Blakebrook Quarry Mod 4 - Asphalt Plant Production Increase

Re: Blakebrook Quarry Modification – MP07_0020‑Mod‑4 (Asphalt Plant Production Increase)
I am a neighbouring landholder with the Blakebrook Quarry with me driveway only 330meters or 7 Olympic pools from my house to the quarry driveway and writing to object to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020 for the asphalt plant at 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Under the resin dated below:
Failure of genuine consultation by
Lismore City Council, as landowner of the quarry, and Downer, as lessee and proponent of the shovels plant have failed to undertake any meaningful community consultation regarding this proposal. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group and myself met on 4 December 2025 in a council‑facilitated forum, yet Council did not disclose that a modification to double asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations had been exhibited. I and neighbouring landholders only became aware of the proposal when i received communications on 6 December 2025, after the meeting had occurred. This sequence of events gives the clear impression of deliberate avoidance of open discussion with directly affected residents, and does not meet community expectations for transparency or good‑faith engagement on a State significant development.

The modification seeks to increase asphalt production from 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes per annum, with a corresponding increase in truck movements on Nimbin Road and related public roads. This will effectively double heavy‑vehicle traffic associated with the asphalt plant, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters and local residents, on a rural road network that already carries quarry traffic. The assessment material does not adequately address the cumulative safety impacts of this extra traffic on Nimbin Road, including braking distances on steep sections, interactions at driveways and side roads, and potential damage to the road surface and shoulders.


The proposal to allow 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week operation of the asphalt plant will fundamentally change the noise environment for me, as truck noise is a continual sound I have to put up with during the day and currently noise during night when asphalt is been processed or what ever is happing in quarry or asphalt plant I can hear at present, noise from trucks using the steep quarry driveway, including engine and air‑brake noise, carries clearly across the valley during the day but is at least confined to generally acceptable daytime hours. Allowing continuous night‑time operations would result in truck and plant noise during normal sleeping hours, undermining the amenity my chose to l live rural specifically to avoid such disturbance outside reasonable hours. Even if predicted noise levels are modelled to comply with guideline criteria, the character of intermittent heavy‑vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and should be treated as unacceptable.

Existing impacts: blasting, risk and insurance

Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration and other quarry activities. While some issues have eventually been addressed, this has often only occurred after sustained pressure from residents rather than proactive action by the operator or Council. Some landholders have faced difficulties obtaining insurance or have had policies refused due to proximity to the quarry, illustrating that risk and perceived risk are already elevated in this locality. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on myself and community.

The most disappointing aspect of this modification is the non‑existent or minimal consultation by both Downer and Lismore City Council, including the failure to even undertake a basic letter‑box drop or to openly raise the proposal at the Community Advisory Group meeting immediately prior to exhibition. This is not how a genuine community partnership functions, especially where Council itself is the landholder and should be modelling best‑practice engagement.
Given the deficiencies in consultation and the significant, ongoing impacts on local amenity, safety and wellbeing, this modification should not proceed in its current form. At a minimum, the Department should:
• Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process, including re‑exhibition with adequate notice to all potentially affected landholders..

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved in partnership with the local community, the only reasonable outcome is to refuse Modification 4.
Yours faithfully,

John Wraight

Please see the reasons for my objection as an immediate neighbor to the Blakebrook Quarry.

• Noise Pollution: Noise from blasting, crushing machinery, and heavy vehicle movements already disrupt daily life and negatively affect the peaceful rural setting that we value. Implementing a 24/7 operation would surley have further impacts to our "peaceful" rural setting.
• Traffic and Road Safety: A significant increase in heavy truck traffic on local roads not built for constant heavy loads. Nimbin Road is already in a state, not yet recovered from the 2022 floods, costing Lismore City Council more funds they do not have, to support ongoing maintenance they already struggle with on surrounding Lismore roads - this becoming a safety issue for those who commute Nimbin road daily.
• Air Quality and Dust Emissions: The release of dust, including the risk of hazardous silica particles can cause respiratory issues and other serious health problems. This quarry is also in a close proximity to a primary school.
• Water Contamination: Runoff from the quarry can contaminate local surface water and groundwater, threatening drinking water supplies and local underwater springs which we rely on to keep our dams stocked for livestock. Also affecting the integrity of the already fragile, Wilsons River catchment which historically, has a poorly rated water quality even reaching recently, an "F" - the lowest quality.
• Decreased Property Values: The proximity of an expanded quarry often leads to a decrease in the value of nearby homes and residential lots.

With all of the above mentioned, I would like you to also consider the overall reduced quality of life: The overall amenity of the area, including the ability to enjoy a quiet lifestyle, will be compromised by the constant industrial activity, noise, and dust. As stated - a 24/7 opperation which will give us immediate neighbors, surrounding residents, and any persons living along the route to the Blakebrook Quarry, no reprievre.

Hi Desley

Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020

I am writing to express my strong objection to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultation

The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 4 December 2025, but neither Lismore City Council nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting. This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet community expectations.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts

The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle this increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.

Noise and Amenity Impacts

The proposed 24/7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbance. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Existing Impacts and Concerns

Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration, and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community Expectations and Requested Actions

Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on local amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department:

- Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transparent community/neighbour consultation.

Additional Concerns

-Drinking water catchment, waterways effected, leaching.
-Ecosystem and endangered animals effected by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate, noise and blasting 24/7 operations
-Neighbouring properties with businesses being effected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) landowners.
-concerns around compliance failures already.
-residents near by and in surrounding suburbs not knowing the blasts noises/vibrations being felt are from quarry and that they can report it/complain.

The proposed landfill development at the same site raises further concerns. Community consultation and transparency, a public hearing and recognising community concerns for both projects must be recognized and adhered to.

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I strongly object to Modification 4.

I urge the Department to consider the community's concerns and reject Modification 4 in its current form.

Sincerely,
Desley Banks

Please see the below reasons for my objection as an immediate neighbor to the Blakebrook Quarry.

• Noise Pollution: Noise from blasting, crushing machinery, and heavy vehicle movements already disrupt daily life and negatively affect the peaceful rural setting that we value. Implementing a 24/7 operation would surley have further impacts to our "peaceful" rural setting.
• Traffic and Road Safety: A significant increase in heavy truck traffic on local roads not built for constant heavy loads. Nimbin Road is already in a state, not yet recovered from the 2022 floods costing Lismore City Council more funds they do not have, to support ongoing maintenance they already struggle with on Lismore roads.
• Air Quality and Dust Emissions: The release of dust, including the risk of hazardous silica particles can cause respiratory issues and other serious health problems.
• Water Contamination: Runoff from the quarry can contaminate local surface water and groundwater, threatening drinking water supplies and local underwater springs which we rely on to keep our dams stocked for livestock. Also affecting the integrity of the already fragile, Wilsons River catchment which historically, has poorly rated water quality even reaching recently, an "F" - the lowest quality.
• Decreased Property Values: The proximity of an expanded quarry often leads to a decrease in the value of nearby homes and residential lots.

With all of the above mentioned, i would like you to also consider the overall reduced quality of life: The overall amenity of the area, including the ability to enjoy a quiet lifestyle, is compromised by the constant industrial activity, noise, and dust.
Due to these and other factors, I strongly object to this proposal.

I am writing to express my strong objection to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Lack of Community Consultation
The community has not been consulted, or even informed about, the proposed modification has not. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 27 November 2025, but neither Lismore City Council nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders did not received letters until 6 December 2025, after the meeting. This lack of transparency and consultation is not only quite appalling but it shows a complete disregard for the welfare of the community.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts
It is obvious that the proposed increase in asphalt production will result in a two-fold increase in heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road. This undoubtedly, by definition, will double the risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not designed to handle this increased traffic and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed, especially given the poor condition of these rural roads.

Noise and Amenity Impacts
It cannot possibly be argued that the proposed 24/7 operation will NOT have major negative impacts on the amenity of the nearby rural properties and those in the local vicinity. To expect that the local community should accept the obtrusive and intrusive noise of heavy-vehicle engines through the stillness of the night in a country area is surely unacceptable. The same applies to the noise of rock crushing 24/7. This constancy of this noise will have an enormous impact on the mental health of nearby residents due to disturbed sleep.
There are noise curfews of airports so surely these should also apply to the noise emanating from operations of a mega quarry?

Existing Impacts and Concerns
There are already numerous, measurable and negative damage and impacts on the properties of neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration, and other quarry activities – these have been reported and are on record with the Lismore City Council. Higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will double these existing traumas on the community.

Community Expectations and Requested Actions
Given the complete inadequacies in community consultation and the serious impacts on local amenity, safety, and welfare of the local community from the current quarry operations, I request that the Department:

- Instigate a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process.
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts.
- Impose strict time limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transparent community/neighbour consultation.
- Assess the impacts of the 24/7 operations on the local wildlife, specifically on Koalas, an Endangered Species, which will be severely impacted by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate, noise and blasting associated with 24/7 operations

I strongly object to Modification 4 and I urge the Department to consider the community's concerns and reject Modification 4 in its current form.

17th December 2025
To Whom it May Concern

Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020

I am writing to express my STRONG objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase the asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry / Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultaions:
The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 4 December 2025, but neither Lismore City Council, nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting.
My farm nearly backs onto the Quarry and I did not receive a notification of the meeting AT ALL.
There was a previous information session held at the Goolmangar Hall from 2:00 – 6:00pm on a Wednesday (I did not keep a note of the date). I filled out a form outlining my objections and concerns and was guaranteed that my form would be lodged and that someone from the company would be in contact with me. I did not receive any communications regarding the form I filled out, nor did any member of the company contact me.
One of my concerns included the impact of noise. I can hear the blasts and workings of the quarry now, having this level of noise on a continuous 24/7 is unacceptable. I was told that the company had placed microphones around neighbouring properties and the noise level came back as acceptable. When queried about which properties these microphones where operating from the two men could not answer.
This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet the community expectations.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts:
The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle this increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.
Noise and Amenity Impacts:
The proposed 24//7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbances. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Exisiting Impacts and Concerns:
Blakbrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community Expectations and Required Actions:
Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on local amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department:
- Require proper, independent facilitated community consultation process
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts
- Conduct impacts to night-time wildlife
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transport community/neighbour consultation

Additional Concerns:
- Drinking water catchment, waterways effected, leaching
- Ecosystem and endangered animals effected by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate noise and blasting operations
- Neighbouring properties with businesses being affected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) landowners
- Concerns around compliance failures already
- Residents near by and in the surrounding suburbs not knowing the blasts noises / vibrations being felt are from quarry and they can report it / complain.
The proposed landfill development at the same site raises further concerns.
Community consultation and transparency, a public hearing and recofnising community concerns for both projects must be recognised and adhered to.
Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I STRONGLY OBJECT TO MODIFICATION 4.
I urge the Department to consider the community’s concerns and reject Modification 4 in its currents form.

Sincerely
Fleur Letitia

17th December 2025
To Whom it May Concern

Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020

I am writing to express my STRONG objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase the asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry / Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultaions:
The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 4 December 2025, but neither Lismore City Council, nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting.
Our farm nearly backs onto the Quarry and we did not receive a notification of the meeting AT ALL.

One of my concerns included the impact of noise. I can hear the blasts and workings of the quarry now, having this level of noise on a continuous 24/7 is unacceptable. I was told that the company had placed microphones around neighbouring properties and the noise level came back as acceptable. When queried about which properties these microphones where operating from the two men could not answer.
This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet the community expectations.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts:
The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle this increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.
Noise and Amenity Impacts:
The proposed 24//7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbances. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Exisiting Impacts and Concerns:
Blakbrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community Expectations and Required Actions:
Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on local amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department:
- Require proper, independent facilitated community consultation process
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts
- Conduct impacts to night-time wildlife
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transport community/neighbour consultation

Additional Concerns:
- Drinking water catchment, waterways effected, leaching
- Ecosystem and endangered animals effected by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate noise and blasting operations
- Neighbouring properties with businesses being affected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) landowners
- Concerns around compliance failures already
- Residents near by and in the surrounding suburbs not knowing the blasts noises / vibrations being felt are from quarry and they can report it / complain.
The proposed landfill development at the same site raises further concerns.
Community consultation and transparency, a public hearing and recognising community concerns for both projects must be recognised and adhered to.
Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I STRONGLY OBJECT TO MODIFICATION 4.
I urge the Department to consider the community’s concerns and reject Modification 4 in its currents form.

Sincerely
James Beale

To: Director, Energy and Resource Assessments
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Re: Blakebrook Quarry Modification – MP07_0020‑Mod‑4 (Asphalt Plant Production Increase)
I am a nearby landholder to the Blakebrook Quarry less then 2km from my house and write to object to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020 for the asphalt plant at 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.
Failure of genuine consultation
Lismore City Council, as landowner of the quarry, and Downer, as lessee and proponent, have failed to undertake any meaningful community consultation regarding this proposal. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 27th November 2025 in a council‑facilitated forum, yet neither Council nor Downer disclosed that a modification to double asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations was about to be exhibited. I only became aware of the proposal when letters were received on 6 December 2025 by a neighbour and shown to myself. , after the meeting had occurred. This sequence of events gives the clear impression of deliberate avoidance of open discussion with directly affected residents, and does not meet community expectations for transparency or good‑faith engagement on a State significant development.
Traffic and road safety impacts
The modification seeks to increase asphalt production from 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes per annum, with a corresponding increase in truck movements on Nimbin Road and related public roads. This will effectively double heavy‑vehicle traffic associated with the asphalt plant, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters and local residents, on a rural road network that already carries quarry trucks and need to address the cumulative safety impacts of this extra traffic on Nimbin Road, including braking distances on steep sections, interactions at driveways and side roads, and potential damage to the road surface and shoulders.
Noise and amenity – 24/7 operation
The proposal to allow 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week operation of the asphalt plant will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties. At present, noise from trucks using the steep quarry driveway, including engine and air‑brake noise, carries clearly across the valley during the day but is at least confined to generally acceptable daytime hours. Allowing continuous night‑time operations would result in truck and plant noise during normal sleeping hours, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living specifically to avoid such disturbance outside reasonable hours. Even if predicted noise levels are modelled to comply with guideline criteria, the character of intermittent heavy‑vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and should be treated as unacceptable for existing residents.
Existing impacts: blasting, risk and insurance
Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on my property from blasting, vibration and other quarry activities. This is now measured however only after we assisted this happen after continual resistance from LLC While some issues have eventually been addressed, this has often only occurred after sustained pressure from residents rather than proactive action by the operator or Council. Some landholders have reportedly faced difficulties obtaining insurance or have had policies refused due to proximity to the quarry, illustrating that risk and perceived risk are already elevated in this locality. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.
Community expectations and requested actions
The most disappointing aspect of this modification is the non‑existent or minimal consultation by both Downer and Lismore City Council, including the failure to even undertake a basic letter‑box drop or to openly raise the proposal at the Community Advisory Group meeting immediately prior to exhibition. This is not how a genuine community partnership functions, especially where Council itself is the landholder and should be modelling best‑practice engagement.
Given the deficiencies in consultation and the significant, ongoing impacts on local amenity, safety and wellbeing, this modification should not proceed in its current form. At a minimum, the Department should:
• Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process, including re‑exhibition with adequate notice to all potentially affected landholders.
• Require a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night‑time noise impacts, using conservative assumptions and cumulative impacts of quarry and asphalt operations combined.

- it is not clear if this is lodgement is for LLC or Downer, also if truck movement are for asphalt movements or quarry movement or both,

- no explanation on why Downer is applicant for expansion of quarry as they are only a lease of the area for Aphalt plant not quarry, if this is the case then are lease of quarry also this has not been relayed to any members of the community.

• Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, if any increase is to be considered at all.
Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved in partnership with the local community, the only reasonable outcome is to refuse Modification 4.
Yours faithfully,

Josh wellman

I am writing to raise my serious concerns regarding the tokenistic community consultation and lack of transparency that Downer Group in association with LCC and Northern Rivers Quarries (NRQ) has demonstrated with regards to the information provided regarding Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020.
The notification email for the recent NRQ Community Consultative Committee meeting held on the 27 November 2025 agenda indicates the annual meeting is a requirement of the Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020. Yet at the meeting attendees were not advised of the pending opening of the submission period through the NSW Planning Portal of additional proposed modifications to the existing consent. To date the committee meeting minutes have not been made available for perusal by attendees or the public.
At this meeting residents communicated their dissatisfaction with the current arrangements surrounding the hosting of the meetings, including, the notification of the meetings (via email to limited residents), time of day the meeting is conducted during business hours of workers making it difficult to attend, lack of overall engagement and participation, lack of explanation of monitoring sites and corresponding data collected and the associated parameters measured. Suggestions were made by community members to improve community involvement and participation including use of letterbox drops to a larger area of circulation, notices of community meetings via noticeboards ie at the Goolmangar Shop, offer of site inspections into the quarry to show residents the layout and operational overview of the facility as has been done in the past.
It is our opinion that deliberate intention has driven the proposed modification to be advertised just prior to Christmas at the busiest time of the year for residents to focus on providing constructive feedback via submissions. Also, the lack of transparency to notify residents of the opening of the planning portal for receipt of submissions, together with insufficient explanation of the process.
Furthermore, residents understand that LCC is the owner and hold the current NSW EPA licence (EPL3384) over the Blakebrook Quarry site. The proponent of the current application is the Downer Group who are the holders of the current lease of the asphalt plant located within the Blakebrook Quarry site. As such LCC are responsible for facilitating the Community Consultative Committee.
As a result, members of the community have expressed their objection to this proposal, and wish to bring to LCC’s attention their lack of due diligence to advise the community (which has been raised with LCC directly) and be transparent in proposed quarry operations into the future. This extends also to the Downer group and their attempt to engage with the community with respect to this proposed modification.
The key points of concern are summarised below:
Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020

Proposed increase of asphalt production and 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultation
The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Consultative Committee Group met on 27 November 2025, but neither Lismore City Council nor Downer disclosed the proposal and proposed timelines. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting. This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet community expectations.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts
The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.

Noise and Amenity Impacts
The proposed 24/7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbance. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Existing Impacts and Concerns
Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration, and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Environmental Impacts and Threats to significant flora and fauna species
There are numerous significant threatened species that are recorded on and near the LCC footprint of the quarry property. The most iconic species being the koala, other species include rose-crowned fruit dove, squirrel gliders and plant species such as the thorny pea (Desmodium acanthocladum) to name a few. The expanded quarry operations are likely to interrupt the daily activities of fauna species in the area through increased noise and equipment movements that could result in vehicle strike and predator activity resulting in declining population numbers.

Community Expectations and Requested Actions
Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on the local environment, amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department ensures that:

- a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process is undertaken before a final decision is made.
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts from an environmental and social perspective including potential risks to key fauna species.
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transparent community/neighbour consultation.

As a resident who lives near this property, I also have additional concerns regarding impacts to:
-Ground water and surface water runoff and water quality that will likely impact domestic and livestock water sources, the regional drinking water catchment, local significant waterways and associated contaminants entering the local water cycle.
-Neighbouring properties with businesses being effected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) landowners.
- reputation of LLC and their management of the quarry operations particularly around compliance.
- nearby residents in relation to operations such as blasts noises/vibrations being felt are from quarry and that they can report it/complain.

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I strongly object to Modification 4.
As such we will be requesting the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to consider my personal concerns but also the wider community's concerns and reject Modification 4 in its current form.

Sincerely,
[Redacted]

I support the project

To Whom it may concern
I am writing this submission to object to the proposed expansion of the Blakebrook Quarry and the operation of the Asphalt Plant 24/7. Application No MP07-0020-Mod-4. I have had good relations with the council operation of the quarry for the over 30 years I have lived here with my family. Up to date the impacts of the quarry have been manageable as the quarry largely operated during business hours. The increasing night work has caused increased noise from the operation of equipment, reversing noise of trucks and general truck noise on the road. This has impacted our sleep and does have health consequences. Since the quarry opened the south pit we have also had issues with water for lands. The dam is no longer functional with water run off across our site impacted by the south pit. Dust from the south pit when it was previously operating was an issue as we capture drinking water from our roofs which required more frequent cleaning. The spring which was a constant and consistently reliable source of water for our stock is no longer reliable. The areas that previously seeped regular water on a consistent basis regardless of weather, have dried up. We now have to buy in water to support our horses in the lower paddocks. I have not complained to date as again the quarry has been a good neighbor and we have managed. Our intention was for this to be a multigenerational property with my eldest daughter currently living with me and managing the property.
Our existing home is inside approximately 400m of proposed quarry expansion zone. The close proximity and increased operation hours of the quarry and asphalt plant impacts of the proposed expansion have major consequences for my families lifestyle , amenity and health.

My objections are as follows:
Increased nuisance from increased traffic and machinery noise.
Increased dust and concern for drinking water contamination.
Increased odour from the asphalt plant.
Increased noise and disturbance of sleep and consequential health impacts.
Further impact on surface and ground water movement through our property.
Impact of wildlife particularly our koala population but also the impact on the forest through impacts on natural water system.
Impact on the value of my property and consequently my and my families prosperity and future options.

Kind Regards
Concerned Resident

I strongly object to the expansion of Blakebrook Quarry to 24/7 operation.
We have lived in close vicinity to the quarry for over 30 years and in that time on several occasions we have had to make complaints to council and also the Environment Protection Board due to the noise when for whatever reason they would start very early in the morning. It was deemed unacceptable level by the Board and they made them stop.
24/7 is totally unacceptable for the many residents it would affect, this must not go ahead. There has been no advertised public meeting or avenue for discussion with residents, we received a letter about the proposal but were not notified of any public meeting which apparently was held, no one I know in the area was informed it was happening or attended. There MUST be public meetings held to discuss our concerns as they are valid concerns to the protection of our amenity.
This meeting must be well advertised and residents informed appropriately for this MAJOR PROJECT to be seen as being upfront and honest and not appearing to be handled underhandedly.

As per the DPHI communication dated 30/7/25 signed by Jessie Evans (Dir. of Energy & Resource Assessments) to Dr Dale Thomas, Environment and Sustainability Manager, Downer Group, I note that the DPHI requests that the Downer Group responsible for operating the existing asphalt plant (operating as Elemental Environment Pty LTD) must engage to undertake consultation with potentially impacted residents regarding the expansion of the Asphalt expansion (Modification 4).

As members of a close knit community group of neighbours within a proximal region to the quarry (i.e within a 2Kms radius and expanding to property owners within a 5km radius of the quarry), we recently were made aware of the proposed Asphalt expansion when attending a community engagement meeting regarding the proposed Blakebrook Quarry Landfill Development at the Goolmangar Community Hall on 27/11/25. Not one of the approximately 20 community members in attendance had been involved in any consultation regarding the proposed Asphalt expansion.
Indeed the Community Consultative Committee Chair for the Quarry, Mr Tim Heldts admitted, during the meeting that preceded the Community Consultation for the proposed Blakebrook Quarry Landfill Development, that at in the last few years of recent annual community consultation meetings on behalf of the quarry, there had been no community members in attendance and that they had struggled to engage with any members of the community.

This objection is grounded in the fact that neither the Blakebrook Quarry nor the Asphalt plant (operated by Element Environment Pty Ltd on behalf of Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd) have engaged adequately ( or at all?) with the immediate local community nor with community members within a reasonable zone of the quarry. As such, we are uninformed as to the nature of the expansion, what has been proposed, what impact these expansions may have on us including our surface water run-off, leachate impacts on spring-fed drinking water and agricultural ground water supplies, increased traffic and transport impacts to our roads, increased noise and vibration pollution, potentially detrimental air quality, night-time light pollution and increased waste production and storage. We have had no input into initiatives that may be able to be put into place to mitigate these issues.

Thus we are uninformed and unable to voice any specific concerns, objections or constructive consultation that we local community members may have. As such, this objection is that the undertaking to appropriately consult with potentially impacted local residents in our community has not been undertaken as required by the Environmental Assessment Requirements for Blakebrook Quarry Modification 4.

I object to the expansion of the Asphalt production enterprise. I do not feel that local community consultation has been adequate. I only found out about this with your letter dated 2 Dec 2025 from Jesse Evans, Director of Energy & Resource Assessments notifiying me of the deadline for this objection. My concerns which I feel have not had appropriate forums to be considered are around the impact this operation and its significant expansion to 24hrs/day 7 days a week will have on the environment in particular the wildlife including the Koala corridor immediately adjactent to the proposed site, the detrimental impact on increased traffic and the damage to our road infrastructure, increased noise and vibrations, increased dust and air pollution, surface water run-off and increased leachates into the water table which could directly impact our cattle production which we sell for human consumption and increased waste production and waste holdings. My husband Franco Lisetto and I object to this expansion of the operations as described in the Blakebrook Quarry Modification (MP07_0020-Mod-4).

I am writing to express my objection to the modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020 which proposes to increase asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry 550Nimbin Rd BLAKEBROOK.
The proposal has NOT been adequately communicated to the Community. The Blakebrook Advisory Group met on the 4 December and nothing was said then about this proposal. We received a letter on 6December after this meeting. This Total lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable.
This proposal will double heavy traffice on Nimbin Road which will significantly increase risk to road users including School Busses. The rural road network here in my area will not handle this traffice. Has this been adequately assessed?
The proposed 24/7 will change the noise level of this quiet community where people have chosen to live for many years. This also includes the extra Blasting, vibration, higher heavy truck noise and noise from continuous asphalt production.
I think it is only fair that our community has an inependent community consulton process including traffce, noise and added heavy vechile use!
am also extremely concerned about water contamination into our catchments & ecosytems which can effect our drinking water, Cattle drinking water and ultinately our lively hoods. We already have concerns around floods and now from your production expanson we feel overwhelmed from all angles of our properties!
You also have a proposal for Landfill development at the same site which raises further concerns.
Community consultation and transparency at a public meeting recognising community concerns for both projects must be recognised and adhered to.
Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved i strogly object to projest Modication 4

As a local resident and landholder, I strongly object to the proposed Blakebrook Quarry Modification (no MP07_0020-Mod-4) .
There has been inadequate consultation with the community about these proposed changes which is not acceptable. The proposed expansion raises some serious concerns regarding environmental protection, rural amenity and community safety.
Increased dust, noise, vibration and heavy vehicle movements would significantly reduce the quality of life and raise road safety concerns on local roads not designed to carry such intensive heavy traffic. This raises safety concerns for residents, school buses, cyclists and farm traffic i.e. tractors.
The proposal poses a significant risk to koalas and other native fauna through habitat loss, increased disturbance and reduced connectivity across the landscape.
Additional concerns are for the drinking water catchment, waterways effected and leaching.
I urge the re-consideration of this expansion to protect our peaceful rural community. The negative impacts of this proposal will be greatly felt by the residents of this area.

As a nearby resident and landholder, I strongly object to the Blakebrook Quarry Modification MP07_0020-Mod-4 for a proposal to allow 24/7 operating hours and double the asphalt plant production on 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.
There has been a severe lack of consultation with the community to disclose to residents the impacts this modification will have.
The proposed development would result in a dangerous increase in heavy vehicle on a sub-standard local road not designed to safely accommodate such volumes. This will pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of local residents, visitors and school traffic.
The proposed 24/7 hours of operation will have an impact on noise levels with increased blasting & vibrations. I am also concerned about the likely increased dust emissions adversely affecting air quality for nearby residents.
This proposed expansion would significantly endanger koalas and other native wildlife through habitat loss and disturbance.
This expansion would significantly reduce the attractiveness of the area as a place to live and will erode the rural character and setting of this beautiful place we live in.
I strongly urge the Department to consider these concerns and reject this proposed modification.

Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020
I am writing to express my strong objection to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultation

The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 4 December 2025, but neither Lismore City Council nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting. This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet community expectations.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts

The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle this increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.

Noise and Amenity Impacts

The proposed 24/7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbance. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Existing Impacts and Concerns

Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration, and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community Expectations and Requested Actions

Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on local amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department:

- Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transparent community/neighbour consultation.

Additional Concerns

-Drinking water catchment, waterways effected, leaching.
-Ecosystem and endangered animals effected by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate, noise and blasting 24/7 operations
- Environmental impact - endangered species wildlife corridor through to Night Cap National Park.
-Neighbouring properties with businesses being effected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) landowners.
-concerns around compliance failures already.
-residents near by and in surrounding suburbs not knowing the blasts noises/vibrations being felt are from quarry and that they can report it/complain.

The proposed landfill development at the same site raises further concerns. Community consultation and transparency, a public hearing and recognising community concerns for both projects must be recognized and adhered to.

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I strongly object to Modification 4.

I urge the Department to consider the community's concerns and reject Modification 4 in its current form.

Sincerely,
Quinn de Rosa Pontello

Objection to Modification 4 of SSD Consent MP07_0020
I am writing to express my strong objection to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020, which proposes to increase asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations at the Northern Rivers Quarry/Blakebrook Quarry, 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Inadequate Consultation
The proposed modification has not been adequately communicated to the community. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 4 December 2025, but neither Lismore City Council nor Downer disclosed the proposal. Neighbouring landholders only received letters on 6 December 2025, after the meeting. This lack of transparency and consultation is unacceptable and does not meet community expectations.
It seems that some have received information possibly months ago but many are only finding out after the exhibition was already opened.

Traffic and Road Safety Impacts
The proposed increase in asphalt production will double heavy-vehicle traffic on Nimbin Road, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters, and local residents. The rural road network is not equipped to handle this increased traffic, and the cumulative safety impacts have not been adequately assessed.
Tourists also are high traffic volume, a high amount of emergency service and first responder vehicles use that road, as well as unsafe drivers who are speeding, overtaking in double line areas including corners. Increasing volume of trucks which is currently permitting 150 per day already. Also the small villages such a goolmanger where truck traffic is already causing vibrations and noise issues for residents.

Noise and Amenity Impacts
The proposed 24/7 operation will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties, for a substantial distance, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living to avoid such disturbance. The character of intermittent heavy-vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and unacceptable.

Existing Impacts and Concerns
Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration, and other quarry activities. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community Expectations and Requested Actions
Given the deficiencies in consultation and significant impacts on local amenity, safety, and wellbeing, I request that the Department:
- Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night-time noise impacts
- Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, with transparent community/neighbour consultation.

Additional Concerns
-Drinking water catchment, waterways effected, leaching.
-Ecosystem and endangered animals, possibly a corridor to nightcap NP, effected by any expansion, new roadworks to accommodate where platypus live etc, noise and blasting 24/7 operations
-Neighbouring properties, some with businesses being effected or land acquisition related effecting already traumatised (from flood, loss) land-owners.
-concerns around compliance failures already.
-residents near by and in surrounding suburbs not knowing the blasts noises/vibrations being felt are from quarry and that they can report it/complain.

The proposed landfill development at the same site raises further concerns. Community consultation and transparency, a public hearing and recognising community concerns for both projects must be recognised and adhered to.

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved, I strongly object to Modification 4.

I urge the Department to consider the community's concerns and reject Modification 4 in its current form.

Sincerely,
[Private]

We are a nearby landholder to the Blakebrook Quarry and write to object to Modification 4 of SSD consent MP07_0020 for the asphalt plant at 550 Nimbin Road, Blakebrook.

Failure of genuine consultation
Lismore City Council, as landowner of the quarry, and Downer, as lessee and proponent, have failed to undertake any meaningful community consultation regarding this proposal. The Blakebrook Quarry Community Advisory Group met on 27 November 2025 in a council‑facilitated forum, yet neither Council nor Downer disclosed that a modification to double asphalt production and allow 24/7 operations was about to be exhibited. Some neighbouring landholders only became aware of the proposal when letters were received on 6 December 2025, after the meeting had occurred. This sequence of events gives the clear impression of deliberate avoidance of open discussion with directly affected residents and does not meet community expectations for transparency or good‑faith engagement on a State significant development.

Traffic and road safety impacts
The modification seeks to increase asphalt production from 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes per annum, with a corresponding increase in truck movements on Nimbin Road and related public roads. This will effectively double heavy‑vehicle traffic associated with the asphalt plant, significantly increasing risks for other road users, including school buses, commuters and local residents, on a rural road network that already carries quarry traffic. The assessment material does not adequately address the cumulative safety impacts of this extra traffic on Nimbin Road, including braking distances on steep sections, interactions at driveways and side roads, and potential damage to the road surface and shoulders.

Noise and amenity – 24/7 operation
The proposal to allow 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week operation of the asphalt plant will fundamentally change the noise environment for nearby rural properties. At present, noise from trucks using the steep quarry driveway, including engine and air‑brake noise, carries clearly across the valley during the day but is at least confined to generally acceptable daytime hours. Allowing continuous night‑time operations would result in truck and plant noise during normal sleeping hours, undermining the amenity of landholders who chose rural living specifically to avoid such disturbance outside reasonable hours. Even if predicted noise levels are modelled to comply with guideline criteria, the character of intermittent heavy‑vehicle noise on a quiet rural night is likely to be highly intrusive and should be treated as unacceptable for existing residents.

Existing impacts: blasting, risk and insurance
Blakebrook Quarry has already had measurable impacts on neighbouring landholders from blasting, vibration and other quarry activities. While some issues have eventually been addressed, this has often only occurred after sustained pressure from residents rather than proactive action by the operator or Council. Some landholders have reportedly faced difficulties obtaining insurance or have had policies refused due to proximity to the quarry, illustrating that risk and perceived risk are already elevated in this locality. Introducing higher truck volumes and continuous asphalt plant operations will compound these existing stresses on the community.

Community expectations and requested actions
The most disappointing aspect of this modification is the non‑existent or minimal consultation by both Downer and Lismore City Council, including the failure to even undertake a basic letter‑box drop or to openly raise the proposal at the Community Advisory Group meeting immediately prior to exhibition. This is not how a genuine community partnership functions, especially where Council itself is the landholder and should be modelling best‑practice engagement.

Given the deficiencies in consultation and the significant, ongoing impacts on local amenity, safety and wellbeing, this modification should not proceed in its current form. At a minimum, the Department should:
• Require a proper, independently facilitated community consultation process, including re‑exhibition with adequate notice to all potentially affected landholders.
• Require a comprehensive assessment of traffic safety and night‑time noise impacts, using conservative assumptions and cumulative impacts of quarry and asphalt operations combined.
• Impose strict limits on operating hours and truck movements, with enforceable conditions and penalties, if any increase is to be considered at all.

Until these matters are satisfactorily resolved in partnership with the local community, the only reasonable outcome is to refuse Modification 4.

Yours sincerely
Robert & Anne Rizzo