Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

Government and private construction work being carried out in our local area will continue to require material that this quarry can supply. It is a great opportunity to provide local projects with a local product that can employ local people to do so. The surrounding communities should benefit for as long as the quarry is in operation.

This project must not be allowed to proceed on a number of grounds. These include but not limited to:
Landowners in the region most of which bought their land and house for involvement with the land, farming, grazing or simple connection and enjoyment of the environment and the peacefullness of the area. This project, should it proceed, seeks to destroy all of these fundamentals. Tear at the fabric that the districts beauty and livelihoods is built upon.
Noise and pollution will be excessive if this project proceeds. Hundreds of truck movements on roads and bridges unable to sustain such continuous and heavy loads is unacceptable and dangerous to all other motorists and pedestrians. Often cyclists use the roads especially on Saturday mornings. The Elderslie bridge being a 1 lane bridge is already busy and dangerous enough, let alone with more large truck movements.
Elderslie road near the township of Branxton has seen a huge housing and population growth in recent years which has increased traffic on the roads, including turning into and out of Elderslie road. Movements of trucks as outlined will damage roads and significantly increase the risk of accidents in these now quite heavily populated areas.
Hours or operation proposed make no consideration for children on school buses, families driving through the area on Saturday mornings. God forbid this project is approved - Surely 9-3pm weekdays 2 trucks per hour and no weekend work must be mandatory. Should operations proceed any-where near as proposed, there is a huge risk someone will die at the hands of one of these trucks.
Much of the landscape is undulating and contains hills and winding roads. Driveway exits are obscured and increasing traffic loads in the proposal will significantly increase the risk of accidents
Huge negative environmental impacts consisting of noise, impacts on wildlife and importantly water at the location of the quarry.
It is clear that the motivating factor in this proposal is the economic benefit that it will bring to the owner. There is simply no regard for community interests, lifestyles and the very attachment of the peacefulness and economic benefits of landowners and others have and would seek to continue to enjoy without this project. Should this project proceed much of it, if not all, will be destroyed.

As a local Branxton resident,
I wanted to express my severe concerns for the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
The following points have not been considered in the application:
The road is way to tight and narrow for pedestrians, school children , cyclists and trucks passing along side of vehicles in both directions where it bottle necks at the black creek end of Elderslie road in between cross streets George St and Lindsay St.
This section is also a flood zone. Which is not mentioned anywhere. No alternative Hall-route has been considered during flood events on Elderslie Road.

No decibel readings are in the submission

No air over pressure assessment has been conducted for blasting activities.

No water management plan has been provided for the site, to review how sediment water will be captured, managed and prevent offsite discharge. No water license has been listed or extraction of river water for the use of mineral processing or offsite discharge for storm event which may result in an offsite discharge of processed contaminant water.

No sewage plan is listed on the site details of how waste water will be managed provided details of how waste water will be managed. Fuel tanker deliveries for the on site fuel supply have not been listed in any detail of quantities and frequency.

The area that’s already been commenced clearing I believe it has not had an aboriginal and cultural artifacts salvage review.

The bus fatality on north rotherbury roundabout on highway onramp has not been listed in the fatality or incident data. However is located within the hall-route. As well as a Coles delivery truck that has overturned on the same roundabout.

The intersection of Maitland Street and Elderslie road currently is not suitable for heavy vehicles due to the road design. Vision is impaired as vehicles turning left onto Maitland road use a slip lane obstructing visions to drivers trying to turn right out of Elderslie road. There is not a designating lane edge, And this causes confusion and vision loss daily without adding additional 220 truck movements.

The submission has not considered contractor truck drivers travelling to site, and leaving site in the afternoon. They will be heading to site prior to the Quarry’s opening and hours of operation provided and leaving after site has closed.

The Elderslie bridge has no weight ratings visually listed on the bridge, and bridge periodic maintenance shutdowns have not been considered which will impact the quarry operations and movements.

There is no emergency vehicle brake down area’s or bay on the eastern side of Elderslie bridge, Should a trucks brakes fail there is no where to stop approaching the bridge from the Eastern approach.

The environmental impact of the silica dust on the hall-route to residents and livestock is a series health risk which no risk control mitigation strategies have been provided.

The council bin truck collections, farming road registered plant, the livestock movement for farmers have not been considered in the hall-route. The impact to any other businesses in the area as not been considered. Especially the pet motel which the community all utilizes, the Turf Farm, Pierre’s Winery on Elderslie Road, as well as many others on the hall-route. The noise assessment provide insufficient detail or evidence of the impact of the trucks to local residents in proximity to the hall-route.
In the past Glencore conducted feasibility investigations of the similar hall-route in the area for a coal mine, this resulted in potentially providing a double glacé to all windows in the area of the hall-route as well as the vendor managing all road maintenance independent of the council due to the maintenance strategy required for the additional trucks of high frequency movements on the existing road pavement which was deemed unsuitable. The feasability of this is inadequately assessed.

No power supply details have been provided for the quarry.

The Quarry location conflicts with a future Gas pipeline alignment which details have not been provided in submission to show the interfaces between these.

Due to these factors i strongly object the project and its impacts to the local community.

Refer to Attached Letter of Support

I support the approval of the Bluestone Hardrock quarry project and provide the attached justification.

PC PLUMBING is a local plumbing business. We are purchasing gravel daily for the growing housing demand. With the rising cost of materials we see the need for materials to be produced locally to reduce the transport cost.
On average we are buying 6m of Blue metal per house. I think we all need to understand that the Hunter Valley is a rapidly growing area, and the building industry supports a lot of local jobs.

Please see attached Comments reference my Objection to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

I oppose this quarry project based on my attached submission.
This includes lack of enforcement conditions regarding noise, traffic, environment.
BDouble trucks will be traversing along roads that have:
people including school children walk along regularly,
a public swimming pool (Branxton Baths) very close to the road
a dangerous "Give Way" turn when turning from New England Highway Branxton onto A43
large Huntlee roundabout to negotiate to enter and exit Hunter Expressway ( this roundabout was the site of a bus crash that killed 11 people in a bus crash 2 years ago and identified as a dangerous roundabout
Elderslie one lane historic bridge which has a dangerous narrow turn to enter / exit the bridge

I request that IF the submission is passed, the following stipulations ( inc in submission ) be required
traffic lights at A43 intersection,
footpaths along Elderslie Rd and Maitland Rd Branxton foot path upgrade
Branxton Baths be landscaped for privacy, noise, dust.
extra filtration systems on drinking water tanks for all residents in a 10 km radius of quarry
baseline levels for dust, noise, and regular monitoring information be available to the local community prior to commencing project
a second bridge and access roads be built across the Hunter River at Elderslie
community to be informed prior to commencement of project and enforcement mechanisms ongoing
local council roads have increasing road contributions as per CPI
if Stanhope Rd west, Elderslie Rd or Elderslie Bridge is closed for any reason that Bdouble trucks not traverse Stanhope Rd East as this road is narrow, windy and has multiple dangerous bends

We moved to Branxton to enjoy the rural, peaceful location. This will be severely impacted by the proposed traffic movements of this project.
We regularly travel on Elderslie and Stanhope roads and the enormous increase in heavy vehicles on these roads will lead to dangerous conditions. These are small country roads and I believe that there is no place for this volume of heavy vehicle movement.
Of concern is the historically listed Elderslie Bridge, which is one lane only, and the steep incline towards Branxton which will cause a back up of traffic in both directions. Then there is the intersection of Elderslie and Maitland road and the intersection of Maitland Road and the New England Highway. Both of these are very busy intersections even before the increased heavy vehicles movements.
The heavy vehicles traffic will cause damage to the roads, which in turn, will result in damage to vehicles.
These roads are used by school children and home owners who will have the added danger of large truck and dog vehicles to contend with when trying to access their own properties.
The increase in noise is also of a concern. The amenity of being able to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life will be broken by the incessant noise of trucks. Along with this comes dust and diesel fumes.
This is not the right place for a hard rock quarry.

My submission does not oppose the proposed quarry in principle or the need for quarry resources to support regional growth. Rather, it provides a detailed planning assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), focusing on whether the proponent has adequately demonstrated that Elderslie Road is the most appropriate long-term haulage route. The submission identifies concerns regarding the distinction between engineering capacity and planning suitability, the assessment of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, cumulative impacts on residential amenity and community wellbeing, and the lack of clear justification for the selected haulage route. It also proposes practical recommendations and strengthened conditions of consent that should be considered if the project is ultimately approved, including enhanced road safety measures, residential amenity protections, ongoing community impact reviews and adaptive management over the life of the project.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to formally object to the propsed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project and have attachjed my submission with appendix for your review and consideration. I am happy to be contacted for further comment and response if required.

Kind Regards

To whom it may concern,



I am writing to formally and strongly object to the proposed Elderslie Quarry (Pittman Quarry / Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project), a state-significant development proposing to extract one million tonnes of hard rock per year for up to 50 years.

This project would have a direct and unacceptable financial impact on my property. A quarry of this scale—operating for decades, involving regular blasting, and generating constant heavy vehicle traffic—will significantly reduce surrounding property values. Homes along the haul route, including mine, will become less desirable, harder to sell, and permanently devalued. It is unreasonable to expect local residents to absorb this financial loss so a private development can generate an estimated $2.5 billion in retail sales.



As a resident living on the main road, I already experience traffic noise. The proposal would introduce high-frequency haul truck movements over a 13-kilometre route,a school route at that !! Combine this with a monthly blasting schedule, dramatically increasing noise, vibration, dust, and disruption. This level of industrial activity will severely impact liveability, health, and wellbeing, particularly for those already directly exposed to traffic impacts.

My health is already affected having chronic asthma and the increased pollution due to blasting and transport with the airborne silica dust could have irrevocable impacts to my health, and I’m sure I’m not the only one in this community !!

The proposed haul route raises serious safety concerns. Trucks would travel through Stanhope Road, Elderslie Road, and Branxton, crossing the historic, single-lane Elderslie Bridge, which Singleton Council has confirmed is not capable of handling two-lane traffic. Increased heavy vehicle movements through residential areas, interaction with school buses, and use of local roads not designed for industrial haulage place the community at unacceptable risk.

I have security cameras installed in my rear yard facing Elderslie Rd that at times already pick up irresponsible driving habits of people speeding/overtaking of cars/trucks/motorbikes and adding the further projected truck movements is an accident waiting to happen! These incidents are already occurring in an 80 zone with roadside bus stops so it is of great concern adding in these multiple truck movements without sustainable and safe walkways

The quarry pits are also proposed adjacent to Tangory Nature (Conservation) Park, threatening a protected natural area with dust, noise, vibration, and long-term environmental degradation. In addition, the site is located near the Mooki–Hunter Thrust, a major tectonic fault line. Blasting in proximity to a known geological fault presents serious safety and stability risks that have not been adequately addressed.

This land is currently zoned for primary production and used for grazing. Transforming it into a 51.6-hectare extraction site with haul roads, stockpiles, and supporting infrastructure fundamentally changes the character of the area and is incompatible with surrounding rural and residential communities.

Elderslie, Stanhope, and Branxton are not industrial zones. This proposal prioritises private profit over community safety, environmental protection, and the financial security of local residents.

I urge the relevant authorities to reject this state-significant development in its entirety. The long-term costs to the community far outweigh any claimed benefits.

It will provide employment as the Hunter goes through the substantial changes brought on by the progression closure of mining across the region as well as providing essential raw materials for sustaining construction and development into the future

I object to the Bluestone Hard Rock Project due to the following.
1. Elderslie road is not coping with the current traffic load and becomes pot holed and needs maintenance frequently. The road was repaired in multiple locations only this week resulting in road closure and traffic control. The proposed additional trucks will destroy the road resulting in tax payers to pay for its constant repair. It’s a rural road not a major road. Why should the local council and residents be wearing the cost of the road maintenance for this project.
2. The existing intersections, especially Elderslie Road and Rusty Lane, have blind corners and poor visibility. I have a number od near misses with trucks as I try to turn from Elderslie Road coming from Branxton. When turning right out of Rusty Lane towards Elderslie Bridge the crest of the hill on the Branxton side means you have limited line of sight to see what traffic is approaching. The additional heavy traffic will make these intersections dangerous.
3. The lack of footpaths and verges for the public at the end of Elderslie Road is of a major concern to me. Residents and children use the side of the road to get between Branxton and the homes along Elderslie Road. I have seen an elderly resident in a motorise scooter trying to navigate the road edge and not get hit by cars. The addition and the hundreds of trucks a day will be an accident waiting to happen. As it is now the locals give this gentleman the space he needs as it’s his way of getting to town. I am worried about this safety if hundreds more trucks are using Elderslie Road daily. I was told the Cessnock Council has a grant to extend the footpath at one of the information days held by the proponent. Cessnock Council does not have the funds nor a grant to install a footpath. It was a lie by the proponent to try and placate the public.

Kind Regards
Jo-Anne Adam

I'm objecting to the transport route of Elderslie Road being used, and there not being an adequate alternative investigation/comparison for alternative routes or a cumulative assessment completed for impacted residence. I understand the Quarry is a SSI so will likely go ahead, I urge DPHI to undertake a thorough review of the impact to residence along Elderslie Road with regards to entry/exit points, bus stops, cleanliness of solar panela/pools/outdoor furniture etc. But most importantly the unsafe environment for our children, elderly and community overall. The Quarry cannot rely on possible funding being allocated to Councils for pedestrian pathways, as that funding may be redirected or not approved at any point leaving children and 30 trucks and hour on an already dodgy road. It would be nice if we thought about the kids I stead of profit for once.

I object to the Bluestone Hard Rock Project due to the following.
1. I am concerned about Elderslie Bridge and the damage the increased truck traffic will cause. The bridge was not designed for the type of truck movements and loads that the quarry will generate. If the bridge is damaged or requires repairs it will be a major inconvenience to the local residents. If the quarry trucks cannot use the bridge and Elderslie Road then they will be using other rural roads not designed to cope with the constant heavy traffic loads and weights. This has not been satisfactorily addressed in the proposal in my opinion.
2. The haul road is noted as only using part of the Interchange on the Hunter Expressway at Branxton. There is no comment about the trucks using the link road and across to Wine Country Drive which will be the route if the trucks go towards Cessnock. There was a major bus crash at this round about and yet this has not been included in the proposal. If the trucks are going to a project towards Cessnock, such as the expanding town of North Rothbury, they will have to use the HEX interchange or use the residential streets of Branxton. Hundreds of trucks using the streets of Branxton is not acceptable and would be a major health and noise issue for the residents. Why was the entire roundabout not included in the traffic studies? Was it to avoid the requirement to use the bus crash in the report?
3. The additional noise created by the hundreds of trucks is an unacceptable impost to the residents living on the proposed haul route. Residents purchased in the area existing some traffic but not hundreds of trucks going to and from a quarry. The sound of the trucks will travel and be heard by many residents not on the proposed haul route as well. The quarry may not operate 24 hrs a day but trucks will arrive well before the proposed loading time. I am concerned that there will be trucks parked and idling along Elderslie Rd and anywhere else they can park. This traffic and noise are not acceptable.
4. I am concerned about the health impacts due to the increased diesel fuel emissions for the residents in the area. The health risks are known and it’s not acceptable that residents will be forced to not use their outdoor areas to avoid exposure to the fumes. This is a rural area and residents have a right to be able to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle they have moved here for before the quarry was proposed.

Kind Regards

Rodney Adam

To whom it may concern
My name is Sean Perrett of 33 Pyrus Avenue Branxton and my family home backs on to Elderslie road.
I am writing to you today to vent my anger and frustration in regard to the proposed rock quarry at Elderslie in the Hunter Valley and its desire to run hundreds of trucks a day up and down Elderslie road past mine and many others homes.
Whom ever believes this to be a possibility or good idea needs to have there heads checked and removed from any other decision making roles now and in the future.
I’m no expert by any means but i don’t need to be one to plainly see and state the problems with this proposal.

* Elderslie road already doesn’t cope with anything resembling heavy traffic especially after rainfall. The road will quickly become damaged and dangerous for all involved including our children who regularly use the footpath.
* Most homes along this path are in close proximity to the road leaving these homes and families at risk of dust pollution and noise pollution.
* A better route exists up Gresford road especially once Singleton bypass is completed. These roads are far more capable of sustaining this kind of traffic without a worry.
* The traffic jam will start early morning at Elderslie bridge on both sides. It is a one lane bridge.
* The next problem will be the corner of Elderslie road and Maitland street especially during drop off and pick up times for school children.
* The next problem will be the traffic lights at the corner of Maitland street and Wyndam street especially during those same times.
* The next problem will be the already problematic and dangerous intersection at the end of Maitland street turning onto Wine Country Drive.

I and all of the community do not support this proposal and believe wholeheartedly it will cause a chaotic and stressful living environment for all involved and could quite easily result in deaths in our community as a result of poor road conditions caused by such a large number of trucks.

Kind regards Sean Perrett

I object for safety reasons, health reasons, traffic conjestion reasons and noise reasons.

I object to the project as I have major concerns with the number of trucks using elderslie rd, the road surface is not suitable for the increased traffic and the noise from the trucks is also unacceptable
I also have major concerns with the potential for silica dust to travel in the air to nearby residents
The impact to the value of the houses in the area will also be impacted on a negative way, will the development compensate the effected land owners