully on this project.

I am one of the few properties locally that hasnt cleared. I am
originally from UK (been here 30 years now) and am passionate about
the bush and all that it brings. We have the wild life channel ((the
great western wilderness corridor), through our property; the black
cockatoos, the gang gangs, swamp wallabies etc - we obviously want to
keep that. We already have to put up with endless trucks going up and
down Hanging Rock Road because of the water tankers taking our local
spring water and we have also had to watch our water table lower over
the years. The Southern Highlands is a beautiful area and we get so
much revenue from tourism locally. We cannot afford to have another
quarry here impacting the quality of the air; noise pollution and
truck impacts to our local roads. The lighting that the quarry will
use ; 24 x 7 is totally unacceptable to our nocturnal wildlife, the
corridor here is already narrow so any impact to it would be extremely
detrimental to what we see locally.

I strongly OPPOSE the proposed sand mine at Sutton Forest. This is a
peaceful, rural area where residences, small farms and places of
worship spread out.
Key reasons for my opposition are listed below.
Personal
The proposed sand quarry is adjacent to our family property. Our
family purchased our land in the early 1970s. Set in pastoral and
agricultural country, we created productive fruit and flower orchards
on a portion of the land leaving most as untouched bush. We built our
extended family home and developed magnificent gardens which four
generations have enjoyed.
This is the place to escape the business of the city, to breathe in
fresh air and to recharge. It was our parent's lifelong goal to pass
on to their family a place of tranquility. On their passing in 2011
and 2012 my brothers and I inherited it and my brother now permanently
resides there to manage the property.
This directly impacts our family. This is our sacred place: a place
where four generations have worked and played, where children have
been brought up and parents died, a place where we feel our parents'
spirits are close to us as we are surrounded by all their loving
creation. A filthy noisy destructive mine and tip on our border and
just 60 metres from our family home, with all its intrusions shatters
that.
Dust Pollution
I am asthmatic, a genetic family trait that afflicts many of our
family. The large quantities of dust, fine-particle air pollution and
diesel pollution caused by this mine, processing plant and trucking
will be hazardous to our health and the many local residents. Our
nearest hospital is at least half an hour drive away, and at least
double that if ambulance is required.
An asthma attack in a rural location can be fatal. There have also
been studies relating to the effect of silica dust (smallest and most
dangerous of dust particles - those smaller than 2.5 microns) with a
range of serious respiratory conditions including lung cancer. This is
not a hazard that we should be expected to accept as part of
individual wealth creation by others.
Farming communities rely on vegetation in some form for their
livelihood. We have orchards of lilac trees and other flowers for the
cut flower markets. Dust from mining and trucks will cover the leaves
of plants, thus impeding photosynthesis and pollination. This coupled
with the effect of interference with the natural water table and water
pollution spells disaster for us and farms in the area.
Noise Pollution
The noise from the mine operations, operating just metres from our
residence and areas where we work and the huge traffic load of trucks,
which will be double that claimed in the proposal, will directly
impact our quality of life in this peaceful rural area. This will
occur day and night, seven days a week. The noise will disturb sleep,
cause stress, impair concentration and memory retention and undo the
well-known benefits of spending time in nature. It is not acceptable
that the solution is a concrete wall outside our house, which clearly
will not work aesthetically or functionally.
Noise also adversely affects animals and plants; disrupting entire
ecological communities. Seed dispersal can be severely affected if the
animals responsible are frightened away. Animals need silence to hear
predators approaching or to communicate with their mates. Constant
noise from the mines and transport will severely impact this life
cycle.
Water
Our farm, like every other farm and residence in the area, relies on
bore water from the aquifer for farm irrigation, our livelihood and
domestic living. We have the best water on the continent and our
reasonable expectation is that the water we take from the ground is
pure and not contaminated or compromised in any way. Sand is
everywhere - water is precious. The proposed mine will excavate to a
depth of 40 metres below the current water table! After removing the
sandstone that has a critical role in cleaning and filtering the
aquifer, they will then fill this 43-hectare hole with soil and likely
much worse (this is a well-known improperly regulated corrupt industry
- see the many EPA fines on the mining partner Hi-Quality for illegal
dumping of toxic material). Contamination through machinery leakage is
also a major threat.
All this will be alongside the protected environment of Long Swamp,
the headwaters of the Nepean catchment and Sydney's water supply! This
contaminated leached water will make its way to Sydney in time. This
will directly impact the local water table and the water quality -
permanently. They will pass their pollution on to generations to come.
The groundwater impact assessment here is appallingly unscientific and
the predictions that it will have trivial surrounding effects simply
not believable.
Traffic
The stretch of highway between Hanging Rock Road and Mittagong is
notorious for truck accidents and an added 300-400 trucks a day will
exacerbate this problem. It isn't the ~200 a day as claimed in the EIS
as sand trucks and fill trucks are different and serve different
industries. In just 500 metres after the entry onto the Hume, 400
trucks a day will be accelerating while ~2000 cars a day are slowing
and crossing in front of them to exit at the Sally's Corner service
centre. Madness! They state this is the most practical access after
looking at other options. This is not true as the DGR shows they
originally wanted to come in from the north. They even bought one
property (Bridgewater) to get this preferred road access but that was
aborted when the owners of the two adjoining properties blocked access
when they learned of the tipping and the size of the mine.
Property Values
As a consequence of the quarry and the access road, property values
will plummet. Properties are already unsalable with the threat of this
mine. It is totally unacceptable that the greed of two non-resident
individuals (these are family companies) can have such a detrimental
impact on the lives, livelihood and financial standing of the people
who have worked this land for decades.
Tourism
The Southern Highlands are famous for their scenic beauty. Eco- and
agri-tourism is an important industry and generator of wealth in the
area as it is in close proximity to Sydney, Canberra and the
Illawarra. People come to this area for an idyllic retreat away from
their rat race lives. The mine will directly impact the nature of the
Highlands. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy is immediately adjacent the
quarry site and a huge drawcard to the area hosting more than 10,000
visitors a year. The shrines were set up for people to reflect and
pray and it cannot be argued that the noise and air pollution from the
quarry will have none to little effect. As the priest there has said:
"they used my consultation words as bullets against me." This is a
sacred place for many people, both local and international. That
should be respected and maintained

In conclusion, I would like to add that we are one world with limited
resources. It's time that we, as custodians of our planet, take a good
hard look at what we are doing in the name of future and progress.
Greed and lazy money seem to rule while common sense, decency, respect
for others and our land have taken a backseat. Thank you for taking
the time to read my concerns and I hope you take them into
consideration when deciding on the future of our community and my
family.

Elena Allenby

My parents retired to Sutton Forrest in the 80/90's and it was the
happiest I had ever seen. I would hate to see the area they loved
mined and the flora and fauna of the area affected

I want to STRONGLY object to this quarry proceeding. My reasons are many.
This area is one of huge natural beauty so to start digging it up and
ruining the natural landscape to just then go a fill with
landfill/waste etc is absurd! The wildlife we get here is gorgeous and
fragile; with the birds, animals and flowers/shrubs etc. We have some
unique specimens of all here and they will then become endangered. We
have rare birds (owls, cockatoos, gang-gangs) that will be threatened.
The noise pollution will be shocking too as well as the air pollution
(dust etc. ) . We already have to endure the noise of trucks at night
so certainly dont want that added to!

I am deeply opposed to the sand mine planned for Sutton Forest. It will
sit next to my family's farm, a place of personal importance that
cannot be expressed with money. The farm is a quiet, idyllic place
where I learnt about nature and farming, loved and admired the black
cockatoos that flew overhead for their wildness and disinterest in
humans, worked my first jobs picking peaches and nectarines and
selling them. I eventually got married in the tranquil gardens there,
surrounded by spring flowers and native bushland this hard to find
anywhere in Sydney. My cherished memories of my grandparents are of
them working the farm and teaching us how to, of them taking us to
explore the surrounding bush and running us over to the Shrine Of Our
Lady Of Mercy nearby. The land is sacred to us all for our ties to it,
current and past, and our memories of those who lived on it.
I now follow my grandparents' footsteps in growing food and caring for
the land I'm on, with the hope of one day helping to manage the farm
in the same manner. In managing and caring for the land, I find the
quarry, with the destruction of bushland important to the black
cockatoos I love, the kangaroos and wombats that wander through the
farm, with the creation of a further threat to koalas already under
pressure in so many other areas absolutely abhorrent.
Trucks running by the fenceline and clogging the already heavily used
highway for forty years, mass tree lopping, the killing and
displacement of our animals and bees, air and water pollution, and
even blasting will destroy much of the beauty of the area, no matter
how many barriers are put up, environmental credits bought, and water
tests run. The natural will become the industrial and what is lost in
that process will never return. The plan to rejuvenate the area after
forty years of industry will not see its return. It's a false economy
at the cost of long lasting tourism and the local farming industry.
Worse again is the threat to the clean water of the Sydney basin
removing the sand that filters water in the are and that filters water
flowing through to the Sydney basin is an immediate threat to our
water, our bushland, and our wildlife on a greater scale than
suggested in the proposal. Shale and clay will not filter the water
but rather muddy it. This will increase the load on Sydney Water for
providing clean water and will have a detrimental effect on what is
accessible by wildlife. This is the wrong place to dig a mine. The
sand in this area is essential for the entire surrounding water
system, including the Sydney basin, and all that depend on it.

I am writing to object to this sand mine on environmental grounds.
I have been involved with the promotion and protection of the Great
Western Wilderness Corridor which this sand mine plans to disrupt
enormously. If you look on google earth, the most fragile section of
this Corridor is within the boundaries that the Wingecarribee Shire
control. To the north, there is a mass of greenery and to the South,
there are large areas of National parks and green space. This project
is in the most narrow part where extensive clearing has been allowed.
The EIS states that the connectivity of the Corridor will be reduced
to 500 mts.
This is bad enough but in combination with the fact that it is
applying to be a 24-hour operation mine, will have terrible
consequences to the nocturnal wildlife that inhabit the area. There
will be light and sound pollution that will have further ramifications
and disrupt the whole purpose of this corridor on animals that use
this hard-fought area of green space. You then add BLASTING on a
regular basis, and you will have completely destroyed the Great
Western Wilderness Corridor.
The EIS acknowledges that there are 2 threatened plant species, 5
threatened bird species and 4 threatened bat species currently living
in this area that will be cleared. They are all listed as vulnerable.
This document is extremely misleading. They state the Flora and Fauna
risk assessment rating is MEDIUM after adopting pre-existing or
standard mitigation measures. This surely has to be an unacceptable
level of risk.
I am lead to believe that they are relying on Biodiversity banking
strategies to offset the fact that they will be destroying large areas
of virgin bush 56% and regenerated bush 44%.
Im sorry, but I grew up in the Southern Highlands and feel very
passionate about trying to maintain the important bushland that seems
to be constantly threatened by large industry. Clearing of 67 hectare
is a significant amount of clearing in anyones eyes. The council seem
to have a problem if an individual household is wanting to clear 1 or
2 trees, why is it that large businesses are allowed to clear 67
hectares of prime bushland with significant environmental importance
and known threatened species within it. I hope you critically analyze
this document.

It is with great concern that I have become aware that Sutton Forrest is
being threatened with a huge sandmining development, right in the
middle of farms and close to a Catholic Shrine (Pauline Father's). I
was incredulous to hear that what is now a very small sand mining area
will be expanded to encompass a large tract of wooded area. Destroying
the natural habitat of birds and animals, and ruining the peace and
quiet of all those who live or visit this area. Once it's gone, its
gone.

I was also shocked to hear that a road is being proposed close to a
rural property, forcing them to enter their property in competition
with sandmining trucks. It has been quoted that there could be as many
as 300 trucks a day traveling onto the highway from this site. A
kilometer down the road is MacDonalds restruant, a popular spot for
day trippers and others to visit. If this development goes ahead, this
means that fully loaded trucks would exit onto the highway, going up
to the current speed limit of 110 km/hr, only to have to slow down in
less than a kilometer as cars slow down to enter MacDonalds. This must
dramatically increase the chances of a serious accident.

In summary, I oppose this development for the following reasons:
1. The area is a precious place of serenity and relaxation for those
that live there and those that visit, providing much needed
opportunity to re-energise and recuperate from busy lifestyles and
psychological stresses.

2. Its is a place of sanctuary for visitors and residents at the
Pauline father's monastery.

3. The development area proposed will irrevocably destroy
environmental assets such as clean air, clean bore water, and quiet
and tranquility. It will remove a wildlife corridor for local birds
and fauna. Importantly, it will interrupt the flight path of the Black
cockatoo.

4. The mining operation will create constant unrelenting noise,
seriously impacting all those living nearby or visiting the area. This
in turn will result in psychological distress (it is well documented
that repetitive unrelenting noise has been shown to negatively impact
on the health of people living nearby)., with the potential to
aggravate or contribute to the development of serious mental health
concerns.

5. Land prices will dramatically plummet, costing local small
landowners severely. Many of whom would have chosen this area because
it is non-industrial. In turn, this will adversely effect council
income.

Please say a firm 'NO" to this sandmining development. To say yes
would be to the abandon common sense and ignore the environmental
concerns, of both humans and animal and plant life. It would be
political suicide. And for what?A few jobs until the sand runs out.
Then what?

Sutton Forest is a rural and agricultural area with natural vegetation in
significant areas that provide a wildlife corridor.

The proposed application would see the landscape changed dramatically,
necessitating the lowering of the aquifer to accommodate the depth of
the sand mining. If it were to be used then as a garbage tip, it has
the potential to leak into the aquifer for years to come.

I am strongly opposed to any sand mining in this valuable agricultural
land. The destruction of natural habitat, the degradation of good
agricultural land, the potential risk of leaching of toxins into the
aquifer are three strong reasons why this submission should be
withdrawn.

As a Primary Producer in Exeter, I rely on two Licenced Bores for water
for my cattle and horses. I have had these bores in operation for the
last 15 years, and in conditions such as we have been experiencing
during the last 6-12 months, we would have had to close completely had
we not had a supplementary water supply which the bores provide.
I cannot really be more objective than the above. My Property - 90
Hectares, may be described as a Lifestyle block, but it nevertheless
employs local contractors, purchases feed locally, sends cattle to
market through the Moss Vale Salesyards and adds value to the local
community through purchase of food, fuel, and in general through
"living in the area".

I strongly protest at yet another application to interfere with the water
supply in the Sutton Forest area which will have adverse impacts on my
water supply, but especially on the Sydney supply downstream.
This EIS is a dangerous proposal for the Sutton Forest area and the
Southern Highlands overall

This development is inappropriate for the environment of the southern
highlands . This area is known for its tourism, hospitality and
specilised agriculture .
Most agricultural enterprises depend heavily on abundant groundwater
to survive and any project that can negatively impact on this resource
should be rejected .
Wildlife corridors are essential to the preservation of native species
for the sample the glossie black cockatoo so no reduction in
vegetation can be permitted.
As the footprint of Sydney grows the protection of water and the
environment in the surrounding country becomes even more precious.
This development is also located in the Sydney water catchment where
it is mandated than any development should have a neutral or
beneficial impact on water quality . This development cannot guarantee
this and must be rejected .

I was horrified to learn this week that the water table in the Southern
Highlands is theatened by yet another proposed mining operation, this
time by a massive (42 hectares) open-cut sand quarry between Sutton
Forest and Canyonleigh. There are numerous reasons to object to this
proposal: impact on water table; removing sandstone that has a
critical filtering role in cleaning the aquifer; creating a permanent
leachate into the aquifer; risk of pollution to the Long Swamp Creek
which feeds Sydney's Nepean water catchment; airborn dust carried by
prevailing winds across the entire, heavily populated Southern
Highlands; massive land clearing of native bush and the associated
endangerment of native flora and fauna; noise from blasting; heavy
trucking; and the list goes on.

I'm unaware of any public consultation on this proposal by the
proposed operator, the NSW Government, the Wingecarribee Shire Council
or indeed the EPA.

When will the Government finally get the message that preservation of
the precious water aquifers and rivers and our environment in general
is paramount and no commercial arguments can justify their
degradation?

I trust the NSW Government will not approve this proposal.

As a resident of Sutton Forest I am horrified at the enormity and
destructive potential of this project and the effects it will have on
the immediate area as well the entire Southern Highlands. There has
been trivial consultation with local productive land users and
long-term residents, disregarding our presence stating there will be
minimal impact on locals as most are only weekenders!

Some key concerns are:


This is a 42 hectare open-cut pit to a depth of 60 metres, 39 metres
below the current water table!



Lowering the water table at Sutton Forest will adversely affecting the
bores on which so many locals depend for agriculture and life. The EIS
makes NO mention of the illegal dewatering of the pit that is needed
to mine possibly up to 39 metres below the water table.



Removing this immense volume of sandstone that has a critical role in
filtering and cleaning the aquifer and the river flows and then
tipping 18 million tons of Sydney landfill into the pit, creating a
PERMANENT leachate into the aquifer and surface flow. This appallingly
unscientific EIS is SILENT on the impact of this back-fill tipping,
and in particular on the pollution of Long Swamp Creek and the
aquifer, which feed Sydney's Nepean water catchment.Adverse health
effects of airborne dust from and open-cut mine (asthma, silicosis,
fibrosis, cancer) carried by prevailing winds across the population
centres of the Highlands.



Land clearing 63 hectares of native bush that will narrow the Great
Western Wildlife Corridor (at its narrowest and most fragile point) to
just 500 metres in sections, harming endangered native flora and
fauna. Noise, blasting and light pollution 24/7 will further damage
this critical habitat for both wildlife and human use.



Dramatic increase in heavy trucking on the Hume Highway including the
planned use of the Illawarra Highway overpass as a U-turn for all
south-bound trucks.



Destroying of peace and tranquility at The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
- Penrose Park, which attracts 10,000 national and international
tourists a year to the Highlands, and destruction of the Kingsbury VC
memorial park to create another interchange ramp for truck access.



Committing Wingecarribee Council to maintain a new Hume Highway
overpass and local access road for a private venture that does not
benefit our Shire in any way..

the water impacts of this project along with the proposed Hume coal
mine are outrageous. This I feel is another example of killing the
goose that lays the golden egg and must be rejected.