Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry.

The Hunter Valley is already home to numerous industrial operations, including mines and transport corridors. While these industries contribute to the regional economy, there comes a point where further industrial expansion begins to erode the qualities that make rural communities desirable places to live.

This proposal represents another significant industrial development within an area where residents value open space, farming and a quieter lifestyle.

My concerns include the following.

Long-term Industrialisation

The proposed quarry is expected to operate for approximately three decades. A project of this duration is not a temporary inconvenience but a permanent change for an entire generation of local residents. Families purchasing or establishing homes in the area should not have to accept decades of blasting, crushing operations and heavy vehicle activity.

Traffic Impacts

The increase in heavy truck movements is of particular concern. Rural roads are shared by residents, school buses, agricultural machinery and visitors. Additional quarry traffic will inevitably increase congestion, create safety risks and place further pressure on road infrastructure that is already subject to heavy use.

Dust and Air Quality

Quarry operations generate dust despite mitigation measures. Dust has the potential to affect nearby homes, outdoor living areas, livestock and agricultural activities. Even occasional dust events can reduce the enjoyment of surrounding properties.

Noise and Rural Amenity

One of the greatest attractions of living in a rural area is the peaceful environment. Noise generated by blasting, machinery and truck movements will diminish this amenity. Compliance with regulatory limits does not necessarily mean that nearby residents will not experience ongoing disturbance.

Environmental Responsibility

The project also raises concerns regarding vegetation clearing, habitat loss and the cumulative environmental impacts associated with another large-scale extractive industry in the district. Native landscapes should be protected wherever practical, particularly when the impacts will remain for decades.

After reviewing the proposal, I do not believe the public benefits outweigh the environmental and community impacts.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Department refuse consent for the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Submission Objecting to the Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project.
As a resident of Radford Park, I have serious concerns regarding the safety, environmental impacts, and long-term effects this development will have on my family, my community, and the surrounding environment.

My primary concerns are outlined below.
Road Safety:
The proposed use of Elderslie Road by approximately 220 heavy truck movements per day (around 1,100 truck movements each week) is completely inappropriate given the current condition and design of the road.
Elderslie Road is narrow and was never designed to accommodate this volume of heavy vehicles. Particular safety concerns include:
• The blind crest near the Radford Park estate entrance creates extremely poor visibility when entering or exiting the estate.
• The speed limit is currently 80 km/h, meaning vehicles already travel at high speeds. Introducing constant heavy haul trucks significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.
• School students regularly use bus stops along Elderslie Road. There are insufficient shoulders, shared road space, and pedestrian pathways to safely separate children from heavy vehicles.
• The intersection at the end of Elderslie Road is already narrow and unsuitable for frequent heavy truck traffic.
• Elderslie Bridge only allows one vehicle to cross at a time. Increased truck movements will create congestion, delays, and additional safety risks.
• There is no practical alternative route if an accident blocks Elderslie Road. Residents could become isolated and emergency services may experience delays.
• Flooding regularly affects the lower section of Elderslie Road. The Environmental Impact Statement does not adequately explain how haulage operations would safely continue during flood events.
• Weekly garbage collection already requires collection vehicles to stop along Elderslie Road every Monday. Mixing stopped waste collection vehicles with frequent quarry trucks would create another unnecessary traffic hazard.

I believe these issues have not been adequately addressed and represent unacceptable risks to residents.

Heavy Vehicle Traffic:
While the proposal states approximately 220 truck movements per day, I believe the true number of heavy vehicle movements has been underestimated.
The assessment appears to exclude additional traffic associated with:
• fuel deliveries,
• water deliveries,
• septic waste removal,
• maintenance contractors,
• machinery transport,
• employee vehicles, and
• other operational servicing of the quarry.

The actual number of heavy vehicles using Elderslie Road is therefore likely to be significantly higher than presented.
Truck drivers are also likely to be operating under strict delivery schedules, increasing concerns about speeding and reduced caution through residential areas.

Environmental Impacts:
I am deeply concerned about dust pollution generated by quarry operations.
Dust has the potential to impact:
• nearby waterways,
• local wildlife,
• residential vegetable gardens,
• rainwater collection systems,
• swimming pools,
• outdoor recreation areas, and
• the general air quality experienced by residents.

Children should be able to play outside without being exposed to airborne quarry dust, particularly during windy conditions when dust will travel beyond the quarry site.

I am also concerned that there appears to be insufficient detail regarding stormwater and water management.
Without robust water management systems, heavy rainfall events could carry sediment and pollutants into local waterways and ultimately the Hunter River. This has the potential to affect downstream ecosystems, irrigation water, agriculture, and surrounding properties.
These environmental risks require far greater assessment before any approval should be considered.

Property Values and Community Impact:
The proposed quarry will significantly change the character of our community.
The constant movement of heavy trucks, increased noise, dust, and safety concerns will negatively affect residents' quality of life.

As a homeowner, I am also extremely concerned that the quarry will reduce the value of my home and land. This represents a substantial financial impact on my family through no fault of our own.
Residents purchased homes in this area expecting a safe and peaceful rural lifestyle. This development threatens that expectation.

In conclusion for the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project.
I believe the proposal presents unacceptable risks to public safety, traffic management, environmental protection, local infrastructure, and the wellbeing of residents.
I respectfully request that the decision-makers give careful consideration to the concerns raised by the local community and refuse approval of this project unless these significant issues can be satisfactorily resolved.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Ashlea Brooker

Submission Objecting to the Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project.

As a resident of Radford Park, I have serious concerns regarding the safety, environmental impacts, and long-term effects this development will have on my family, my community, and the surrounding environment.

My primary concerns are outlined below.

Road Safety:
The proposed use of Elderslie Road by approximately 220 heavy truck movements per day (around 1,100 truck movements each week) is completely inappropriate given the current condition and design of the road.
Elderslie Road is narrow and was never designed to accommodate this volume of heavy vehicles. Particular safety concerns include:
• The blind crest near the Radford Park estate entrance creates extremely poor visibility when entering or exiting the estate.
• The speed limit is currently 80 km/h, meaning vehicles already travel at high speeds. Introducing constant heavy haul trucks significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.
• School students regularly use bus stops along Elderslie Road. There are insufficient road shoulders, shared road space and pedestrian pathways to safely separate children from heavy vehicles.
• The existing footpath does not continue the full length of Elderslie Road and is not provided on both sides of the road. Residents, including families with young children, school students and people walking for exercise, are often forced to walk close to moving traffic. Adding hundreds of heavy haul truck movements each day will make this already dangerous situation significantly worse.
• The intersection at the end of Elderslie Road is already narrow and unsuitable for frequent heavy truck traffic.
• Elderslie Bridge only allows one vehicle to cross at a time. Increased truck movements will create congestion, delays and additional safety risks.
• There is no practical alternative route if an accident blocks Elderslie Road. Residents could become isolated and emergency services may experience delays.
• Flooding regularly affects the lower section of Elderslie Road. The Environmental Impact Statement does not adequately explain how haulage operations would safely continue during flood events.
• Weekly garbage collection requires collection vehicles to stop along Elderslie Road every Monday. Mixing stopped waste collection vehicles with frequent quarry trucks would create another unnecessary traffic hazard.

I am also extremely concerned about the impact these haul trucks will have beyond Elderslie Road. They will be required to access both the New England Highway and the Hunter Expressway. Crossing the New England Highway to enter the Hunter Expressway is already difficult during peak traffic periods due to high traffic volumes and limited opportunities to safely enter the intersection. Drivers often feel they must "run the gauntlet" by waiting for a small gap in fast-moving traffic before attempting to cross this already constrained section of road. Introducing more than 220 additional heavy haul truck movements every day will further increase congestion, reduce safe gaps in traffic, and significantly increase the risk of serious accidents for motorists, residents and visitors. This narrow transport corridor is already operating under considerable pressure, and the addition of frequent heavy vehicles will only make an already challenging and potentially dangerous situation worse.

I believe these issues have not been adequately addressed and represent unacceptable risks to residents and the wider travelling public.

Heavy Vehicle Traffic:
While the proposal states approximately 220 truck movements per day, I believe the true number of heavy vehicle movements has been underestimated.
The assessment appears to exclude additional traffic associated with:
• fuel deliveries,
• water deliveries,
• septic waste removal,
• maintenance contractors,
• machinery transport,
• employee vehicles, and
• other operational servicing of the quarry.

The actual number of heavy vehicles using Elderslie Road is therefore likely to be significantly higher than presented.
Truck drivers are also likely to be operating under strict delivery schedules to meet production demands, increasing concerns about speeding and reduced caution through residential areas and along local roads.

Environmental Impacts:
I am deeply concerned about dust pollution generated by quarry operations.
Dust has the potential to impact:
• nearby waterways,
• local wildlife,
• residential vegetable gardens,
• rainwater collection systems,
• swimming pools,
• outdoor recreation areas, and
• the general air quality experienced by residents.

Children should be able to play outside without being exposed to airborne quarry dust, particularly during windy conditions when dust will travel beyond the quarry site and into surrounding residential areas.
I am also concerned that there appears to be no adequately detailed water management plan.
Without comprehensive stormwater controls, heavy rainfall events could carry sediment and pollutants into local waterways and ultimately the Hunter River. This has the potential to affect downstream ecosystems, irrigation water supplies, agriculture and surrounding properties. Once sediment and contaminants enter these waterways, the environmental impacts could be extensive and long-lasting.
These environmental risks require much greater assessment before any approval should be considered.

Property Values and Community Impact:
The proposed quarry will significantly change the character of our community.
The constant movement of heavy trucks, increased noise, dust, vibration and ongoing safety concerns will have a lasting negative impact on residents' quality of life.

As a homeowner, I am also extremely concerned that the quarry will significantly reduce the value of my home and land. This represents a substantial financial impact on my family through no fault of our own.

Residents purchased homes in this area expecting a safe and peaceful rural lifestyle. This proposal threatens that expectation and places the interests of the quarry ahead of the wellbeing of the local community.


In conclusion, for the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the Elderslie Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Project.

I believe the proposal presents unacceptable risks to public safety, traffic management, environmental protection, local infrastructure and the wellbeing of residents.
I respectfully request that the decision-makers give careful consideration to the concerns raised by the local community and refuse approval of this project unless these significant issues can be satisfactorily resolved.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Myles Brooker

I object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry project for its failure to fully address
the SEARS, in particular the areas of Traffic and Transport, Biodiversity, Air
Quality, Noise and Blasting and Value impacts.
Traffic and Transport
refer to Appendix L – Integrated Transport Assessment.
• The proposed haulage route is over local rural roads (Springvale Rd,
Stanhope Rd, Elderslie Rd) that are not built to cater for the volume of
heavy vehicle movements (up to 220 movements per day, Monday to
Friday) proposed by the proponent. Stanhope Rd and Elderslie Rd are
already busy roads used by local drivers and those travelling from
Bolwarra, Lochinvar, Windemere, Maitlandvale and Aberglasslyn to
Singleton and beyond to avoid gridlock prone areas on the New
England Highway.
• The photos of Stanhope Rd included in the report are not a true
representation of the condition of the road. Large patched areas are
already showing wear and tear created by the normal traffic. The
proposed number of daily heavy truck movements will contribute to the
rapid decline of Stanhope Rd, possibly resulting in traffic accidents as
motorists veer across the road to avoid potholes.
• Page 26 Impact on Public Transport including School Buses states
that there will be no impact on afternoon school bus routes operating
between 4:30pm – 5:30pm since the final truck will leave the quarry at
4pm. However, many school buses travel along the route between
3:30pm – 4:30pm. Both Stanhope Rd and Elderslie Rd have no lay-by
areas for the buses to use, instead stopping on the roadside. No
pedestrian crossings exist at these bus stops creating the potential for
serious accidents to occur (possibly resulting in death) as school
children get off the bus.
• The morning school buses, which will be operating during the times of
truck haulage hours (6:30am – 4pm) have been ignored in the report.
• The proponent has not proposed any solutions to these issues other
than to suggest that truck drivers take care around school buses and be
aware of potential children on the road.
• Page 4 of the Executive Summary states that no safety issues were
found with the use of Elderslie Bridge (local heritage listed bridge)
however, the Road Safety Audit Report – Existing Condition,
Elderslie Road, Branxton – at the approaches to Elderslie Bridge
by Crossroads Civil Design P/L disagrees, raising concerns about
potential serious accidents, including fatalities, due to issues with
visibility, approach road alignment and tight curve approaches for traffic
coming onto and off the bridge on the Elderslie side. There is potential
for head-on collisions with safety barriers showing existing damage.
Although signage shows that the bridge is a single lane bridge and
traffic coming from Branxton should give way, experience shows that
often this is not the case. Due to limited visibility available from the
Elderslie side approach, even in clear weather, I have personally had to
reverse back upon realising that a vehicle was already on the bridge.
• No contingency plans have been submitted for the times when Elderslie
Bridge requires maintenance. Valid concerns have been raised during
community meetings about potential damage to the heritage bridge
caused by the volume of heavy trucks that will be crossing it daily. While
heavy trucks do already use the bridge, they are not at the volume of 30
trucks per hour as the proponent has stated would occur in peak times.
• Timed traffic lights have been used in the past when major bridge work
was undertaken. This has the potential during peak hour, to create a
massive queue of traffic waiting for the lights to change and cars racing
to catch the green light before it changes as has happened in the past.
• There is no alternative to crossing the Hunter River in this area. Were
the bridge to be fully closed, residents and others would have no
access to Branxton, Huntlee and areas further on, except by a very
circuitous route via either Singleton or Luskintyre, using other rural
roads, none of which are suitable to continued heavy vehicle traffic. The
proponent has provided no solutions to this scenario.
• Elderslie Rd is a windy, steep, narrow road on the Branxton side of
Elderslie Bridge with double centre lines. On foggy mornings visibility is
poor and together with very slow moving trucks, the potential for
accidents to happen is increased.
Biodiversity
• Land clearing for both the proposed quarry and the proposed
Queensland-Hunter Gas Pipeline (which will cross through the quarry)
will result in the clearing of a significant amount of natural habitat,
including some critically endangered Central Hunter Valley eucalypt
forest and woodland. This is potential foraging habitat for several
endangered species found in the nearby Tangory Nature Reserve and
further clearing will have a significant effect on those populations. The
proponent plans to mitigate this habitat removal by using credit offsets,
which will not help save these endangered species in this area.
• Concerns have also been raised about dust from the operation landing
on habitat in the Tangory Nature Reserve. The potential for foliage dieback during long periods of dry weather is high, causing further
environmental damage.
• The only mitigation proposed to minimise this occurring, is water
spraying on windy days.
Air Quality
• No local wind testing was conducted to demonstrate how airborne dust
particles would disperse into the atmosphere. Wind data used in the
report was provided by the weather station at Cessnock Airport 23km
away. The area regularly suffers from strong winds, especially in the
mountain area near the proposed quarry which can have a wind tunnel
effect.
• Airborne dust particles have the potential to contaminate residential
water tanks on windy days creating a health hazard, especially if it is
silica dust.
• There is no mention of acceptable levels of silica dust in the report.
• As I live < 5km north east from the proposed quarry site (as the “crow
flies”) and both my husband and I have lung conditions, I am extremely
concerned about the impact of dust in the air and possibly in my water
tank (after being washed in from my roof) on very windy days.
Noise and Blasting
• The noise from the weekly blasts is also a major concern. Noise carries
across the mountain tops. The ordinance blasts from Singleton Army
Camp (approximately 15km away as the “crow flies”) carry across to my
home. These blasts are not weekly and are muted sufficiently by
distance to be bearable. Our close proximity to the quarry and the
regularity (weekly) of the blasts will be disturbing.
• No baseline blast noise measurements have been taken.
• Road traffic noise data has been taken from USA modelling with no
local baseline data attempted.
• No proposed VLAMP for properties near the quarry site or along the
haulage route has been included in he EIS.
• Possible blast vibrations travelling through the mountains has not been
considered. I am concerned about the effects that weekly blasting will
have on my house with the possibility of pier movement resulting in wall
cracks and other damage.
Land Value effects
• Currently the Stanhope/Elderslie area is a peaceful, quiet rural farming
area, with clean air to breathe. This was one of the reasons that we
permanently moved from Sydney to our property in June 2019. The
approval of the quarry will potentially result in a heavy industry
environment which would in all likelihood drastically lower land values
and make property sales more difficult, with the end result affecting the
capacity to purchase property elsewhere.
• While having the potential to affect all landholders, on a personal level,
my husband and I are ageing retirees, one of whom has a progressive
illness that will require us to move to more supportive accommodation
in the future. Hence my concern about land values.

My husband and I own and live on a small beef cattle property on Elderslie Road, right near the Elderslie Bridge. The property has been in my husband’s family for well over 100 years, and our grandchildren are the fifth generation to grow up enjoying this beautiful rural location.
I believe the proposed quarry will have a huge negative impact on our lifestyle, due to many factors.

One of my greatest concerns is the increased traffic on the proposed haul road, the detrimental effects this will have on the road itself, and most importantly on the single lane Elderslie Bridge. The proponent has cited up to 1100 truck movements per week – this represents one truck movement approximately every three minutes (assuming a 12 hour work day, 6 days a week). Currently, at busier times of the day, we have difficulty getting in or out of our driveway, which is right at the Branxton side of the bridge. We have witnessed many “road rage” incidents at the bridge, with drivers ignoring the give way sign rather than waiting their turn to cross. The bridge itself is regularly undergoing maintenance and repair work, which usually takes months at a time, causing even greater delays for people crossing the bridge. We have on occasions had to wait several minutes just to get in and out of our own driveway. Bringing 220 truck movements a day into this mix is untenable.

Elderslie Road is likely to suffer significant degradation by the huge numbers of heavy truck movements each day. There is already an ongoing problem with pavement breakdown, especially after periods of wet weather, and the road is constantly being patched and repaired.

I am also very concerned about safety on the proposed haul route, especially on Elderslie Road itself. The area has seen rapid population growth in recent years, so the road is already very much busier than ever before. The road is quite narrow in many areas, with no verge on either side in most places. Many children, including our grandchildren, catch and / or travel in school buses along Elderslie Road, and there are very few designated bus stops with adequate passing lanes. There are also quite a lot of cyclists – including children riding to school – who ride along what is already a busy, dangerous, and in some parts very narrow road, with only a small section of designated cycleway.

I am also concerned about the impact on roads in and around the Branxton township. The intersection of Elderslie Road with the New England Highway at Branxton is already very busy, as is the intersection of the Highway with the Hunter Expressway near Greta. At peak times, turning right at either of these intersections can be quite dangerous. My understanding is that the trucks hauling from the quarry will follow this route – I shudder to think how much worse this will be.

We have many family members who live along the proposed haul route, including my unwell, 88-year-old mother-in-law, who has lived all her adult life in the house closest to Elderslie Bridge. She is extremely distressed at the prospect of so many trucks rumbling across the bridge each day.

Like most residents of Elderslie, Branxton and surrounds, we have chosen to build our lives in this beautiful, peaceful rural area for the quality of our lifestyle. The prospect that this lifestyle will be so negatively impacted is quite distressing.

Our sons and their families also live along the haul route, and we are all very concerned about the significant detrimental effects the proposed quarry and especially the haul route will have not only on our lifestyle but also our property values.

The impact the proposed quarry will have on the environment is also extremely concerning. The effect of dust from the quarry presents a health risk - I suffer from asthma, as do several of our family members, so this is a real concern for us.

There would not only be a detrimental effect on air but also to water quality. Our home, and all homes in this area rely on tank water for our drinking and household water supply – dust collecting on our roof and subsequently into our water tanks presents another significant health risk.

Employment generated by this proposal will be minimal – and in fact the approval of the quarry is likely to cause the closure or downgrading of other local businesses in the area, resulting in a loss of employment. While I acknowledge that the material produced from the proposed quarry would be used for roads, construction etc, I believe that the location of this proposal is not at all suitable.

Like most residents of Elderslie, Branxton and surrounds, we have chosen to build our lives in this beautiful, peaceful rural area for the quality of our lifestyle. The prospect that this lifestyle will be so negatively impacted is quite distressing.

I believe that there will be minimal, if any benefits for the local area if the proposed quarry is apppproved, and any benefits will be far outweighed by the negative impacts. I respectfully request that all of these factors be taken into account when consideration is given to the proposal.

My name is Stewart Thrift, am 65 years old and have lived at Elderslie all of my life on the family farm near the bridge, (Branxton side), with approximately 1km frontage to Elderslie Road on the proposed haul route for the project. My family first settled here approximately 120 years ago originally operating a small dairy farm on 365 acres. I am the third generation to work the farm, currently breeding and selling beef cattle.


My eldest son and his family, including 4 young children, live just off Elderslie Road on Rusty Lane, my second son lives on Elderslie Road, and my daughter lives in Maitland and uses Elderslie Road several times a week visiting, dropping off and picking up her children.



I wish to register my opposition to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry at Elderslie.



There are a number of issues with the proposal that are of particular concern to me –



Increased Safety Risks

Elderslie Road is a 2-lane country road with no formed edging and limited, or no off-bitumen access for pedestrians, cyclists, or other cars. Up until 5 years ago I ran along this road several times a week for up to 20kms, however with the increased traffic, in particular when I was close to 2 vehicles passing in opposite directions, it became unsafe to continue running.



Pedestrians and cyclists still use this road, including school children each school day from the Radford Park estate to the New England Highway. There are 2 school bus runs on Elderslie Road each morning and afternoon, where children are getting on and off the bus at several locations along Elderslie Road.



With the proposed truck movements each way, each day, and with no proposed upgrade to the road, there must be an increased risk to people and children’s lives.

There will also be a greater risk of motor vehicle accidents at the Rusty Lane intersection onto Elderslie Road with the proposed increase in trucks.



There are 2 issues with the intersection. Firstly, travelling from Branxton and turning right into Rusty Lane: there is no turning lane and very limited room with vehicles (including trucks) following a turning vehicle being forced to stop as well.

Secondly, there is limited vision when turning out of Rusty Lane of vehicles coming up the hill and over the crest from Branxton. With trucks travelling at the 80km/h speed limit the risk of an accident will be increased.



Access into and out of our Driveway

Currently, at busier times of the day, we have difficulty getting in or out of our driveway, which is right at the Branxton side of the bridge. We have witnessed many “road rage” incidents at the bridge, with drivers ignoring the give way sign rather than waiting their turn to cross. We have on occasions had to wait several minutes just to get in and out of our own driveway.



It is particularly difficult if we are coming off the bridge and wishing to turn right into our driveway, which can be blocked by vehicle waiting at give way sign. If we have other vehicles behind us, to prevent a blockage we have to drive off to left into the grass and wait for all to clear.



Bringing 220 truck movements a day into this mix is untenable.



Damage to Elderslie Road Bitumen

Elderslie Road is likely to suffer significant degradation by the huge numbers of heavy truck movements each day, especially during and after periods of wet weather. This road was never constructed for this purpose (i.e. to highway /expressway standards) and will quickly deteriorate in wet weather with the proposed number of truck movements.



The road is already regularly being patched and repaired after wet periods.



Increased Noise

There is a long hill on the edge of our property with Elderslie Road running down it onto the bridge. Whilst our home is back off Elderslie Road, we still hear existing truck noise – empty trucks coming down the hill using exhaust brakes, empty trucks coming onto the bridge, and loaded trucks labouring up the hill (currently there are not many loaded trucks travelling this way).



My elderly mother lives much closer to the bridge and road. Another 220 truck movements a day will be unbearable for her.



Financial Impact

Whilst we currently have no plans to sell, the proposed truck movements will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the value of our families’ properties.



Environmental Impacts

Whilst we are not likely to be directly affected environmentally, others within the district, including friends, will suffer from noise (blasting and machinery), dust, vibration (blasting), risk of contamination to water ways, plus any impact to local flora and fauna.



The Elderslie Bridge.

We currently see road rage on the bridge, and cars speeding through the give way sign to beat the traffic coming from the other direction which have right of way.



The bridge is 120 years old. We have been told the State government engineers have assessed and confirmed the bridge structure is good to carry the loaded trucks. When I asked, it was unable to be confirmed that the assessment included the cyclic stress loading and unloading of the bridge by the 220 loaded trucks per day.



Elderslie Rd to New England Hwy intersection and Hunter Expressway Link Rd intersection to New England Hwy

I believe both these intersections will become significantly more congested and banked up with traffic with the proposed number of truck movements per day. Both currently become very busy at peak times.



Is there a need for the Bluestone Quarry product?

This proposal has been deemed a State Significant Project, however as far as I am aware we, the community, have not seen any forecast or plans for the Bluestone Quarry product let alone a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of all options.



For the products, what is the current availability/production? What are the future yearly estimated requirements? What other projects are in the planning phase and what is their anticipated production? What existing operations are planning to expand and increase production?



This is all critical information which must be shared with the public.



In Summary.

Whilst I have detailed a number of concerns that I have with the proposal, with my wife, three children and their spouses with our grandchildren, and myself all using Elderslie Road regularly, (most of us daily), I believe the increased safety risks to my family are totally unacceptable.



Who is going to sign off on this?





Thankyou for your consideration,

I object to the proposed development due to the unacceptable impacts of the proposed haulage route, which would generate approximately 220 heavy vehicle movements per day along local roads and potentially through the township.
While I recognise the importance of quarry resources to the regional economy, the proposed transport arrangements place an unreasonable burden on the local community and road network. The proposal has not demonstrated that the impacts of this level of heavy vehicle traffic can be adequately avoided, minimised or managed.

1. Local Roads Are Not Intended for Quarry Haulage

The proposed haulage route relies on local roads that were constructed primarily to serve residents, farms, local businesses and community traffic rather than continuous heavy industrial freight.
Introducing approximately up to 220 truck movements each day would fundamentally change the character and function of these roads. The application should demonstrate that the existing road network is capable of safely accommodating this level of heavy vehicle traffic without requiring substantial public expenditure on upgrades and ongoing maintenance. I do not believe this to be the case.

The first 13kms of the proposed haulage route (Springvale, Stanhope and Elderslie Road) is not designed for sustained heavy traffic.

The integrated Transport Assessment Page 10 provides a glowing report of the current condition of Stanhope Road presenting that road edge markings are present along the road but then on pages 11-12 of the same report it does correctly identify that only sections of the road have edge markings. These roads were not designed for intensive freight traffic.
The Integrated Transport Assessment Executive Summary Page 4 states that no safety issues were found with the use of Elderslie bridge however, a report at the end of the Integrated Transport Assessment, Road Safety Audit Report – Existing Condition. Elderslie Road, Branxton – at the approaches to Elderslie Bridge highlights numerous safety concerns of many which it noted could result in a collision with other traffic and potential fatalities.

2. Safety risks for all road users

The proposal with the increased heavy vehicle traffic raises significant road safety concerns.
Heavy quarry trucks would regularly interact with:
• local residents
• school buses – School bus stops on the proposed haulage route section incorporating both Stanhope and Elderslie Roads lacks safe off-road bays and pedestrian crossings creating risks for children. Page 28 of the Integrated Transport Assessment – Impact on Public Transport including School Buses claims there will be no anticipated impacts on school bus routes as the final despatch/loading time for the trucks will be 4pm. This fails to account for the many school buses operating between 3:10 and 4:30pm and for the morning school buses considering haulage will start from 6:30am. I repeat these roads were not designed for intensive freight traffic.
• cyclists
• pedestrians
• agricultural machinery
• emergency vehicles
• tourists and unfamiliar drivers.

Safety concerns include:
• reduced stopping distances
• limited overtaking opportunities
• narrow road widths
• constrained intersections
• poor sight distances
• increased crash risk at town entrances and intersections
• driver fatigue associated with repetitive heavy vehicle movements.

The Integrated Transport Assessment summary (Page 4) claims that the extra 220 heavy vehicle movements Mon-Friday will not increase the traffic on the local road network. I fail to see how this is at all possible. The impacts of the heavy vehicles and trailer traffic movements on at the end of the proposed haulage route where it enters Maitland Road and beyond has not been fully considered and on page 29 of the assessment it concludes that no intersection (including above mentioned Elderslie Rd/Maitland Rd Intersection) requires and upgrade despite concerns about the visual obstruction that a or multiple left turning truck could create for those wanting to turn right. This intersection is a cause of great concern for residents. This road is sometimes under water if we have rain event, there are no solutions if a detour route is required due to a road closure. I remember what it was like when it use to be the old highway and how problematic it was, the issue will only be worse when heavy vehicles are involved each and every day. (except Sundays for now)

A few inconsistencies in the traffic data supplied within the Integrated Transport Assessment:
• The included Traffic Conditions data for Stanhope Road between Springvale and Elderslie Road only shows the data for one way traffic – East Bound.
• The AM versus the PM figures given, showing the peak traffic volume times for East bound travel along Stanhope Road should also be reflected in the non-existent westbound data set.
• The Integrated Transport Assessment Page 14 Figs 1 & 2 only provides one-way traffic number data: it totally ignores that there will be similar number of Heavy Vehicles travelling in BOTH directions.
• The Integrated Transport Assessment Page 21-23 Traffic Impacts on Surrounding Road Network clearly shows that there will be a 25% increase in vehicles using Stanhope Road. Plus, consideringly, the calculation is based on 240 extra vehicles per day, not 220 as previously stated.
• The Integrated Transport Assessment Page 25 – Traffic Impacts on Existing one lane bridge calculates that delays will increase by 100% during the development phase of the quarry and by 200% by 2035.

3. Impacts on the Township
Routing quarry trucks through the town would have unacceptable consequences for community amenity.
Residents and businesses would experience:
• constant heavy vehicle noise (no traffic noise studies conducted or noise pollution data for residences impacted by the haulage route, nor any mitigation methods offered)
• vibration affecting nearby buildings
• diesel emissions
• dust
• traffic delays
• reduced pedestrian safety
• diminished streetscape character.
Heavy industrial traffic is incompatible with the role of the town as a place for residents, visitors and local commerce.

4. Noise and Vibration

The cumulative effect of approximately 220 heavy vehicle movements each day would expose nearby residents to ongoing engine noise, gear changes, compression braking, acceleration, reversing alarms and vibration.
These impacts would occur repeatedly throughout operating hours over the life of the quarry and would significantly reduce residential amenity.

5. Road Damage and Public Cost

Heavy quarry vehicles place substantially greater stress on pavements than ordinary vehicles.
The proposal should clearly identify:
• the expected deterioration of local roads
• bridge capacity assessments
• long-term maintenance costs
• responsibility for repair funding
• financial guarantees for road rehabilitation.
Local ratepayers should not bear the financial burden of maintaining roads damaged by a private development.

6. Traffic Efficiency

The proposal is likely to reduce the efficiency of the local road network through:
• slower travel speeds
• increased delays
• reduced opportunities for overtaking
• congestion at intersections
• impacts on emergency vehicle response times.
The cumulative transport impacts require detailed assessment rather than consideration of individual truck movements in isolation.

7. Social and Economic Impacts

The proposed haulage route has the potential to adversely affect:
• property amenity
• local businesses
• tourism
• community wellbeing
• active transport
• the attractiveness of the town for future investment.
These impacts should be assessed over the full operational life of the quarry rather than only during the initial 10 years.

8. Alternative Haulage Routes

The application has not adequately demonstrated that alternative haulage routes have been rigorously investigated.
Priority should be given to routes that:
• avoid residential areas
• bypass town centres
• utilise higher-order roads designed for freight transport
• minimise impacts on schools, community facilities and businesses.
The current proposal appears to transfer the environmental and social costs of quarry transport onto the local community.

9. Public Interest

Under the NSW planning framework, the consent authority must consider whether the proposal is in the public interest.
In my view, it is not in the public interest for approximately 220 heavy vehicle movements per day to be directed onto local roads and potentially through the township when this will create ongoing safety risks, noise, road damage and loss of community amenity.

Conclusion
For these reasons I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse the application in its current form.
Should the proposal proceed, it should not be approved unless:
• an alternative haulage route avoiding the township is adopted;
• comprehensive road upgrades are completed before quarry operations commence;
• an independent road safety audit is undertaken;
• legally enforceable limits are placed on truck numbers and operating hours;
• the proponent funds all road maintenance and upgrades attributable to quarry traffic;
• ongoing traffic monitoring and compliance reporting are required throughout the life of the quarry.
I request that these matters be given full consideration during assessment of the application.

To whom it may concern,

I would like to make it known I OBJECT the application for the Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry.

I have serious concerns regarding the location of this development and the significant risks it poses to the local environment, public safety, and surrounding rural properties.

1. Threatened Ecosystems, Wildlife, and Tangory Nature Reserve
The proposed development is adjacent to Tangory Nature Reserve, a 503-hectare protected conservation area established to conserve important native vegetation and wildlife habitat. The reserve protects threatened ecological communities and supports a wide range of native fauna, including glossy black-cockatoos, grey-crowned babblers, little lorikeets, powerful owls, speckled warblers, and threatened microbat species such as the little bent-wing bat and eastern bent-wing bat. These species are sensitive to disturbance, noise, and dust from industrial activities.

In addition, the NSW Government’s Koala Habitat Information Base identifies parts of the broader area as containing predicted koala habitat and likelihood of occurrence, based on habitat suitability modelling and historical data. Even where site-specific surveys are limited, this official habitat mapping suggests that areas through which heavy traffic may pass are potentially part of koala movement corridors or habitat, and therefore vulnerable to fragmentation and disturbance.

2. Quarry Output Beyond the Local Area and Traffic Through Nearby Towns
The application does not clarify whether the quarry’s output would be used solely for local construction or also supplied to markets in Sydney and other distant regions. If the quarry does supply material beyond the local area, this would dramatically increase the volume of heavy truck movements over longer distances and could mean that trucks travel along key regional routes through adjoining towns such as Greta and Lochinvar.

A haulage route through these towns could expose numerous schools to intensive heavy vehicle traffic. In and around Greta and Lochinvar there are multiple educational institutions, including Greta Public School, Lochinvar Public School, St Joseph’s College (All Saints College), St Patrick’s Primary School, and Rutherford Technology High School, along with other primary and secondary schools in nearby suburbs such as Branxton.

The additional presence of heavy quarry trucks on these same roads — particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods when children are travelling to and from school — poses a significant safety risk to students, school bus services, pedestrians, and local traffic.

3. Safety Risks to School Children on Local Roads
The proposed haulage route already passes along rural roads with on-road bus stops used by local children. Introducing frequent heavy vehicle movements significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents. These roads were not designed for high volumes of large quarry trucks, and the presence of schoolchildren boarding and alighting buses presents an unacceptable safety hazard. At a minimum the proponent should have to install off road bus stops with appropriate shelter at all current stops on this bus route to mitigate the risk of any school children being killed by a heavy vehicle bound for this quarry.

4. Concealed Driveways and Limited Visibility
Many properties along these rural roads have concealed or partially obscured driveways due to vegetation, bends, and narrow road corridors. Residents and visitors entering the roadway with limited sight distance face increased danger with regular heavy truck movements — particularly because these vehicles require longer stopping distances and have reduced manoeuvrability.

5. Unsuitability of Elderslie Bridge for Heavy Haulage
The proposed haulage route includes Elderslie Bridge, a single-lane bridge that is not suitable for frequent heavy quarry truck movements. Single-lane bridges create traffic conflict points, queuing, and reduced visibility at entry points, increasing the likelihood of collisions — especially when combined with school buses, farm machinery, and local vehicles. If this haulage route is to go ahead, the proponent should be responsible for the erection of a two lane bridge - suitable for the extra heavy vehicle traffic that this quarry will bring. The NSW tax payer should not foot the bill for the fit for purpose, double lane bridge that is needed to support this level of traffic increase.

6. Increased Heavy Traffic on Rural Roads
Our local road network is narrow, winding, and already vulnerable to deterioration. A substantial increase in heavy haulage traffic will further:
- Increase the likelihood of collisions
- Accelerate road damage and maintenance burdens
- Create hazards for farm vehicles, cyclists, and local residents
- Reduce overall road safety and amenity for the community

I would ask that the proponent, NOT the NSW tax payer, is asked to pay for the significant upkeep these roads will now require from the additional heavy vehicle traffic moving to and from the quarry.

7. Silica Dust and Public Health Risks
Quarrying bluestone generates fine silica dust, which poses well-documented health risks when inhaled. Airborne dust may travel beyond the site boundary, settling on homes, agricultural land, and water sources. This raises concerns about respiratory health impacts on residents, dust ingestion by livestock, contamination of rainwater tanks, and sediment entering local waterways.

8. Cumulative Rural and Community Impacts
This proposal represents an industrial-scale operation in a rural environment. The combined effects of noise, vibration, dust, visual impact, traffic, and environmental disturbance will fundamentally change the character of the area and reduce the quality of life for residents.

For these reasons, I strongly oppose the approval of this quarry and its associated haulage road in this location. The ecological sensitivity of the surrounding environment, the risks to koala habitat and wildlife, the potential for increased heavy traffic through neighbouring towns, and the safety of children and local communities all warrant a precautionary approach.

I respectfully request that this proposal be refused or subjected to significantly more rigorous environmental, traffic, and public health assessment before any approval is considered. I request that the proponent, not the NSW government & NSW tax payer, be responsible for the financial implications of this quarry and haulage road in the case that it is approved.

Sincerely,

Samantha Taylor

I object to this project as it will effect the rural community that I will in and has the potential to cause adverse environmental and economic impacts to all of us in the area. Here a few of my concerns
Haul road
The constant movement of trucks on a rural road will make it impossible to get out of our driveways. Dangerous for our school children that catch daily school buses. Impact the one lane heritage listed Elderslie bridge.
Noise pollution
Blasting at the quarry, constant use of drills, excavators, dozers and trucks. This noise will carry through the valley. There is evidence that shows that constant noise can cause serious mental and physical health issues.
Air pollution
Dust, silica and other airborne particles are a huge concern for me and my family. Even with strict control by EPA there is the risk of airborne particle's entering our environment and affecting our health and well being.
Water pollution
This project will have water run off, both by trying to reduce the dust and just by the fact that it is a huge business with workers and therefore requiring crib huts, toilets etc. The run off from the property and the risk or erosion and sediment build up will effect the local creeks and eventually the Hunter river.
Wildlife impact
We are lucky enough to have native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, lizards, snakes, possums, quolls and wombats. The blasting sounds will spook these native animals as well as Livestock. The HV Pet Motel which currently offers tranquil and safe environment for animals will be at risk of damage as the peaceful environment can no longer be maintained.
Property Values
This area is currently pristine, there are no coal mines or similar this side of the valley and we would like to keep it that way. We purchased our property in Elderslie for that reason. The prestige housing estate of Radford park is on the haul road, this will mean that the property values will decrease dramatically with this unwanted and unnecessary truck movements.
In closing I would like to say that I do not see any reason that anyone in the area of Elderslie, Stanhope, Branxton or Greta would approve this project. There is absolutely no benefit or positive impacts for us and we can only think of the negatives. Do not destroy our pristine community.

Submission Opposing the Proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry at Elderslie
I am the owner and resident of 422 Elderslie Road, Branxton, and I strongly object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry at Elderslie.
My family and I have lived on this property for over 20 years. During that time we have enjoyed and cared for what is one of the most beautiful rural landscapes in the Hunter Region. Our property overlooks the Hunter River and offers sweeping views across unspoilt countryside. The area is characterised by grazing land, cattle, alpacas and horses, and is valued for its peaceful rural lifestyle, clean air and natural beauty.
For approximately 24 years we have successfully operated St Peter's Guesthouse, which occupies the most scenic position on our property. Guests visit specifically to escape city life, relax in a quiet rural setting and experience the beauty of the Hunter Region. The proposed quarry would destroy the very qualities our guests come to enjoy. Instead of looking across pristine countryside, they would face an industrial quarry. The visual impact alone would be devastating, but the constant dust, blasting, heavy vehicle traffic and industrial noise would make operating our business impossible. I have no doubt that if this quarry proceeds, we will be forced to close a business that has served visitors to the region for more than two decades.
Traffic
Elderslie Road is a narrow two-lane country road that is already experiencing increasing traffic volumes as more families move into the area seeking a safe and peaceful rural lifestyle. Many school buses stop along this road each day, often occupying one lane while children board and disembark. Introducing large numbers of quarry trucks onto this road would significantly increase the risk of serious accidents and place local families at unnecessary risk.
This road was never designed to accommodate continuous heavy industrial traffic. The proposed volume of truck movements is entirely incompatible with the existing road network and the residential nature of the surrounding community.
A further concern is the historic Elderslie Bridge over the Hunter River, located approximately one kilometre from our property. The bridge is effectively single-lane, with strict "No Passing" conditions that allow only one direction of traffic at a time. Additional quarry traffic will inevitably create congestion, delays and safety concerns for residents, school buses, emergency services and visitors.
Clause 16 says “Appropriate measures will be implemented to ensure drivers exercise heightened caution in these areas and strictly adhere to all designated speed zones, particularly those associated with school zones, bus stops, and locations where school bus activity occurs”

An independent assessment needs to be provided by the Proponent as the current infrastructure cannot possibly cope with the proposed increase in road traffic – specifically heavy trucks. It
Figure 7 & 8 are supposed to show a typical picture of Elderslie Road.

Unfortunately, a significant amount of the road does not have compacted edges and regularly the tar seal fails when wet conditions prevail. The areas where the road has not been constructed correctly will need rebuilding.

Air Quality and Health
Properties in our area, including ours, are not connected to town water. We rely entirely on rainwater collected from our roofs and stored in water tanks for our household drinking water.
The quarry will generate fine dust, including silica particles, which will settle on roofs and contaminate our drinking water supply. This presents an unacceptable and ongoing health risk for residents who have no alternative water source.
Airborne dust also poses a serious threat to public health. My husband originally moved from Newcastle because his young son suffered from asthma and benefited enormously from the clean country air. The establishment of a hard rock quarry will inevitably reduce local air quality, exposing residents to fine particulate matter that is known to aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It is deeply concerning that families who chose this area for its healthy environment would instead be subjected to industrial pollution.

Appendix I states “The modelling predictions for the Project do not indicate any exceedance of the relevant dust impact assessment criteria at the residential receptors”.

This report has been prepared by Todoroski Air Sciences Pty Ltd who are acting for the applicant. I feel it is inaccurate and certainly requires further investigation, preferably by a profession, independent party.
Noise
The proposed quarry would permanently destroy the peace and tranquility that define this rural community. Drilling, blasting, crushing, reversing alarms, heavy machinery and continuous truck movements would create relentless industrial noise throughout the day.
Residents have invested their lives and livelihoods in this area because of its quiet rural character. It is unacceptable that this peaceful environment would be sacrificed for a development that benefits a single landowner while imposing significant and permanent impacts on everyone else.
What makes this proposal even more concerning is that the landowner proposing the quarry reportedly intends to leave the area once operations commence. He will not be living with the dust, noise, traffic and environmental degradation created by this development. Instead, the burden will fall entirely on the surrounding residents, families and businesses who have chosen to make Elderslie their home.
Conclusion
This proposal represents a fundamental change to the character of Elderslie. It threatens local businesses, endangers road safety, degrades air quality, contaminates drinking water supplies, increases noise pollution and destroys the natural landscape that makes this area so special.
The economic benefits of the quarry cannot justify the permanent loss of amenity, environmental quality and quality of life for the many residents who will be directly affected. Once this landscape is industrialised, it can never be restored to what it is today.
I respectfully urge the consent authority to reject the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry. This development is entirely incompatible with the rural character of Elderslie and would have unacceptable social, environmental and economic consequences for the local community.

Submission Opposing Proposed Quarry — SSD‑76210271
Submitted by: Concerned Resident (Anonymous)

I strongly oppose the proposed quarry SSD‑76210271. Properties located on or directly adjusted proposed haul road will be exposed to constant heavy vehicle movements, blasting vibrations, noise, dust, financial losses and the traffic dangers. The proposal does not adequately acknowledge how severely the haul route impacts residents who live along it.
Noise, Vibration and Blasting Impacts
The quarry will fundamentally disrupt the quiet rural character of our area and surrounding areas.
Continuous machinery noise and truck movements will remove the peaceful enjoyment of our homes and farms.

Blasting vibrations pose a serious risk of structural damage, including cracked walls, foundation movement, and long‑term structural instability.
The air quality assessment and the noise impact assessment look to have incorrect addresses in these reports. This error further undermines confidence in the accuracy of the assessments provided.

Property Value
Noise, dust, heavy vehicle traffic, and industrial activity will significantly reduce the quiet country lifestyle and lower property values. For many residents, our homes are our largest investment. This proposal threatens the financial security of families who have built their lives here.

Traffic and Road Safety Concerns
Local rural roads are not designed for high‑volume heavy vehicle traffic.

Increased quarry truck movements will endanger families, school buses, farmers, animals and everyday road users.

The one lane historical bridge on Haul Road can already be hazardous at times, especially during highway diversions & peak traffic times of the day. Adding quarry trucks to this bottleneck is unsafe and irresponsible.

Quarry trucks will slow significantly while climbing the hills and any mechanical breakdowns will obstruct the narrow roads, creating dangerous and unpredictable traffic conditions.

Cattle crossing the road are a normal part of farming in this area, but heavy quarry trucks significantly increase the risk of collisions and unpredictable animal behavior during these times.

Children wait at rural bus stops often crossing the road atlest once a day and in some places there is no safe pull‑off areas for the buses. Heavy trucks passing them at close proximity is an unacceptable risk.

Impact on Shift Workers
The shift workers along the haul road rely on daytime sleep.
Quarry noise, truck movements, and blasting will make adequate rest impossible, affecting their health, wellbeing, and ability to work safely and make a living.

Impacts of the Quarry Operation
The quarry will operate as a large‑scale industrial site within a rural and residential setting. The ongoing use of heavy machinery, crushing equipment, and blasting will introduce continuous industrial noise and vibration into an area that is not suited to this level of activity. The scale and intensity of the quarry operations are incompatible with the surrounding community, creating long‑term disruption to daily life, reducing residential amenity, and placing additional pressure on local infrastructure and services.

Conclusion
Considering the full range of impacts associated with SSD‑76210271 including industrial noise, blasting vibration risks, property value loss, unsafe traffic conditions, hazards for farmers, disruption to shift workers, A large-scale quarry within a rural community — it is clear that this proposal presents unacceptable and avoidable risks. The haul road, surrounding properties, and local road network are not designed to absorb the level of heavy vehicle activity and industrial operations proposed. The effects on safety, wellbeing, daily life, and local infrastructure far outweigh any claimed benefits.

Thank you.

Blueston Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project
Application no. SSD-76210271
253 Stanhope road, Elderslie and Blind Creek road, Glendon Brook
I am against the quarry
I accept and acknowledge the departments disclaimer and declaration

As a member of the Branxton community and a homeowner, I would like to state that I’m definitely against the Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry. Below some of my objections.

THE HAULAGE ROUTE
It will be of great concern for the local people in the area of Elderslie, Branxton, Greta and further. Obvious reasons would be emissions, breaking distances, noise vibration, air pollution, safety around schools and bus stops, children crossing the road. Bank up of trucks going up the various hills, general disruption to normal traffic. Various businesses in the area will suffer.

Who will control the independent carriers if they decide to go off the haulage route into Branxton down Bridge Street, past the public primary school and onto the Hunter Expressway.

There is no second route available in the EIS. What happens in the case of a bushfire, maintenance on the Elderslie bridge, a car accident?
This needs to be explained to the public.

Then there is the heritage listed Elderslie bridge which is already dangerous, as it’s one way and when the B double trucks start travelling across the bridge 110 loaded /110 empty each weekday! It will be dangerous and chaotic.

Is the BlueStone quarry going to put new roads in, a new bridge with two lanes, where the haulage route meets wine country drive. Very dangerous stop sign. It will need traffic lights. They have a very low amount allocated to road maintenance which definitely will not cover the damage the trucks will cause to the roads. The set amount will certainly not cover maintenance in 10 to 30 years time. So Singleton rate players will be carrying that plus the government?


ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
I do not believe there has been sufficient transparency regarding consultation with aboriginal people whose cultural heritage may be affected by this development.

The EIS statement confirms that registered aboriginal parties participated in the aboriginal cultural heritage survey and that a previously unrecorded aboriginal artefact site was identified within the proposed quarry area. Despite this, the publicly available documents do not clearly identify which aboriginal organisation or registered aboriginal parties were consulted, what concerns they raised, or how those concerns were considered in the design and assessment of the project.

Given that an aboriginal artefact site has already been identified within the project area, I believe it is inappropriate for the project to proceed until the consultation process is fully transparent and the cultural heritage values of the site have been independently assessed and properly considered.


ENVIRONMENTAL
The quarry is estimated to clear 63.66 ha of land. The environmental damage will raise all sorts of issues. The Tangory nature reserve a home to a recorded 200 high conservation valued species.
To name a few -vulnerable powerful owl, the threatened grey crowned Babbler, endangered and protected koalas , two vulnerable micro bat species, spotted-tailed quolls, endangered Regent honeyeater, swift parrot, brown treecreeper. The reports from the EIS seem to have been done at a time of the year that suited them not when the animals were likely to be seen and sighted. Certainly not in the peak time of the koala breeding season. This area where the proposed quarry will stand, creates a gap in the connected bush corridor to the Werakata National Park. I don’t believe the EIS gives us enough information. Then of course we can move into the fact that the quarry dust will have all sorts of bad effects not only on people but on the native wildlife and the vegetation.

DANGEROUS POLLUTION
Quarry dust - silica dust. I have asthma and poor lungs. the dust could affect people in different ways, nose or throat problems, eyes, coughing wheezing and who knows with long-term exposure. Also what about the people in the Elderslie area that have to live on tank water that could get contaminated? Maybe someone needs to think about supplying piped water to all these houses.

Then we have the diesel fumes, as mentioned above with the amount of trucks travelling our country roads and through a small country town. In this area, we already live with The Coal trains rattling all through the night, the dust that comes off them over our houses, cars, outdoor areas, furniture etc. Then add in car emissions, agriculture, lots of wood heaters. The government needs to assess whether the quarry would cause the air quality to exceed the applicable standards of air pollution. Again insufficient information on this very important matter.

Cessnock Council has just spent 1.4 million on beautifying Branxton. I think that might be a waste of the rate payers and taxpayers money if the quarry goes ahead?

QUARRY BLASTING /VIBRATION IN THE AREA /DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
Then we have the quarry blasting. This directly concerns me, as I am a homeowner in Branxton living in a brick house. That’s 107 years old. I already feel movement in the house when the army base does its drills. Id like to know who will be responsible when there is damage to my house.


TOURISM
Obviously, something like the quarry will affect tourism in the Hunter valley, Pokolbin is a 10 min drive from Branxton so on a strong north wind the pollution dust and possibly blasting noise could go in that direction. It would affect the Airbnb‘s, small businesses, large Hotels, golf courses etc. Branxton lost some small businesses through the Covid period and is now trying to repair that situation with various new small businesses, that would all suffer.

LACK OF COMMUNICATION TO THE PUBLIC
I would also like to comment on the EIS in section 5.3. In regard to the company that handled the initial contact with the community. The Social Aspect, people in projects balanced! I personally, am the only person that I know received the flyer that they sent last November. I’ve spoken to people around me in the main area of old Branxton Yet The Social aspect evidently distributed over 2,000 thousand of these flyers.

CONDITIONS
Should the proposed Quarry go ahead the community should be given the opportunity to identify any conditions that could be changed or varied to benefit the residents safety and health.

Kathleen Nelson





Sent from my iPad e

Submission Objecting to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project
I wish to lodge a formal objection to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
As a resident of Radford Park, I am directly affected by this proposal and have significant concerns regarding its environmental, social and economic impacts on the local community. I respectfully request that these matters be carefully considered during the assessment of the application.
1. Loss of Residential Amenity
The proposed quarry would substantially reduce the amenity currently enjoyed by surrounding residents. Quarry operations are expected to generate ongoing noise, vibration and dust over many years. These impacts have the potential to adversely affect residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Although mitigation measures may be proposed, it is difficult to eliminate the cumulative impacts of heavy quarry operations located in close proximity to established residential communities.
2. Air Quality and Quarry Dust
Quarrying activities, crushing operations and heavy vehicle movements inevitably generate dust. Fine particulate matter has the potential to affect nearby homes, outdoor recreation, gardens and local vegetation.
Residents should not be expected to live with continual dust impacts, particularly given the long operational life proposed for the quarry. The assessment should clearly demonstrate how dust emissions would be effectively monitored and controlled under a range of weather conditions, including prevailing winds.
3. Traffic and Road Safety
One of the most significant concerns is the substantial increase in heavy vehicle movements associated with the quarry.
The proposed haulage route includes:
a single-lane bridge;
Elderslie Road, which has a history of frequent maintenance and repairs;
sections with very limited pedestrian infrastructure; and
roads that already serve existing residential communities.
The introduction of significant numbers of heavy trucks each day will increase congestion, road deterioration and safety risks for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
This concern is heightened by the recent approval by Singleton Council of substantial residential growth along the proposed transport route. As these new housing developments are completed, traffic volumes will increase considerably, making the interaction between quarry trucks and local traffic an even greater safety concern.
The proposal does not appear to adequately address how these cumulative traffic impacts will be managed.
4. Road Infrastructure Costs
The existing transport network appears unsuitable for the volume and weight of heavy quarry vehicles proposed.
The application should clearly identify:
what upgrades will be required to Elderslie Road;
whether the single-lane bridge requires strengthening, widening or replacement;
the expected maintenance costs over the life of the quarry; and
who will be responsible for funding these upgrades and ongoing maintenance.
It is inappropriate for local ratepayers or Singleton Council to bear the financial burden of infrastructure improvements that primarily benefit a private commercial operation.
Given the limited revenue available to Council, there is significant concern that the community could ultimately be left funding expensive road and bridge upgrades.
5. Pedestrian Safety
Elderslie Road has limited pedestrian pathways in several locations. Increasing heavy truck traffic along this route will create additional safety risks for:
school children;
walkers;
cyclists; and
residents accessing nearby facilities.
This issue will become increasingly significant as new residential developments along the haulage route become occupied.
6. Property Values
The proposed quarry is likely to negatively affect surrounding residential property values due to increased noise, dust, heavy vehicle traffic and the industrialisation of the local environment.
Existing homeowners should not be expected to absorb financial losses arising from a development that fundamentally changes the character and amenity of the area.
7. Public Benefit Versus Community Impact
While the applicant argues that the quarry will provide hard rock required for infrastructure and construction projects, the stated public benefits appear limited when weighed against the significant long-term impacts on the local community.
The application indicates relatively modest employment generation, which does not appear sufficient to justify the environmental, infrastructure and social costs imposed on nearby residents.
A balanced assessment should consider whether the limited economic benefits outweigh:
the permanent loss of residential amenity;
increased environmental impacts;
significant traffic and safety concerns;
infrastructure costs; and
adverse effects on existing communities.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
The proposal raises significant concerns regarding environmental impacts, traffic safety, infrastructure capacity, residential amenity, property values and the broader public interest.
I request that the consent authority carefully consider these cumulative impacts and refuse the application unless it can be demonstrated that these concerns can be satisfactorily addressed without imposing unacceptable costs and risks on the local community.
Thank you for considering this submission.

Submission objecting to the Bluestone Quarry
Project SSD-76210271
Submitted by: Kathryn McDonald
5 Pyrus Avenue
Branxton NSW 2335

Dear Assessment team,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project SSD-76210271. I live at 5 Pyrus Avenue, Branxton, and I am deeply concerned about the long term impacts this development will have on my family, our community and the surrounding environment. The transport route and associated impacts will directly affect our town and the people who live here. My concerns are listed below.

Noise, Dust and Vibration
My property backs onto Elderslie Road, which is the designated route for 200 haulage trucks each day. The noise, dust and vibration will impact us directly and make this beautiful property unbearable to live in. I am particularly concerned about the silica dust which will be generated by the quarry and transported past our property each day. No amount of dust suppression or containment can guarantee that we and surrounding properties/communities will be protected.

Heavy Vehicle Traffic
The proposal will lead to a substantial increase in heavy truck movements along Elderslie Rd and surrounding roads. This will create:
* Increased traffic noise.
*More dust generated from heavy vehicle movements.
*Greater wear and damage to local roads.
*Increased safety risks for all road users.

Safety of school children and pedestrians
One of my greatest concerns is the safety of school children who catch school busses along Elderslie rd. Many children are required to wait beside the road each day to board and disembark school buses. This is a significant and unacceptable safety risk for these children and families.

Heritage listed Elderslie Bridge
I am also concerned about the impact that constant heavy vehicle traffic and vibration will have on the heritage listed Elderslie Bridge. This bridge is an important part of our local history and should be protected. The bridge is also single lane. Two hundred truck movements a day will cause unimaginable congestion on a small rural rd.

Traffic Congestion
The proposal will increase heavy vehicle traffic travelling through Branxton and using the intersection connecting to the Hunter Expressway. This intersection already experiences congestion. Additional quarry trucks will increase delays, and increase safety concerns at an already dangerous intersection.

Community Impact
As someone who lives in Branxton, I value the lifestyle and character of our community. This proposal would impose decades of increased traffic, industrial noise, blasting and dust on local residents while placing additional pressure on our roads and infrastructure. I do not believe these impacts have been adequately addressed or justified.

Conclusion
For these reasons I strongly object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project. I respectfully ask the Department to carefully consider the long term impacts on public health, community amenity, road safety, the protection of school children, the preservation of Elderslie Bridge and the increased traffic burden on Branxton and the Hunter Expressway intersection.
In my view, the environmental, health and community impacts of this proposal outweigh any economic benefits, and respectfully ask that the application be refused.

Thank you for considering my submission.
Yours faithfully,
Kathryn McDonald
5 Pyrus Avenue
Branxton NSW 2335

We are writing as concerned members of the Hunter Valley community regarding the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry (formerly known as the Pittman Quarry) in Elderslie, NSW.

This proposal, being advanced by Robyn and Jamie Pittman, seeks approval for a quarry classified as a State Significant Development (SSD), with extraction of up to one million tonnes of hard rock per year over a potential 50-year lifespan. Such a scale of industrial activity is entirely inconsistent with the rural and residential character of our district. In fact it doesn't rightfully tick any of the boxes for having properly assessed the extraction of or transport logistics from the quarry along with the impact to the environment, infrastructure, safety, and additional and increased personal costs and transit time to members of the public or to various trades servicing the area or what the short or long-term benefits are to the local community - basically if doesn’t pass the pub test other than some specific individuals seeking to commercially benefit at the expense of the community.

If this is approved, then in the years to come I can foresee this being dragged through the courts reciting who approved such a project while being aghast at the lasting repercussions and claims

Our region is already under sustained pressure from coal mining operations throughout the Hunter Valley, gas infrastructure corridors including the Hunter Gas Pipeline, and proposals for large-scale solar developments. The cumulative impact of these developments is deeply affecting both the environmental integrity and the wellbeing of local residents.

The proposed quarry site’s proximity to the Tangory Nature Reserve raises serious concerns about biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, dust pollution, and long-term ecological degradation. Additionally, the anticipated heavy vehicle haulage required to transport materials to the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney regions presents a significant burden to the existing infrastructure, risks to local road safety, noise levels, and air quality.

The fact that this development has been designated as State Significant does not lessen the lived impact on our local community. Rather, it heightens our concern that regional voices may be overshadowed by broader economic considerations.

Community opposition is already well established, with local residents, including the group Save Elderslie – No Quarry, No Haul Road, expressing clear and consistent objections. These concerns are not reactionary—they are based on legitimate fears regarding long-term environment harm, infrastructure strain, property value impacts, impact to health, and the cumulative industrialisation of our landscape.

We respectfully request that:

1. Full and transparent assessment of cumulative environmental impacts to be undertaken

2. Independent environmental and traffic studies be scrutinised rigorously

3. Community consultation be genuine, meaningful and ongoing

4. Consideration be given to alternative and less intrusive sites; and

5. The long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley be prioritised over short-term extraction gains

The residents of Elderslie and surrounding communities deserve protection from further industrial encroachment. We are not opposed to development in principle; however, we are opposed to inappropriate development that compromises environmental health, community safety and regional liveability. The dust will effect our tank water, solar panels, washing, housing structures and pools etc

We ask that you act in the best interests of the Hunter Valley constituents and ensure that this proposal receives the highest level of scrutiny and consideration

I am a 63‑year‑old resident of Elderslie and I wish to formally object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project. I have invested many years of my life in this community and this proposal would fundamentally damage our way of life.

**1. Water security and contamination**

My household, like many in the district, relies on roof‑collected rainwater and dam water. Dust emissions from quarry blasting, crushing and truck movements will carry silica and other fine particles across surrounding properties. These particles will settle on roofs, wash into tanks, and fall directly into dams, affecting our primary water sources.[9][10][11]

Respirable crystalline silica is recognised as a serious health hazard and human carcinogen. While most guidance focuses on workplace exposure, the proposed quarry would operate for decades, creating a continuous source of dust near homes and drinking water. An independent water quality and human health risk assessment should be mandatory, and the absence of such assessment is a key reason for my objection.[12][11][14][9]

**2. Property values and financial security**

A large‑scale, long‑term quarry within 5 km of rural residential properties inevitably affects property values. Prospective buyers are deterred by heavy truck traffic, blasting, dust, noise and industrial views. This project would reduce the value of properties that local residents rely on for retirement savings and financial security, while profits are directed elsewhere.

There is no compensation framework for residents whose property value and lifestyle are degraded by this project. Approving the quarry effectively transfers wealth away from the community and into a private company at our expense.

**3. Loss of rural character and impact on Tangory Nature Reserve**

Elderslie and Glendon Brook are quiet, rural communities. The proposed operation — with around 220 heavy vehicle movements per day, weekly blasting, machinery noise and diesel storage — would permanently change the character of the area from rural residential and agricultural to industrial quarry zone. This is not what residents moved here for, nor what we have built our lives around.[16][21]

Tangory Nature Reserve was created to protect important habitat for threatened and endangered species. Running a major quarry right beside it undermines those conservation goals. Noise, dust and vibration will affect wildlife that the reserve was meant to safeguard, including threatened species in the Lower Hunter region. Once the land is excavated, the bush and landscape we know will be gone forever.

For all of these reasons, I strongly object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project and ask that the Department refuse consent.

My name is Gary Braham, I am 66 years old and a long‑term resident within 5 km of the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry site. I strongly object to this project on safety and health grounds.

**1. Blasting near the Hunter Gas Pipeline**

Singleton Council has formally objected to the Elderslie quarry proposal, triggering Independent Planning Commission assessment, partly due to concerns about the Hunter Gas Pipeline running within the quarry precinct. High‑pressure gas transmission pipelines can operate at up to around 9,000 kPa, and any damage or fatigue from blasting can lead to catastrophic rupture and fire.[23][24][25]

Weekly blasting in hard rock generates both ground vibration and airblast overpressure. Repeated blasts over years can affect buried infrastructure, especially if separation distances or blast design are inadequate. National and state guidelines for works near gas pipelines emphasise extreme caution, strict separation and detailed engineering assessment.[24][26]

I am not satisfied that the proponent has demonstrated, through independent, peer‑reviewed analysis, that blasting will pose zero risk to the Hunter Gas Pipeline, nor that emergency response capacity in our rural area could deal with a major pipeline incident. I request that the Department require a full blasting impact study on the pipeline with independent oversight before any decision.

**2. Health impacts of blast fumes and dust for older residents**

NSW Health has issued guidance on mine blast fumes, highlighting that nitrogen oxides such as nitrogen dioxide can cause acute respiratory effects, particularly in those with pre‑existing lung conditions. As an older resident, I already experience age‑related health vulnerability. Weekly blasting for decades exposes residents to repeated blast plumes, and quarrying generates continuous dust exposure.[27]

Respirable crystalline silica dust from hard rock quarrying is a recognised cause of silicosis, COPD and lung cancer. While occupational controls are mandated on site, there is far less protection for nearby residents whose water tanks, dams and homes will receive dust fallout. Long‑term cumulative exposure has not been adequately addressed from a community health perspective.[11][9][10]

**3. Noise and vibration on properties**

The NSW planning and EPA noise and vibration guidelines recognise that blasting impacts must remain below specified limits at sensitive receptors like homes. Even within limits, repeated blast events cause stress, sleep disturbance and fear for older residents, especially when houses shake and windows rattle. Weekly blasts over many years are not compatible with a peaceful rural residential environment.[20][19]

For these safety and health reasons, I urge the Department to refuse this project.

Submission Objecting to the Proposed Branxton Bluestone Steel Quarry

I wish to formally object to the proposed Branxton Bluestone Steel quarry and the associated transport route along Elderslie Road. While I understand the importance of supporting industry and economic development, I believe this proposal will have significant and long-lasting impacts on the safety, wellbeing and liveability of our growing community.

My primary concerns are outlined below.

Road Safety

Elderslie Road is not an appropriate road for the volume of heavy vehicle traffic proposed. It is already a busy local road used daily by residents, school buses, parents dropping children at school and local traffic travelling between Branxton, Huntlee and surrounding areas.

The road contains crests and sections with reduced visibility, making it difficult for drivers to safely anticipate oncoming vehicles. Introducing an additional 220 truck movements per day would significantly increase the risk of serious accidents.

There is also no continuous footpath along sections of Elderslie Road, particularly near the lower end. This places pedestrians, including children and local residents, in close proximity to heavy vehicles, creating an unnecessary safety risk.

Dangerous Intersection

The intersection of Maitland Street and Elderslie Road already experiences significant congestion, particularly during peak commuting and school hours. It is well known by locals as a difficult and sometimes dangerous intersection.

Adding hundreds of heavy truck movements each day will further increase delays, reduce visibility and create additional conflict between trucks, passenger vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Before approving this proposal, a comprehensive independent traffic assessment should demonstrate that the existing road network can safely accommodate this increase in heavy vehicle traffic.

Radford Parkway Access

Accessing Elderslie Road from Radford Parkway is already challenging due to traffic volumes and limited gaps for vehicles to enter safely.

Adding truck-and-dog combinations to this route will increase the difficulty and risk for residents entering and exiting the estate, particularly during peak periods.

Impact on Road Infrastructure

Elderslie Road is already showing signs of deterioration. Heavy truck traffic will accelerate pavement wear, create potholes and increase maintenance requirements.

The community should not bear the burden of deteriorating local roads that were not designed for such intensive heavy vehicle use.

Impact on Community Character

Branxton has traditionally been a close-knit country town, and while the area is growing rapidly, it has retained a strong sense of community.

The proposed quarry and continual heavy truck movements would fundamentally change the character of the area. Increased noise, dust, traffic and industrial activity are inconsistent with the lifestyle that has attracted many families to Branxton and Huntlee.

This proposal would negatively affect residents’ quality of life and reduce the sense of safety and community that currently exists.

Rapid Population Growth

Branxton and Huntlee are among the fastest-growing residential areas in the Hunter Region, with significant housing developments continuing to expand each year.

Planning decisions should recognise that this is no longer a quiet rural locality suited to intensive industrial traffic. Instead, it is becoming a major residential community with increasing numbers of families, schools, parks and local businesses.

Approving a quarry that generates substantial heavy vehicle movements appears inconsistent with the long-term vision for the area’s growth.

Silica Dust and Community Health

The potential health impacts associated with silica dust are a significant concern.

Crystalline silica is produced when stone is crushed, cut or processed. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica has been linked to serious health conditions, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease and lung cancer. While workers are generally considered the highest-risk group, nearby communities may also have concerns about ongoing exposure to airborne dust if it is not effectively controlled.

Given the quarry’s proximity to existing and future residential areas, schools and recreational spaces, the potential cumulative impacts of dust generation should be carefully assessed. Even where dust complies with regulatory limits, residents may still experience reduced air quality, dust settling on homes and outdoor areas, and ongoing concerns about long-term health impacts.

Independent air quality modelling, continuous monitoring and robust dust suppression measures should be mandatory if the proposal proceeds. However, given the surrounding residential growth, I question whether this location is appropriate for a quarry of this scale.

Alternative Transport Routes

I understand there are alternative options for heavy vehicle access that would reduce the impact on residential roads.

These alternatives should be thoroughly investigated before any approval is considered. Routing heavy vehicles away from established residential communities would significantly improve safety outcomes and reduce impacts on local residents.

Conclusion

For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that this proposal be refused in its current form.

If the quarry is to be considered further, I strongly believe that alternative transport routes must be explored, and independent assessments should be undertaken regarding traffic safety, road capacity, air quality, community health, and the cumulative impacts on this rapidly growing residential area.

The safety of local families, the wellbeing of our community and the future character of Branxton and Huntlee should be prioritised over the convenience of routing heavy industrial traffic through our local roads.

My name is Allan Moore, and I have lived at Elderslie for over 45 years. My wife's family settled here in 1840's and interestingly my family also settled at Elderslie in 1840's. I moved to Elderslie in 1979 after a family tragedy brought us back to work on my wife's family's dairy farm.
My submission will largely be based on my knowledge and experiences with roads and Elderslie bridge.
Elderslie was a quiet little village back then. The local school was still operational. We saw the occasional coal truck come through as they travelled from Great Greta mine to the coal loader at Branxton. other than that, most trucks were cattle trucks or machinery associated with farming. towards the end Great Greta stepped up productions and the trucks became a steady line all day.
They were not permitted to travel through the "built up" area of village until 6am so they would arrive at any time from 5am onwards and queue at Intersection. It was worth being there first as it meant when you got to mine you got loaded first and were back on your way. Our agriculture business was dairy
ing so we were always observing this morning ritual. Having loaded they were all rumbling back through the hills and village usually one after another (see photo of 4 trucks on bridge and 2 approaching)
Heritage listed Elderslie bridge at this time was largely the original structure built in 1890.
in 2008 the decking was replaced. this was a major piece of work to re-enforce and strengthen the decking. the bridge became narrower after this work as the support for the decking reduced the width on each side. This is effectively when it became a one lane bridge as it no longer met the standard.

Concerns with Bridge assessment- I note the EIS refers to assessment from Transport NSW that the bridge is satisfactory for the proposed usage. I found no report contained in EIS to certify this statement.

Concerns with queuing at Bridge- working on the farm and owning the land both side of the river (
effectively all around the bridge) I currently witness many road rage incidents. Sometimes a car or truck hasn't seen another vehicle before entering the bridge other times it's
the race to get over or simply ignoring the give way sign. This most often results in someone having to back up. There has also been accident at that critical turn onto bridge point as if you are driving a large you need to swing out to right to get clearances for your line onto bridge.

Replace the bridge- some have suggested this as an option however for us this is a definite NO as we would lose a considerable amount of our highly alluvial agricultural land.
the road to Branxton uphill from bridge is a steep climb and would need a passing lane. Once again, we would lose land to create passing lane.

Stanhope rd-- Imy home is 122 Stanhope rd and I travel between there and bridge many times a day_ the corner at the bottom of our hill (known by locals at flood time as Moore's corner) is turn at the bottom of steep hill. the number of times I meet a vehicle over the double lines is frightening.
Our farming business- our farming land is in various parcels and etends from top of hill east of Elderslie bridge to 717 Elderslie rd--Stanhope road both sides of road to approx 190 Stanhope rd. Through this section we have many agricultural vehicles crossing and travelling along the roads on a daily basis. we also move the Angus cattle herd across the roads mainly on the down hill stretch in front of 122 Stanhope rd. vehicle and cattle movements are all appropriately licensed. We manage this carefully
however a quarry truck every 3 1/2 minutes would be harder to manage and likely frustration for the truck drivers who had to stop and wait for all cattle to cross.

Gas pipeline-I have concerns that the gas pipeline route has not been considered adequately in the EIS. The EIS show a proposed re-alignment going around the site-has this been confirmed by the Santos group? If so it would seem like the pipeline would be very close to blasting activities. this could have a devastating effect on the Nature Reserve and indeed all agriculture land in the area.

Conclusion:
there are no conditions that I would suggest that would make this proposal acceptable for me. It would impact on our business our lifestyle and our family's lifestyle as they all live here at Elderslie.
thank you for opportunity to comment on this proposal -

Please refuse this proposal in its entirety.

I wish to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Rock Quarry development at Elderslie, NSW.

As a resident of this community, I have serious concerns about the long-term impacts this proposal will have on the health, safety, wellbeing and quality of life of local families. While I understand the importance of supplying construction materials for infrastructure projects, I do not believe this proposal is appropriate in such close proximity to established homes and families.

My concerns include the following:

### Air Quality and Silica Dust

One of my greatest concerns is the generation of dust, particularly respirable crystalline silica produced through blasting, crushing and transporting rock.

Even where mitigation measures are proposed, dust cannot be completely eliminated. Fine silica particles can travel significant distances depending on weather conditions and are capable of entering homes, schools and outdoor play areas.

This issue is particularly concerning for my family. My wife is pregnant, and my father-in-law suffers from existing lung conditions. Increased exposure to airborne dust and silica presents an unnecessary health risk to vulnerable members of our household.

Children are also especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing. I have 4 young children. Our community should not be expected to accept additional exposure to pollutants that have recognised long-term health implications.

### Noise Pollution

The ongoing noise generated by blasting, rock crushing, heavy machinery, reversing alarms and truck movements will fundamentally change the peaceful nature of Elderslie/Branxton.

Unlike temporary construction works, this operation has the potential to continue for many years, meaning residents could be subjected to constant industrial noise every day.

This will affect:

* Children's sleep and development.
* Families' ability to enjoy their homes and backyards.
* Residents working from home.
* General mental health and wellbeing.

No amount of landscaping or operating-hour restrictions can fully remove the impacts of industrial noise.

### Safety of Children

Our community contains many young families.

Children ride bikes, walk, play outdoors and travel to school throughout the area. Introducing a significant increase in heavy vehicle movements creates an unnecessary safety risk.

Many local roads have:

* Limited shoulders.
* Poor visibility in places.
* Narrow sections.
* No dedicated footpaths.

Parents should not have to worry about sharing local roads with frequent heavy quarry trucks.

### Traffic and Road Safety

The expected increase in heavy vehicle traffic is another major concern.

The surrounding road network was not designed to accommodate continual quarry truck movements.

Additional heavy vehicles are likely to result in:

* Increased traffic congestion.
* Longer travel times.
* Reduced road safety.
* Greater risk of accidents.
* Increased wear and deterioration of already aging roads.

Road users include school buses, emergency services, local residents, cyclists and agricultural vehicles. The cumulative impact on road safety should not be underestimated.

### Poor Existing Road Infrastructure

Roads servicing the area are already showing signs of deterioration.

Heavy quarry vehicles place substantially greater stress on road surfaces than ordinary traffic, increasing potholes, pavement damage and maintenance costs.

Without substantial and ongoing investment in road upgrades, the burden of this development will effectively be transferred onto the local community and taxpayers.

### Lack of Pedestrian Infrastructure

Large sections of the surrounding area lack safe pedestrian infrastructure.

There are limited or no footpaths in many locations, forcing pedestrians, families and children to walk alongside roads.

Increasing heavy vehicle movements in these circumstances significantly increases safety risks.

### Property Values

The establishment of a quarry is likely to negatively affect nearby property values.

Residents have invested significant financial resources into purchasing homes in what has traditionally been a quiet rural residential area.

Potential buyers may be discouraged by concerns relating to:

* Dust.
* Noise.
* Blasting.
* Heavy traffic.
* Industrial activity.
* Reduced amenity.

Homeowners should not bear financial losses resulting from an industrial development they neither sought nor support.

### Loss of Rural Amenity

Elderslie and parts of Branxton are valued for its peaceful rural lifestyle, clean environment and family-friendly character.

The proposed quarry represents a significant industrialisation of the area that is inconsistent with these existing values.

The cumulative effects of noise, dust, truck traffic, visual impacts and blasting would permanently alter the character of the community.

Once this amenity is lost, it cannot easily be restored.

### Environmental Impacts

I am also concerned about:

* Potential impacts on local wildlife and biodiversity.
* Vegetation clearing.
* Water quality and runoff (we heavily rely on rain water in our tanks and quality will be diminished?
* Long-term rehabilitation of the site.
* Greenhouse gas emissions from increased heavy vehicle traffic.

These impacts extend beyond the quarry site itself and affect the broader community.

### Cumulative Impacts

While each impact may be assessed individually, the combined effect is significant.

Residents would be expected to live with:

* Industrial noise.
* Airborne dust.
* Silica exposure risks.
* Frequent blasting.
* Heavy truck traffic.
* Reduced road safety.
* Declining amenity.
* Potential property devaluation.

Taken together, these impacts represent a substantial reduction in residents' quality of life.

### Precautionary Principle

Where there is uncertainty regarding long-term health and environmental impacts, particularly concerning airborne silica and vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and people with respiratory illnesses, the precautionary principle should apply.

The potential consequences of approving this development are too significant to justify proceeding without absolute confidence that public health will not be adversely affected.

### Conclusion

I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse this application.

The proposed quarry would introduce an incompatible industrial land use into a growing rural residential community and impose unacceptable health, safety, environmental and social impacts on existing residents.

Our community deserves clean air, safe roads, peaceful homes and confidence that future generations can grow up in a healthy environment.

I urge the decision-makers to place the wellbeing of residents above the interests of this development and reject the proposal.