Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

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.

I would like to express the following concerns:

Road safety for our families, there are school bus routes and stops along the proposed truck route.
Noise pollution and degradation from the trucks using Elderslie Rd, which wasn't designed for this type and amount of traffic.
Potential for serious health problems, from dusts created by quarrying and transporting the product.
Diminished property values due to all of the above.

I am writing to state my opposition to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry at Elderslie. This development poses unacceptable risks to the Branxton community and surrounding districts, and its impacts are far too severe to ignore.

After 55 years living in this area, I chose this rural community for its safety, quiet, and quality of life. A large‑scale quarry operation is entirely incompatible with the environment and lifestyle we have built here. The concerns outlined below represent only a portion of the broader consequences this project will create.

Our roads are not designed for heavy haulage. They are narrow country roads, and the proposed volume of truck movements will overwhelm them. The Elderslie single‑lane bridge is already fragile under normal traffic. Expecting taxpayers to fund the constant repairs caused by quarry trucks is unreasonable and unfair. Bluestone’s token financial contribution will not come close to covering the real cost.
The safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and school children are extreme. School buses operate along Elderslie Road twice daily, and the end section of the road has no footpath or safe shoulder. People currently walk and ride directly on the road. Introducing heavy trucks into this environment is dangerous and irresponsible. The situation becomes even more hazardous when trucks attempt to enter the New England Highway and Wine Country Drive—an intersection already known for frequent accidents.
The road conditions—single‑lane bridge, steep gradients, blind corners, and no safe overtaking zones—make this route completely unsuitable for convoys of quarry trucks. Motorists will inevitably attempt unsafe overtaking, and it is only a matter of time before lives are lost.

It is unrealistic to assume trucks will only use the Hunter Expressway. Nearby towns such as Greta, Harpers Hill, Lochinvar, Rutherford, and Aberglasslyn are already congested, especially around schools. Additional heavy vehicles will worsen traffic, increase risks, and disrupt daily life across multiple communities.
This project will generate significant environmental and noise pollution.
Many households rely entirely on tank water. Dust and silica from quarry operations will contaminate domestic water supplies, posing serious health risks. These particles will settle on dams, creeks, waterways, stock troughs, grazing land, and gardens. The consequences for residents, livestock, and the environment are unacceptable.

Dust and silica will not remain confined to rural properties—they will spread through nearby towns as well.
New homes are required to meet strict BASIX and fire‑rating standards, yet these protections will be undermined by increased noise, reduced air quality, and vegetation loss.
Blasting and heavy machinery will create constant noise and vibration. In an open landscape, this will travel far beyond the immediate quarry site, affecting many more properties than acknowledged.

Truck movements beginning at 4:30am and continuing into the evening will severely disrupt the community’s peace and wellbeing.

The destruction of local flora and fauna is inevitable and irreversible.


This project offers no meaningful benefit to the community. Elderslie Road is rapidly expanding, with hundreds of new homes being built. People are moving here for a rural lifestyle—not to live beside a haul route carrying 220 trucks every day.

The quarry will damage property values, compromise health, degrade the environment, and jeopardize public safety. The negative impacts are overwhelming and far outweigh any minor economic gains. Even the limited number of jobs the quarry may create does not justify the scale of harm it will inflict.

Our community deserves better, and we must not accept a development that puts our safety, health, and environment at risk.

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Korryn Oliver, and I reside at 33 Pyrus Avenue, Branxton. My family home backs directly onto Elderslie Road.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Elderslie rock quarry and, in particular, the proposal to route hundreds of heavy trucks along Elderslie Road each day. I believe this proposal would have a significant negative impact on the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life of residents living along this route.

While I am not a traffic or engineering expert, I believe there are several obvious and serious concerns that deserve careful consideration before any decision is made.

* **Road condition and safety:** Elderslie Road already struggles to accommodate existing traffic volumes, particularly following periods of rainfall. Introducing hundreds of heavy vehicle movements each day would likely accelerate road deterioration, creating hazardous conditions for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, including children who regularly use the footpath.
* **Impact on nearby residents:** Many homes along Elderslie Road are situated close to the roadway. The increase in heavy vehicle traffic would expose residents to significantly higher levels of noise, vibration, and dust pollution, adversely affecting their health, comfort, and enjoyment of their homes.
* **More suitable alternative routes:** A far more appropriate route exists via Gresford Road, particularly once Brunners Bridge and the Singleton Bypass are completed. These roads are better designed to accommodate heavy freight traffic and would minimise the impact on residential areas.
* **Elderslie Bridge bottleneck:** The single-lane Elderslie Bridge already creates delays. The addition of hundreds of truck movements each day would inevitably result in increased congestion and safety concerns.
* **School traffic:** The intersection of Elderslie Road and Maitland Street is already heavily congested during school drop-off and pick-up times. Additional heavy vehicle traffic would increase the risk to children, parents, and other road users.
* **Town centre congestion:** The traffic lights at the intersection of Maitland Street and Wyndham Street already experience significant congestion during peak periods. Increased truck movements would only exacerbate these delays.
* **Wine Country Drive intersection:** The intersection at the end of Maitland Street with Wine Country Drive is already recognised by many residents as difficult and potentially dangerous. Adding substantial heavy vehicle traffic would further increase the risk of accidents.

I strongly believe this proposal is not in the best interests of the Branxton and Elderslie communities. It would create unnecessary congestion, increase environmental impacts, reduce residents' quality of life, and, most importantly, introduce avoidable safety risks. I am deeply concerned that approving this proposal could significantly increase the likelihood of serious traffic incidents, including those involving injury or loss of life.

I respectfully urge the relevant authorities to reject the proposed truck route along Elderslie Road and to give genuine consideration to safer and more appropriate alternatives that better protect our community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my submission.

Korryn Oliver
33 Pyrus Avenue
Branxton

Objection on basis of:
- concerns for the safety of children getting on and off buses along Elderslie Road (outside Radford Park).
- danger to pedestrians walking along Elderslie Road where there is no footpath and very narrow.
- danger to traffics along side streets pulling into Elderslie Road due to increase of truck traffic.
- no detour available when Elderslie Road floods.
- dust pollution in our area.
- exposure to silica dust can have serious health effects.
- extra deterioration of Elderslie Road due to the increase of heavy vehicle traffic.
- loss of value to our homes due to noise, air and traffic pollution.
Please take these concerns seriously and seen an alternate route for the trucks rather than Elderslie Road.

Objection on basis of:
- concerns for the safety of children getting on and off buses along Elderslie Road (outside Radford Park).
- danger to pedestrians walking along Elderslie Road where there is no footpath and very narrow.
- danger to traffics along side streets pulling into Elderslie Road due to increase of truck traffic.
- no detour available when Elderslie Road floods.
- dust pollution in our area.
- exposure to silica dust can have serious health effects.
- extra deterioration of Elderslie Road due to the increase of heavy vehicle traffic.
- loss of value to our homes due to noise, air and traffic pollution.
Please take these concerns seriously and seen an alternate route for the trucks rather than Elderslie Road.

The proposed quarry represents an opportunity to support regional employment, local
businesses and the long-term supply of construction materials that are critical to Australia's
future infrastructure needs. I believe these benefits extend well beyond our local area and will
contribute positively to both the regional and broader Australian economy.
For these reasons, I respectfully support the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry proposal and
encourage its approval.

I am writing as I’m against the development because of all the things that are affected by this proceeding.
These include

Kids getting off buses along elderslie Road
Pulling out onto elderslie road
Getting onto the highway and Hunter express way
Trucks will be running along both
The intersection at the end of elderslie road and the narrow bit at the end
Elderslie bridge
There is no detour route
What happens when it floods down the bottom of elderslie road
Pedestrians and bike riders, I’m in my sixty’s and riding my bike into Branxton is scary without all the extra traffic resulting from this development
Bin collection along elderslie road
The dust pollution, getting into the waterways and the animals, our air we breathe, I’m moved here in October 2025, believing it was going to be an improvement from our previous home in Sydney, somewhere my grandchildren would be able to visit and enjoy, but I don’t want there health jeopardised with the mine going ahead
My veggie garden will be contaminated and I won’t be able to eat my produce that my gr and children and I grow
The kids playing outside when the wind is pushing the dust through the air will make there asthma flare up more
The roads and surfaces as they will only be giving the singleton and Cessnock council 900k between them
They have no water management plans so if there is a big heavy rain dump this will end up in the Hunter river and then effect anything and everything getting watered by that
220 truck movements per day which is 1100 trucks per week along elderslie road and passing our estate
These drivers will be on strict time to get jobs done ( won’t be slowing down ) they are speeding as it is
More trucks for other things that need to happen on site like fuel getting delivered
Water septic removal
Loss of value to homes, this will affect all of us dramatically. We just sold up in Sydney to buy here, no mention of a mine was found by our solicitor, we anticipated living here for our retirement years stress free, however this is going to affect our health and over well being. And if we were to sell, we will end up losing our hard earned money, the value of the house and other houses will go down and that isn’t fair to us or anyone.

I’m in favour of business grow, but not when it is going to effect us like this business potentially will… my health and the health and well being of all the township population around deserve better, the kids are our future… don’t let this mine contaminate our future.

I am lodging a formal objection to the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry at Elderslie. After reviewing the available information and considering the impacts on residents, the environment, and local infrastructure, I strongly oppose the development on the following grounds:
Noise- The operation of a hard rock quarry will introduce continuous and intrusive noise from blasting, crushing, heavy machinery, and high‑frequency truck movements. Elderslie is a quiet rural community, and the proposed noise levels are incompatible with the existing residential and agricultural land uses. The disruption to daily life, sleep, and wellbeing is unacceptable.
Health- The quarry poses significant health risks due to airborne silica dust, diesel emissions, and particulate matter generated by blasting, crushing, and truck activity. Silica exposure is well‑documented as a serious respiratory hazard. Increased truck traffic will further degrade air quality, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Additional Traffic-Elderslie Road and surrounding streets are narrow, poorly maintained, and lack footpaths. They are used daily by pedestrians, schoolchildren, cyclists, and local families. Introducing high‑volume heavy truck movements on this road network creates an unacceptable safety risk. The roads are not designed to accommodate quarry trucks, and the likelihood of accidents will increase substantially.
Wear & Tear on Roads- Heavy quarry trucks will accelerate deterioration of Elderslie Road and connecting streets. Ratepayers should not bear the financial burden of repairing damage caused by industrial traffic. The long‑term maintenance costs will be significant and ongoing.
Reduce in water quality- Many properties in Elderslie rely on tank water. Dust fallout, runoff contamination, and changes to groundwater flow from quarry operations pose a direct threat to household water quality. This is a critical concern for residents who depend on clean rainwater for drinking, cooking, and daily use.
Decreased property value- The quarry will fundamentally alter the rural landscape and peaceful character of Elderslie. Industrial noise, dust, and truck traffic will make the area less desirable, resulting in decreased property values. Residents who have invested in a rural lifestyle will suffer financial and lifestyle losses.
Unsafe access in & out of the estate- The increased frequency of heavy vehicles will make it significantly more difficult and dangerous for residents to enter and exit the estate. Sight lines, turning gaps, and road width are already limited. Adding quarry trucks will create congestion and heighten collision risks.
The proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry presents unacceptable environmental, health, safety, and lifestyle impacts for Elderslie residents. The development is not suitable for this location and will irreversibly damage the community’s wellbeing and rural character. I respectfully request that the proposal be rejected.

**Formal Objection to the Proposed Quarry Development**

To Whom It May Concern,

I write to formally object to the proposed quarry development due to the significant adverse impacts it is likely to have on our community, local environment, public health, road infrastructure and the amenity of nearby residents.

While I acknowledge the need for construction materials to support growth across New South Wales, this development is proposed in close proximity to established homes and families who have chosen to live in this area for its peaceful rural character, clean environment and safe community. I do not believe the proposal appropriately balances these community values against the impacts of a large-scale industrial operation.

### Air Quality and Human Health

The operation of a quarry will inevitably generate dust through blasting, crushing, excavation, stockpiling and the continual movement of heavy vehicles.

Fine dust particles have the potential to travel considerable distances, affecting nearby homes, schools, parks and agricultural land. This creates an ongoing health concern for residents, particularly children, older people and those living with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Families should not be expected to live with reduced air quality, increased dust settling on homes, outdoor living areas and water tanks, or concerns about allowing children to play outside due to airborne particulates.

The long-term cumulative impacts on public health must be carefully considered.

### Impact on Families and Residential Amenity

This proposal would fundamentally alter the character of our community.

Residents would be subjected to increased noise, vibration, dust, artificial lighting, industrial activity and constant heavy vehicle movements. The peaceful lifestyle that attracted many families to this area would be permanently diminished.

Our homes are more than financial investments—they are where we raise our children, spend time outdoors and build our lives. Introducing a quarry into close proximity to residential properties will significantly reduce our enjoyment of our homes and our overall quality of life.

### Property Values

Many residents have invested substantial financial resources into purchasing and maintaining their homes.

The introduction of a large industrial quarry has the potential to reduce surrounding property values due to increased noise, dust, traffic, visual impacts and changes to the character of the area.

Homeowners should not bear the financial consequences of a development that offers little direct benefit to those most affected. A reduction in property values also impacts long-term financial security for local families.

### Road Infrastructure and Public Safety

One of the most concerning aspects of this proposal is the suitability of the existing road network.

The roads servicing the proposed quarry include ageing rural infrastructure, including extremely old one-lane bridges that were never designed for continual heavy quarry truck traffic.

The anticipated increase in heavy vehicle movements raises serious concerns regarding:

* The structural capacity and longevity of existing bridges.
* Increased risk of accidents involving local residents, school buses, cyclists and farm machinery.
* Reduced visibility and safety at one-lane bridge crossings.
* Increased congestion and delays caused by frequent truck movements.
* Accelerated deterioration of local roads and bridges.
* Increased maintenance costs that may ultimately fall on taxpayers and local government.

A comprehensive and independent traffic assessment should fully consider whether the existing infrastructure is capable of safely accommodating this level of industrial traffic over the life of the quarry.

### Noise and Vibration

Quarry operations involve blasting, crushing machinery, screening plants, reversing alarms and heavy vehicle movements.

These activities create ongoing noise and vibration that extend well beyond normal residential expectations and have the potential to negatively affect residents' wellbeing, sleep quality and mental health.

The cumulative impact of these disturbances should not be underestimated.

### Environmental Impacts

The proposal also raises concerns regarding impacts on native vegetation, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, local waterways and the rural landscape.

Once these environmental values are degraded, they cannot easily be restored.

Approving this development risks permanently altering the environmental character of our community for future generations.

### Planning Considerations

Under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), decision-makers are required to consider the likely impacts of the development, including environmental, social and economic impacts, the suitability of the site, the public interest and the impacts on the local community.

I respectfully submit that this proposal raises significant concerns in each of these areas.

The cumulative impacts of increased dust, noise, vibration, heavy vehicle traffic, infrastructure strain, reduced residential amenity and environmental degradation outweigh the potential economic benefits of the quarry.

### Conclusion

I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse this application.

Should the application continue to be considered, I request that significant weight be given to the concerns of nearby residents and that independent assessments be undertaken regarding:

* Air quality and cumulative dust impacts.
* Human health impacts.
* Traffic volumes and road safety.
* Structural assessments of existing bridges.
* Noise and vibration impacts.
* Environmental impacts on surrounding land and waterways.
* Long-term impacts on residential amenity.

Our community deserves to remain a safe, healthy and peaceful place to live. Future generations should not bear the lasting consequences of inappropriate industrial development in close proximity to established homes and families.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my objection.

Formal Objection to the Proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry Development
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry development. I strongly oppose this proposal due to the significant environmental, public health, road safety, traffic, and community impacts it would have on local residents and the surrounding area.
The proposed quarry is incompatible with the existing rural residential environment and poses unacceptable risks to public safety, environmental values, and the health and wellbeing of the community. The long-term impacts of this development far outweigh any economic benefit that may be gained from its operation.
Road Safety and Increased Heavy Vehicle Traffic
One of the most serious concerns is the substantial increase in heavy vehicle movements on local roads.
The roads surrounding the proposed quarry were not designed to accommodate constant heavy quarry truck traffic. They are currently used every day by local residents, school buses, cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and families. Children regularly wait at roadside bus stops and travel along these roads to and from school, often in areas where there are limited shoulders, footpaths or safe crossing points.
These roads are already dangerous. Introducing large numbers of heavy quarry trucks will significantly increase the risk of serious accidents involving children, school buses, local traffic and pedestrians.
Specific concerns include:
Increased risk of collisions involving school buses, children, pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduced visibility due to large heavy vehicles and quarry dust.
Longer stopping distances for fully loaded trucks.
Narrow rural roads that are not designed for frequent heavy vehicle movements.
Increased road deterioration, potholes and pavement edge failures.
Greater risks during school bus pick-up and drop-off times.
Increased danger for residents entering and exiting their properties.
The safety of children should be a primary consideration in any planning decision. No industrial development should proceed where it creates an increased and unnecessary risk to children travelling to and from school.
Existing Traffic Congestion and Dangerous Intersections
A major concern is the existing congestion and safety issues at the intersection of Elderslie Road and Maitland Street, as well as the intersection where Maitland Street provides access to the freeway.
These intersections already experience significant congestion, particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods. Residents attempting to turn out of Maitland Street to access the freeway frequently experience long delays while waiting for safe gaps in traffic. Many local residents already consider this intersection to be dangerous due to the traffic volume, limited opportunities to turn safely, and poor traffic flow.
The addition of frequent heavy quarry trucks would significantly worsen these existing problems by:
Increasing traffic congestion.
Extending delays for residents accessing the freeway.
Making it even more difficult and dangerous to turn out of Maitland Street.
Increasing the likelihood of collisions involving heavy vehicles and passenger vehicles.
Reducing visibility at intersections due to the size of quarry trucks.
Delaying emergency service vehicles.
Increasing driver frustration, leading to greater risk-taking and unsafe manoeuvres.
These impacts would be particularly concerning during school drop-off and pick-up times when traffic volumes are already high and children are travelling to and from nearby bus stops.
The proposal does not adequately demonstrate that the existing road network can safely accommodate the substantial increase in heavy vehicle traffic associated with quarry operations.
Human Health Impacts
The proposed quarry would expose nearby residents to ongoing dust, airborne particulate matter, diesel emissions and excessive noise.
These impacts are known to contribute to:
Respiratory illnesses.
Aggravation of asthma.
Reduced lung function.
Cardiovascular disease associated with fine particulate pollution (PM10 and PM2.5).
Sleep disturbance from early morning operations and truck movements.
Stress, anxiety and reduced mental wellbeing due to continuous industrial noise.
Reduced quality of life for surrounding residents.
Children, older people and those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Dust generated by blasting, crushing, screening and truck movements cannot be completely controlled, particularly during dry and windy conditions that are common in the Hunter Region.
Environmental Impacts
The proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry would have significant environmental consequences, including:
Clearing of native vegetation.
Loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitat.
Increased soil erosion.
Sediment runoff into creeks and waterways.
Dust deposition on surrounding vegetation and agricultural land.
Noise impacts on native wildlife.
Light pollution from quarry operations.
Permanent alteration of the rural landscape.
These impacts extend well beyond the quarry boundary and threaten the long-term environmental values of the area.
Water Resources
Quarry operations have the potential to adversely affect both groundwater and surface water through:
Changes to groundwater levels.
Increased sediment entering waterways.
Contamination from fuels, oils and chemicals.
Altered natural drainage patterns.
Reduced water quality for downstream users and ecosystems.
Water is a critical resource, and any development with the potential to impact local water systems should be subject to the highest level of scrutiny.
Noise and Blasting
Noise generated by blasting, crushing equipment, excavation and heavy vehicle movements would significantly reduce the amenity of nearby residents.
Blasting has the potential to cause:
Ground vibration.
Air overpressure.
Disturbance to residents.
Stress and anxiety.
Potential impacts on nearby homes and structures.
Disturbance to livestock and domestic animals.
These impacts cannot be adequately mitigated simply by restricting operating hours.
Loss of Residential Amenity
Residents chose to live in this area because of its peaceful rural character.
The quarry would fundamentally change the nature of the community through:
Continuous industrial activity.
Heavy vehicle traffic.
Dust.
Noise.
Blasting.
Visual impacts.
Reduced enjoyment of homes and outdoor spaces.
Ongoing stress and reduced quality of life.
This proposal represents an inappropriate industrial land use within an established rural residential area.
Property Values
The establishment of a large industrial quarry has the potential to significantly reduce surrounding property values.
Homes affected by blasting, dust, noise and heavy vehicle traffic become less attractive to buyers, resulting in financial losses for existing residents who should not be expected to bear the cost of an industrial development.
Agricultural Impacts
Dust and changes to water quality may negatively affect surrounding agricultural land through:
Reduced pasture quality.
Impacts on crops.
Contamination of water storage.
Reduced livestock welfare.
Long-term effects on agricultural productivity.
NSW Environmental Planning Considerations
The proposal raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the objectives of New South Wales environmental planning legislation.
In determining this application, the consent authority should carefully consider:
The objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).
The principles of ecologically sustainable development recognised under the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW).
The precautionary principle, which requires that where there is a risk of serious or irreversible environmental harm, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to proceed.
The cumulative impacts of the development on public safety, human health, biodiversity, water resources, road infrastructure and residential amenity.
Whether the proposal is genuinely in the public interest when balanced against the significant adverse impacts on the local community.
Cumulative Community Impacts
While each individual impact is concerning, their combined effect creates an unacceptable burden on local residents.
The cumulative impacts include:
Increased heavy vehicle traffic.
Dangerous road conditions.
Existing and worsening traffic congestion.
Increased risks to children travelling to and from school.
Noise.
Dust.
Blasting.
Environmental degradation.
Health impacts.
Reduced residential amenity.
Declining property values.
Pressure on existing road infrastructure.
Taken together, these impacts demonstrate that the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry is not an appropriate development for this location.
For all of the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse approval for the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry.
This proposal presents unacceptable risks to public safety, particularly for children travelling to and from school, significantly increases danger on roads and intersections that are already congested and hazardous, threatens the health and wellbeing of nearby residents, places further pressure on infrastructure that is already under strain, and would cause lasting environmental damage to the surrounding area.

The proposal would fundamentally alter the character of our community, diminish residents' quality of life, and impose long-term environmental, social and economic costs that outweigh any private commercial benefit.

I urge the consent authority to prioritise the safety of the community, the protection of the environment, and the preservation of the rural residential character of the area by refusing this application.

I strongly object to the proposed project. In my view, the development is not appropriate for this location because it would introduce substantial and ongoing impacts to a semi-rural community, including serious concerns about road and traffic safety, biodiversity, water resources, air quality, noise, vibration, the local environment and the quality of life of residents in Elderslie, Glendon Brook, Singleton and surrounding communities.
Biodiversity
I am concerned about the impact of the proposed quarry on native wildlife, including koalas, bats, flying foxes, honeyeaters, parrots, treecreepers and quolls. The project has the potential to directly disturb and reduce native habitat, while dust, noise and blasting may create further stress and disruption for animals that rely on this environment.
I am also concerned about potential impacts on fish habitat, fish passage and local waterways, including creeks and the Hunter River, particularly if sediment, dust or runoff enters these systems.
Noise and Blasting – also vibration
The proposed development is likely to generate significant noise, vibration and blasting impacts. I am particularly concerned about the effect of blasting on nearby farms, residents and native habitat. Ongoing noise and vibration would affect the wellbeing of people living in the community and may also disturb livestock, domestic animals and native wildlife.
There would also be a substantial increase in road traffic noise associated with more than 200 double-truck movements per day. This would affect residents living near the proposed quarry as well as those whose homes are located along the haulage routes used to transport quarried rock.
Air quality
I am concerned that dust generated by the quarry could reduce air quality and affect the ability of residents to breathe clean air. Dust may also settle on waterways, vegetation, homes, farms and surrounding land, creating broader health and environmental impacts.
Poor air quality may negatively affect vegetation, native animals, domestic animals and livestock.
The cumulative impact of dust over time is a particular concern for current residents and for the future health and amenity of the local community.
Dust is likely to be generated during quarrying, processing, stockpiling, loading and road haulage activities.
The operational, incremental and cumulative impacts of dust should be carefully assessed, including the combined effect of on-site activities and truck movements through the local area.
Dust generated from on-site activities should not be considered in isolation from the impacts created during transport and handling.
Water resources
I am concerned that dust, sediment and runoff from the proposed quarry could affect local water sources.
Potential impacts on surface water and groundwater should be carefully considered, including effects on creeks, the Hunter River, farm dams and other water storage relied upon by local residents, farms, livestock and wildlife.
Traffic and Transport
The proposal would result in a minimum of 110 loaded truck-and-dog movements per day, with return trips creating more than 200 heavy vehicle movements on Elderslie Road. This would be a major increase in heavy traffic on a rural road that was not designed for this level of use. Elderslie Road has an 80 km/h speed limit and crosses the single-lane Elderslie Bridge, creating additional safety and traffic management concerns.
Elderslie Road is already regularly under repair due to existing traffic volumes. Additional heavy vehicle movements would likely increase wear and maintenance demands on the road.
The road has limited verges and no footpaths. The proposed operating hours overlap with peak local traffic periods, including resident travel, school bus services and workers commuting. Between 4 pm and 6 pm, traffic often queues at the T-intersection of Elderslie Road and the New England Highway.
Additional heavy vehicle traffic would also affect the T-intersection of Maitland Road and Wine Country Drive, which provides access to the Hunter Expressway.
School bus services operate along these roads to Branxton and Singleton, increasing the importance of road safety for children and families.
These rural roads are not built to safely accommodate sustained high volumes of heavy vehicle traffic.
There are no bicycle lanes or pedestrian/shared paths along Elderslie Road, meaning pedestrians, cyclists and local residents must share the road environment with general traffic and heavy vehicles.
The 80 km/h speed limit creates further risk where heavy vehicles are slowing, turning, entering or exiting rural roads and intersections.
Elderslie Bridge is a single-lane bridge, which presents significant traffic management and safety issues if large trucks and motor vehicles are required to share this route.
Elderslie Road runs through a semi-rural community where children wait at bus stops without footpaths or separated pedestrian areas. This would create an unacceptable safety risk.
Pedestrians and cyclists would be required to share the road with increased traffic and heavy vehicles, which would make everyday travel more unsafe and less accessible for the community.
Truck movements at the T-intersection with Maitland Road would likely affect traffic flow and safety, whether trucks are turning left or right.
If trucks turn right onto Maitland Road, they would travel through the small community of Branxton, where local traffic, shops, parked cars and pedestrians already create a busy village environment.


Social
The proposal may also affect the operations of the Hunter pet Motel and Elderslie Airport, which supports general aviation, charter operations and parachute jumping activities.
The project is inconsistent with the semi-rural lifestyle and quiet residential character valued by the local community.
I am concerned about the potential impact on farm income and productivity, including effects on livestock health, crop quality and the local dairy industry. Dust, noise, vibration, traffic and reduced amenity may place additional pressure on farms and rural businesses that rely on a healthy local environment.
For these reasons, I ask that the assessing authority give significant weight to the concerns of local residents and refuse approval for the proposed quarry. The potential impacts on road safety, community wellbeing, the natural environment, local farms, waterways and the semi-rural character of Elderslie are too significant to justify the project proceeding in this location.

I object this project as I live on this road and the traffic already with the trucks that service the quarry is almost unmanageable. The road is narrow and in parts when the trucks are going the other way it can be quite scary. The school bus stop is also on the side of the road and the though of the speeds and size of the trucks makes me question my children’s safety.
The health effects of the silica dust affecting our forever home and our health also worries me.
This is not the right location for this.

Thanks

As a resident of Radfork Park estate I am concerned about the quarry using Elderslie Road and the impact this will have on the estate. I am concerned about the trucks traveling at 80km with young children walking, riding and catching the bus on the road. The volume of trucks will also make it difficult to turn from the estate onto Elderslie road with there only being one road in and out of the estate. Elderslie road is already in a bad state and a large volume trucks travelling this road will only make this worse. I am also concerned about the dust that trucks will disperse travelling past our lovely estate. We moved to Radford Park due to the peaceful outlook and clean country air which will be ruined if the quarry goes ahead along with plans to run trucks along Elderslie Road.

Project Name: Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project
Application Number: SSD-76210271
My Position: Object

1. Traffic Safety and Estate Ingress/Egress (Blind Crest Risk)
The proposed haulage route requires up to 1 million tonnes of material per annum to be transported via heavy vehicle combinations along local roads including Stanhope and Elderslie Roads. The intersection where residents exit our residential estate onto the main road is already an incredibly high-risk zone.
**Sight Distance & Blind Crest:** Vehicles must exit the estate directly into an 80 km/h zone immediately following a hill crest. Currently, accelerating safely to match the speed of oncoming traffic requires careful timing due to limited visibility over the hill. This is difficult in clear, daylight conditions. In foggy conditions, it is currently extremely dangerous without bringing high speed heavy vehicles into the equation.
**Impact of Heavy Vehicles:** Forcing residents to pull out into an 80 km/h zone when a stream of fully laden heavy vehicles is traveling to and from the quarry introduces a severe risk of rear-end and T-bone collisions. Heavy trucks cannot brake suddenly if a resident misjudges the crest, nor can exiting residents safely gap-select if trucks block the visibility and flow of the road. Again, this is already difficult in perfect conditions and would become extremely dangerous.
**Requested Action:** I request an independent, comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) that specifically evaluates the intersection sight distance at our estate's exit, and mandates the installation of physical safety measures (intersection warning signage prior to approaching the hill or a speed zone reduction etc) prior to any project approval.

2. Pedestrian Safety and Road Suitability (School Bus Hours)
The local road infrastructure is thin, unsealed in portions, and lacks adequate shoulders to support heavy truck and dog configurations safely alongside residential traffic.
**Vulnerable Road Users:** This road is actively used by local children walking to and from school bus pickup points.
**Lack of Separation:** There is no dedicated pedestrian infrastructure, such as footpaths or wide gravel shoulders for the entire distance of Elderslie Road specifically Radford Park into the main street of Branxton. Forcing hundreds of heavy trucks onto a narrow road simultaneously with school children and school buses creates an unacceptable risk to life.
**Requested Action:** A strict heavy vehicle curfew must be enforced, completely prohibiting quarry truck movements during designated school bus pickup and drop-off windows (typically 7 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM). Furthermore, the proponent must fund a total road widening and shoulder stabilisation program along the entire haulage route before operations are permitted to commence.


3. Air Quality, Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), and Pediatric Asthma Impacts
As residents living in close proximity to the proposed site, dust management is a critical medical and health concern for my family rather than a mere amenity issue.
**Silica Dust Risk:** Because this is a hard rock quarry involving drilling, blasting, and stone crushing, the dust generated will contain Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). Long-term exposure to microscopic silica dust is a known cause of silicosis and chronic respiratory illness. Prevailing winds in the area will carry fugitive dust directly into our estate, contaminating outdoor living spaces and domestic rainwater tanks.
**Vulnerable Residents (Pediatric Asthma):** This dust risk is severely compounded for the vulnerable members of our household. Multiple children in our home suffer from pre-existing asthma. The introduction of persistent fine particulate matter, combined with fugitive silica dust from stone cutting, is a direct threat to their acute and long-term respiratory health. Elevated ambient dust levels will cause unavoidable asthma flare-ups, increasing our reliance on emergency medication and placing an unfair burden of medical risk on our family.
**Requested Action:** I request that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) include a specific Human Health Risk Assessment evaluating the impact of cumulative dust emissions on vulnerable populations with pre-existing respiratory conditions (such as asthma) within our immediate residential estate. If approved, the project must be legally bound to real-time, publicly accessible air quality monitoring on our estate boundary, with automated "stop-work" triggers when dust thresholds are breached.

4. Environmental Noise Pollution and Acoustic Disturbance
The geographic positioning of our estate relative to the quarry site and haulage route presents a significant risk of severe acoustic disturbance from both operational machinery and heavy vehicle transport.
**Topographic Echo Amplification:** The natural topography of the Elderslie area means that noise from heavy machinery, drilling, stone crushing, and acoustic shockwaves from blasting will carry and amplify directly toward our residential estate.
**Heavy Vehicle Compression Braking:** With continuous truck movements daily, residents will be subjected to near-continuous low-frequency noise, accelerating heavy engines, and compression braking (jake braking) as trucks slow down to navigate the narrow roads, tight turns, and the hill crest near our estate entrance. This level of noise pollution will severely degrade our quiet residential amenity, disturb sleep, and disrupt outdoor living.
**Requested Action:** I request that acoustic modeling explicitly measure the noise impact at our estate boundary, accounting for the unique local topography. If approved, there must be strict, legally enforceable operating hour limits on processing and blasting, alongside a mandated ban on the use of compression brakes by all quarry-bound heavy vehicles along Stanhope and Elderslie Roads.

In its current state, the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project prioritizes commercial gain at the direct expense of local community safety, resident health, and essential infrastructure. The introduction of hundreds of heavy vehicle movements past young school children, combined with the severe visibility constraints of our estate's intersection crest, presents an immediate physical danger. Furthermore, the airborne dust and crystalline silica risks pose a direct, quantifiable threat to the health of my children, who already manage pre-existing asthma.
​The structural and environmental impacts of this development are too severe to be pushed aside as mere "inconveniences." Until the proponent can physically guarantee the safety of our children on local roads, eliminate the severe collision risks at our estate's access point, and provide ironclad, continuous protection for our air quality and acoustic peace, this project cannot be considered in the public interest. I strongly urge the Department of Planning and Environment to reject this application in its current form.

As an owner of a small business located locally to this project, and relies on the construction industry to build a strong profitable business, I strongly believe a project of this nature should be given the green light.
With all the residential development that has been floated by NSW government to grow the housing market, all the roads that require upkeep, the new schools soon to be constructed within the local area, etc, will all require a strong and sustainable supply of a natural resource that is critical to all future developments getting underway now, and well into the future

I retired in 2024 and wanted to move out of Sydney to a quiet, peaceful and clean area.
My partner and I discovered Radford Estate Branxton in 2025 finding a little piece of paradise where we purchased a near new “forever” home moving in October 2025.
Rural vibe, a quiet road leading off the busy Hunter Expressway to the estate
Very little traffic noise off Elderslie Road (unlike Withers Road near Rouse Hill where we lived previously.
Our conveyancer carried out due diligence checks on a range of things including possible new mine sites, new roads, proposed new zoning from the current Z5 and found no issues during search’s which may affect our new area or us personally in the short to long term future if we purchased.
Then the bomb
Just prior to Christmas 2025, we became aware of a plan by an existing landowner along Elderslie Road to “expand” their the capacity of their current “quarry”.
Digging deeper into the proposed “expansion”, we discovered there has been some previous attempts to bring this “environmental disaster in the making” to life.
The first “alarm” we found was the lack of clarity on any posted or council data bases as to the exact location of the current quarry.
Secondly, very vague images of how much country the existing quarry expansion was planned to gobble up.
From the start, we felt something isn’t quite right.
Why aren’t the applicants completely open and honest!
More digging into the plans suggested some type of “deal” between the State Government and a “realigned” Natural Gas pipeline going “around” the proposed new “hole in the ground”.
What’s actually going on?
So, already we are not comfortable with this DA and haven’t even started on sourcing actual details.

We acknowledge that new transport infrastructure, housing etc all requires quarry rock, however the Bluestone Quarry redevelopment could not be in a worse location if you tried!

The obvious questions come to mind as to what is the extent of this project:

*It’s life expectancy.
*Effect on people.
*Effect on land owners bordering this property.
*Effect on all livestock surrounding the quarry site and along the path of heavy vehicle entering and exiting the site.
*Noise pollution at the site, along truck routes
*Air pollution
*Traffic in and out of the site, at the Branxton end of Elderslie Road, through Branxton.

The reports I read in conjunction with increased traffic, noise, dust etc all painted a “Fairies and Unicorns” picture - “nothing to worry about, we have run the Enviromental Impact Studies and the general public should have no concerns!

Examples of “cloudy” data supplied to the public in the DA:

1. I could not locate anywhere the actual noise sensor locations along any of Elderslie Road, back streets of Branxton, Radford Estate, around Elderslie Bridge, or how long they collected noise data to permit some sort of accurate report on “existing conditions”. Vague!
2. There are vague published estimates of actual proposed truck movements. Is it 221 per day?
3. Loaded trucks emit different irritating sound frequencies when compared to empty ratting trucks - both are obnoxious - provided reports a seriously flawed!
4. What are the new “real” hours of operation of this quarry along with increased truck movements for the “near” future but more importantly “building” up as the quarry hits peak operation?
5. Has the owner of the quarry allowed to build a new bridge across the Hunter River to permit simultaneous opposed traffic over the river to ensure “all” traffic wont be waiting excessively for traffic to clear?
6. How do 221 “claimed” trucks daily navigate from the narrow Branxton end of Elderslie Road, left onto the New England Highway, right turn onto the A43, then jam up the roundabout and ramp entering the M15 towards Newcastle with little impact on existing traffic - its insane to comprehend this proposal.
7. The negative impact on school kids who use both buses and private vehicles to transport them from properties all along Elderslie Road either into Singleton, Branxton, Lochinvar. Five year olds standing at the side of the road as massive trucks thunder past while they wait for their bus to come. Then the bus can’t pull out on the narrow road as there is another truck coming.
Who thinks this has no or little effect on existing conditions!
8. Along with some children and adults riding push-bikes into Branxton from Radford Estate and surrounds along Elderslie Road, the 60km/hr section is already dangerous with no foot or bike paths in existance. How will this be when the already busy Elderslie Road full of rubbish trucks, horse floats, caravans is smashed with your “small” increase in quarry trucks? Terrifying!
9. Has a complete report been published on the exact type, ratios and “harm” of material being “blasted” into the air from this quarry - any “silica” based product remaining airborne from its exposure at the quarry to the final destination.
10. Where will “air sensors” be located, who will monitor these and who will responsible to enforce breach’s.
11. How often will “blasting” occur and what is the predicted decibel levels near the quarry and impact on wildlife, stock, humans, shiftworkers etc
12. Is there any proposal for “diesel” haul trucks to be replaced with “electric” and at what time into the lifetime of this quarry may this occur.

I feel that there is distinct pressure on our local councils to “push” this DA through to ensure a “cheap” source of raw material can be provided to local and federal government projects without acknowledging the short and long term negative effects/ consequences on a already fragile eco-culture.
We were forced to sell up and move from Rouse Hill in Sydney due to a controversial new “Bus Terminal” built right next to our residential estate.
After finding our new Forever Home in the Radford Estate, we find ourselves again fighting for earned piece, quiet, fresh air and a safe place to drive around.

This Project has failed in previous attempts and should fail again as the Pros are disastrously inadequate to the Cons

We strongly Object to this project

This proposed project wil severely impact the residents of all surrounding suburbs the proposed route for trucks and deliveries raises serious safety concerns regarding the accessibility for public transport,school children and pedestrians. Currently there as little to no pedestrian access along the route causing kids and the general public to already be in close proximity to the roadway.
The trucks traveling along this route will be in the region of 30 to 50 tons in an 80 km zone.
Currently kids cross this road during school pick up and drop off to the buses.
Footpath access into branxton is non existent also causing pedestrians to have to walk on the road on blind corners. The exit from radford park estate is on a blind rise and the road surface and condition is already compromised from the current traffic adding more heavy vehicles to this will cripple the road further.

The intersection from elderslie rd to Maitland Street is not equipped for the frequent use by heavy vehicles. As a result will cause a rat run effect of people trying to avoid the intersection pushing more traffic onto rusty lane, George Street and Lindsay st.
Elderslie rd currently is too narrow for truck to pass each other safely. This road is also a culvert road with lose gravel surfaces on the very small verge edges of the road. A cause for concern with fully laden trucks sliding on this surface and into a culvert no doubt causing a roll over incident.
The acreage style living along this road means many of the resident have animals and livestock causing a safety concern if they are spooked by passing heavy trucks .
Tight access between Alma road to maitland road along elderslie rd is limited due to overgrown verges and trees not cut back

A creek running under elderslie rd just near george St is currently not marked or highlighted in any way and difficult to see. This creek often has local kids playing at its edges catching fish and tadpoles. ( there are no barriers here )
Young kids and the general public also like to fish off maitland rd near anvil Creek often walking along the road.
School pick up and drop off for 15 to 20 school children is on the corner of Maitland St and elderslie rd. Another school pick up/drop off opposite maybon cl for 10+ school children, school pick up and drop off for radford park estate near radford parkway for 15+ children. Pick up and drop off along elderslie rd near St peters Fairview for 10+ kids.
In all the safety of the community will be heavily compromised should this go ahead not to mention the condition of surrounding infrastructure, the current low noise pollution, the pollution a heavy rock quarry brings with it (silica dust, slurry from washing down trucks,destruction of possible grazing land and potental water run off issues).
Currently access via a one lane heratage bridge is undoubtedly asking for trouble.

To whom it may concern,

I write to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry and its associated increase in heavy vehicle traffic through Branxton and the surrounding communities.

My objection is based on two significant public interest concerns that I believe have not been adequately addressed: the long-term health impacts of reduced air quality, particularly for people living with chronic respiratory disease, and the increased road safety risks created by substantially higher heavy vehicle movements on our local road network.

1. Public Health – Air Quality and Chronic Respiratory Disease

The Hunter Valley already experiences cumulative air quality pressures from existing mining, transport and industrial activities. Introducing another quarry into an area experiencing rapid residential growth has the potential to further increase airborne dust and fine particulate matter.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare identifies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of Australia's leading chronic respiratory illnesses. Approximately 496,000 Australians aged 45 years and over live with COPD, and the disease accounted for more than 7,400 deaths in 2023. Importantly, environmental exposure to dust, smoke and other air pollutants is recognised as a significant risk factor for both the development and worsening of COPD. Air pollution is also associated with acute flare-ups that frequently result in hospitalisation.

While occupational exposure to crystalline silica receives considerable attention, nearby residents may also be exposed to increased levels of dust generated by blasting, crushing, screening and heavy vehicle movements. These impacts are particularly concerning for:

* children whose lungs are still developing;
* older residents;
* people living with asthma, COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases; and
* families who spend significant time outdoors.

Many people have deliberately chosen Branxton and the surrounding villages because they offer cleaner air, open space and a rural lifestyle. Approving another significant source of dust and particulate pollution is inconsistent with protecting community health and wellbeing.

The cumulative health burden should not be underestimated. COPD alone accounts for 3.7% of Australia's total disease burden and represents more than half of the burden from all respiratory diseases.

2. Increased Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Road Safety

Equally concerning is the significant increase in heavy vehicle movements proposed as part of the project.

The roads surrounding Branxton were never designed to function as industrial freight corridors. Local residents already navigate narrow rural roads, constrained intersections, limited overtaking opportunities and school bus routes on a daily basis.

Additional heavy vehicle traffic will inevitably increase interactions between trucks and:

* school buses;
* young drivers;
* cyclists;
* horse floats;
* agricultural machinery;
* commuter traffic; and
* families travelling to work, school and sporting commitments.

The NSW Government has consistently identified regional roads as carrying a disproportionately high risk of fatal and serious injury crashes. Every additional heavy vehicle movement increases the complexity of the road environment and increases exposure to potential collisions, particularly at rural intersections and on roads with limited sight distances.

Unlike many industrial areas, Branxton is undergoing significant residential expansion. Thousands of additional residents are expected over coming years through developments such as Huntlee. Increasing industrial freight traffic at the same time residential populations continue to grow appears fundamentally inconsistent with long-term planning principles centred on community safety and liveability.

The question should not simply be whether individual trucks can operate safely. Rather, it is whether introducing thousands of additional heavy vehicle movements each year onto roads increasingly used by families is an acceptable level of community risk. I do not believe it is.

3. Cumulative Impacts

My concern is not based on any single issue in isolation.

Rather, it is the cumulative effect of:

* increased dust and reduced air quality;
* heightened risks for residents with chronic respiratory illness;
* substantially increased heavy vehicle movements;
* additional road safety risks;
* increased noise;
* loss of rural amenity; and
* the incompatibility of this proposal with the future residential growth of Branxton and Huntlee.

Once these impacts occur, they cannot easily be reversed.

Our community has welcomed significant residential investment, new schools, sporting facilities and family housing over recent years. This reflects a long-term vision for Branxton as a growing regional community—not as an expanding industrial precinct.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that this proposal be refused. If approval is nevertheless considered, it should only occur after independent evidence demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that community health, air quality and road safety will not be adversely affected.

The long-term health of local residents and the safety of families travelling our roads must take precedence over the short-term economic benefits of this development.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours faithfully,

Andrew Polkinghorne

Attn: Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Submission of Objection Project Name: Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project (formerly Pittman Quarry)
Application Number: SSD-76210271

I am writing to you with my concerns regarding the application for the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry at Elderslie.
This development will have significant impact to the Branxton community and surrounding areas.
Living in the area for 35 years I chose to make this quiet rural country area my home and raise my family for many reasons and one is not to live with the many negative impacts this major development will bring.

Below is two of the major concerns but it flows on too many more.

Roads

• Our roads are country roads, not haul roads! They cannot carry high volumes of heavy truck movements a day. The long-term impact on these roads and the historic Elderslie single lane bridge is a major concern. The wear and tear caused from local traffic is enough causing constant upkeep, especially the old bridge. It is unrealistic and unsustainable infrastructure burden on public assets with the continual maintenance and repairs they will constantly need. The small amount of money Bluestone has offered to contribute to these costs will not go anywhere near what will be required.

• I also have the concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and particularly school children that school buses pick up and drop off along this route, morning and afternoon. Being a country road how is this safe? The end part of Elderslie Road has no foot path or safe area joining the highway and requires pedestrians and cyclists to currently walk/ride on the road. How is this going to be safe with trucks moving up and down the road? Not to mention then turning on to the New England Highway along to Wine Country Drive to join the Hunter Expressway. Already there has been many accidents at the intersection on to Wine Country Drive. Convoys of trucks also trying to enter the road is going to create issues and will not be safe.

• Single lane bridge, hills, winding roads, blind spots and corners! No safe places to overtake! Convoys! Safety concerns arise as people will not wait behind these trucks and the temptation to overtake will be great. With no safe places to overtake someone will be killed!

• No doubt the trucks will travel to other locations not just on to the Expressway, this is also a concern. Greta, Harpers Hill, Lochinvar already grid locked without extra trucks going through with the many schools and many children along the way. Rutherford and Aberglaslyn, affecting so many towns and people.

Environmental Damage & Noise Pollution

• Major pollution issues both environment and noise.

• Every household has a domestic water tank, rural and in town with many in the area having no access to town water and primarily using tank water for their supply. How are the dust and silica going to be controlled? The contamination to our water will come with major health issues. Dust and silica settling on the dams that are on every property close to the proposed project used for many reasons including stock. Creeks, waterways, water troughs, grazing pastures and home gardens.

• The dust and silica will not only affect the rural properties but through the townships as well.

• We now build homes that must meet all kinds of requirements Basix and Fire Ratings, these will also be affected primarily driven by the noise, air quality (dust), and the removal of vegetation.

• Blasting, heavy machinery operation in the quarry will cause significant noise and vibration to the surrounding areas. Being in an open area this sound will travel further than we realise, again affect more than the immediate properties.

• The road haulage noise and vibration starting at 4.30am right through to the evening, significantly impacting the community.

• Damage to the flora and fauna.

In my opinion the benefits of this project to the community are zero.

Our community is growing quickly with hundreds of houses being built along Elderslie Road.
People are moving to the area for the country lifestyle not for a haul road of 220 trucks going past each day.
This development will have an unacceptable impact on the rural amenity and character of the established residential area, health, environment and safety of our community.
Given the significant number of negative impacts associated with this project, I believe they far outweigh any potential benefits. Even the small number of jobs the quarry may create offers no real advantage to our community.

Our community deserves better!