Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

Submission Objecting to SSD-76210271 – Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

I object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project and respectfully request that the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure refuse the application or require substantial further assessment before any determination is made.
While I acknowledge the need for a reliable supply of construction materials to support future housing and infrastructure, I do not believe the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has demonstrated that the environmental and social impacts of this proposal can be adequately managed over its proposed 30-year operating life.

1. Scale and Duration of the Project
This proposal seeks approval to extract and process up to one million tonnes of hard rock annually over a period of 30 years. The scale of the proposal represents a permanent industrialisation of what is currently a rural landscape.
The long operational life means that nearby residents and future generations will be exposed to decades of noise, dust, blasting, heavy vehicle traffic and visual impacts. The cumulative effect of these impacts over three decades should be given significant weight in the assessment.

2. Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Road Safety
The project proposes up to 110 loaded truck movements per day in addition to return trips by empty vehicles. This represents a substantial increase in heavy vehicle traffic on local roads.
Although the EIS proposes management measures, I remain concerned about:
increased accident risk for local residents and school buses;
road deterioration resulting from sustained heavy vehicle use;
driver fatigue and cumulative impacts over the life of the project;
the suitability of existing rural roads and bridge infrastructure to safely accommodate ongoing quarry traffic.
I am not satisfied that the Traffic Impact Assessment adequately considers the cumulative impacts of future regional growth together with additional quarry traffic.

3. Noise, Blasting and Vibration
Noise generated by blasting, crushing, screening and truck movements will fundamentally change the character of the surrounding rural environment.
Even where noise complies with technical criteria, repeated industrial noise can significantly reduce residents' quality of life. Blasting vibration and overpressure also create ongoing concerns for nearby homes, livestock and rural businesses.
The proposal should demonstrate not only compliance with standards but also that nearby residents will continue to enjoy reasonable residential amenity.

4. Dust and Air Quality
Dust emissions remain one of my greatest concerns.
Dust generated by extraction, crushing, stockpiles, internal haul roads and truck movements has the potential to affect nearby homes, agricultural activities and native vegetation.
Weather conditions in the Hunter can include prolonged dry periods and strong winds, making dust suppression particularly challenging. I am not convinced the proposed mitigation measures can eliminate impacts during adverse conditions.
Independent air quality monitoring should be required if the project proceeds.

5. Biodiversity
The project has been determined to be a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act due to potential impacts on nationally protected environmental values.
This alone demonstrates that biodiversity impacts are significant enough to warrant Commonwealth assessment.
Avoiding impacts should be prioritised over simply offsetting them. Biodiversity offsets cannot immediately replace mature habitat or ecological function that has developed over many decades.

6. Water Resources
I remain concerned about potential impacts on groundwater, surface water and downstream catchments.
Quarrying has the potential to alter groundwater flows, increase sediment movement and affect water quality if not carefully managed.
Given the length of the project, independent monitoring should continue throughout the operational life and rehabilitation period.

7. Rural Character and Community Amenity
The proposed quarry would permanently alter the landscape through excavation, processing infrastructure, stockpiles, lighting and continuous heavy industrial activity.
Many residents choose to live in rural areas because of their peaceful environment, scenic landscape and agricultural character.
Approving a large industrial quarry for three decades is inconsistent with preserving these values.

8. Economic Benefits Must Be Balanced Against Community Costs
I acknowledge the project may create employment opportunities and supply materials for regional infrastructure.
However, these benefits should not outweigh the responsibility to protect existing communities from unacceptable environmental impacts.
The costs associated with reduced residential amenity, increased traffic, environmental disturbance and potential impacts on biodiversity should be fully considered in determining whether this proposal is in the public interest.


The Environmental Impact Statement has not convinced me that the long-term impacts of this proposal can be adequately mitigated.
Given the scale of the operation, its 30-year duration, the significant increase in heavy vehicle traffic, the potential impacts on biodiversity and water resources, and the permanent change to the rural character of the locality, I respectfully request that the Department refuse this application.
Should the Department be inclined to approve the project, I request that it require substantially stronger conditions relating to traffic, ie, reduction of speed limit on Elderslie Road from 80km to 60km from Rusty Lane to Branxton, independent environmental monitoring, dust suppression, blasting limits, biodiversity protection and ongoing community consultation.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
My wife and I live in Radford Park where we are raising our three children. We built here for the rural lifestyle, space and sense of safety it provides for our family. Having reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement, I do not believe this proposal is suitable for this area due to the scale of traffic, safety risks and long-term impacts on the local community.
Road safety concerns:
Elderslie Road is already heavily used by local residents, school buses, commuters, cyclists, horse riders and farm vehicles travelling between Branxton, Singleton and the Hunter Expressway. It functions as a community road, not an industrial freight route.
The proposal outlines approximately 220 truck movements per day, or around 1,100 each week. In practice, this would significantly change how the road operates on a daily basis. It also appears this figure does not include other heavy vehicle movements associated with quarry operations such as fuel tankers, maintenance contractors, machinery deliveries and service vehicles. The actual traffic volume is therefore likely to be higher than stated.
From a practical point of view, this raises serious safety concerns for everyday users of the road. School buses stop along Elderslie Road, and children are regularly getting on and off in different locations. Introducing constant heavy vehicle movements into this environment increases the risk for families and children who rely on the road every day.
As a parent, I also think about my own children’s independence. Our eldest has recently started working in Branxton. At the moment she is able to travel independently, which is an important step for a young adult. If this road becomes a high-frequency haul route, I would no longer feel confident allowing her to travel on her own due to safety concerns.
Intersections along Elderslie Road, particularly those connecting to the New England Highway and the Hunter Expressway, already require careful judgement when turning. Increased heavy vehicle traffic will reduce safe gaps, increase congestion and place additional pressure on local drivers.
I am also concerned that the proposed haul route has not been adequately justified. The project ultimately relies on the New England Highway and Hunter Expressway to transport material to its markets, yet heavy vehicles would first travel along local rural roads including Springvale Road, Stanhope Road and Elderslie Road before reaching the strategic freight network. These roads were built to serve local communities, not to function as a major industrial freight corridor.
The Environmental Impact Statement does not clearly demonstrate that alternative haul routes or access options have been thoroughly investigated and compared. Before a project of this scale is approved, I believe it should be required to demonstrate that the proposed route is the safest and least impactful option for surrounding communities.
Bridge and road suitability:
While it is stated that Elderslie Bridge can support the proposed trucks, structural capacity is only part of the issue. The combination of frequent heavy vehicle crossings, local traffic, cyclists and school buses over a long period of time raises concerns about the overall function, safety and resilience of the road network.
The narrow sections of Elderslie Road also appear poorly suited to sustained industrial haulage. I do not believe the road network in its current form was ever intended for this level of continuous heavy transport activity.
Government traffic assessments prepared for previous industrial developments identified Elderslie Road as already carrying significant heavy vehicle traffic and documented crashes involving heavy vehicles on the route. These findings demonstrate that concerns regarding heavy vehicle safety on Elderslie Road are not new—they have existed for decades. Increasing truck movements through this proposal would worsen an already recognised issue rather than resolve it.
I also note that Singleton Council has recently invested significant public funds upgrading sections of Elderslie Road by strengthening the pavement, improving drainage, widening sections of the road and improving safety for all road users. It seems contradictory to make these investments for the benefit of residents while simultaneously considering approval of a project that would substantially increase heavy vehicle traffic, accelerate road wear and undermine those safety improvements.
Flooding and access risks:
The lower end of Elderslie Road is known to flood during periods of heavy rain. This already causes disruption for residents.
If the road is cut due to flooding, a crash, a truck breakdown or maintenance, there does not appear to be any viable alternative route for many households. That raises concerns about emergency access, evacuation and general community connectivity during events where reliable access is most needed.
Adding a large number of quarry trucks to a road that is already vulnerable to flooding and disruption increases the likelihood of delays and further reduces the resilience of the local road network during emergencies.
Dust and health concerns:
The quarry involves blasting, crushing and transporting hard rock over a long operating life. These processes are known to generate dust. I am particularly concerned that the assessment does not clearly explain whether respirable crystalline silica has been specifically considered in relation to nearby residents. Silica dust is recognised as a serious health hazard when inhaled over time and is linked to diseases such as silicosis and lung cancer. While I understand there are workplace standards, those standards do not necessarily address long-term exposure risks for surrounding communities.
We live in a rural setting where people spend a lot of time outdoors. Dust settling on properties, gardens, rainwater tanks and outdoor areas is a real concern, particularly during dry or windy conditions.
I am not convinced there is enough detail on how dust will be controlled during extended dry periods, how cumulative dust impacts will be managed over the life of the quarry, or how monitoring will be independently undertaken and reported to the community.
Water and environmental impacts:
There is also concern about stormwater runoff from the site during heavy rainfall events. If not properly managed, sediment and contaminants could enter nearby waterways and eventually flow into the Hunter River system.
The long-term environmental consequences of this have not been clearly explained in a way that provides confidence to nearby residents, particularly given the proposed 30-year life of the project.
Infrastructure costs:
Heavy vehicle traffic of this scale will inevitably increase wear on roads, intersections and bridges.
While a contribution of around $900,000 is mentioned for local councils, I do not believe this reflects the true long-term cost of maintaining and repairing infrastructure impacted over a 30-year period. It is unclear how ongoing damage, maintenance and future upgrades would be funded beyond the initial contribution, leaving the community with the potential cost of supporting infrastructure required primarily for a private commercial operation.
Impact on community and property values:
We chose to live in Radford Park because of the rural environment and quality of life it offered. That is a significant part of why families move into this area. The introduction of a major haulage route with constant heavy truck movements would permanently change that character. Noise, dust, vibration and traffic would all reduce the amenity of the area and are likely to negatively affect property values over time. These impacts cannot be reversed once the project begins operating.
Long-term nature of the project:
This proposal is expected to operate for approximately 30 years. That timeframe means the impacts will be experienced not just by current residents but by the next generation of children growing up in the area. The cumulative effects of increased traffic, road safety risks, environmental impacts, dust, noise and the gradual industrialisation of a rural community should not be underestimated over such a long period.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
In my view, the proposal would fundamentally change the nature of the local area and introduce unacceptable risks to road safety, emergency access, public health and community wellbeing. I do not believe the Environmental Impact Statement demonstrates that these impacts can be appropriately managed, nor does it adequately justify why local rural roads should become the primary haul route when the project ultimately relies on the state's strategic freight network.
Until it can be clearly demonstrated that all reasonable alternative haul routes have been thoroughly assessed and that the impacts on surrounding communities have genuinely been minimised, I do not believe this proposal is in the public interest.
The risks and long-term consequences of this project outweigh any potential benefits, and I do not support it proceeding.

I wish to object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.

I have chosen to live in this area because of its rural character, peaceful surroundings and strong sense of community. Like many people who live here, I understand that growth and development are important, but I do not believe a quarry of this scale is appropriate for this location.

My biggest concern is that this proposal is not a short-term project. It is expected to operate for around 30 years. That means an entire generation of local families could be living with increased truck movements, blasting, noise, dust and industrial activity as part of everyday life. Once this approval is granted, those impacts will become part of our community for decades.

I am also concerned about the increase in heavy vehicles on local roads. Many of us use these roads every day to travel to work, take children to school and access local services. Rural roads are already shared by school buses, horse floats and recreational traffic. Adding a significant number of quarry trucks every day raises genuine concerns about safety and road conditions. School children cross Elderslie Road every school day. It is currently 80km/ph and it already needs reducing to 60km/ph.

The rural landscape is another reason many of us have chosen to live here. It is disappointing to think that open farmland and bushland could be replaced by a large industrial operation. Even with rehabilitation proposed at the end of the project, that is still three decades of environmental change that cannot simply be undone.

I am particularly concerned about the impact on local wildlife and native vegetation. Once mature habitat is cleared, it cannot be replaced overnight. I understand that the project also requires assessment under Commonwealth environmental legislation because of potential impacts on nationally significant environmental values. That alone suggests the environmental risks deserve careful consideration.

I also question whether enough consideration has been given to the long-term effect this project could have on the local community. Living near a quarry is not just about meeting technical noise or dust limits. It is about the gradual loss of the peaceful rural lifestyle that people value. It is about wondering whether windows should be kept closed because of dust, whether another truck is coming around the bend, or whether the sound of blasting will become a normal part of everyday life.

While the quarry may provide materials needed elsewhere in the state, it is local residents who will carry most of the impacts. I do not believe the benefits are balanced fairly against the long-term costs to the people who call this area home.

For these reasons, I ask the Department to refuse this application. If approval is ultimately granted, I ask that the strongest possible conditions be imposed to protect local residents, the environment and the rural character of this community for the life of the project.

submission attached

Submission is contained in attached document.

I object to this development. Please find my submission attached, including supporting documents.

I don’t believe enough funding has been allocated to local governments for road upgrades or road maintenance. The suggested $900,000 dollars is an insufficient amount for road maintenance per annum. Has this amount been agreed to by singleton council or have singleton council been consulted on this amount.

When referencing the Wine Country Drive and New England HWY intersection, the ‘Level of Service F’ criteria is used in the traffic assessment to assess the intersection, this is the lowest possible ranking. How can the EIS state “no significant deterioration when additional traffic from the proposed development is included.”(page 74 of the EIS). How can this be a factual statement, this intersection already has traffic issues from 5am till 10am on a daily basis, the haulage road will add significant delays when turning right. This is an incorrect statement and uses the poor planning of the intersection as a scapegoat to suggests it can’t have a worse outcome because it cant be ranked any lower (according to the Level of Service criteria).

It is stated in page 75 that 210 truck movements a day “would not make any significant change to vehicle numbers compared to those currently associated with the roads”. This may be a true statement for 220 cars in the East Branxton village, but trucks will have a significantly higher impact than a car. The trucks will have a significantly higher impact in regards to noise, actual road pavement damages and to traffic volumes moving through the East Branxton village from 5:30am 5 days a week.
Radford park estate and surrounding estates will be essentially isolated from the village of Branxton as pedestrian access will be cut-off by truck movements along Elderslie Road. It is not viable in any sense of the word to allow children anywhere near Elderslie Rd with the intended amount of trucks travelling along it. There is a high chance of a truck impacting a pedestrian on this section of road without segregated pedestrian access in place. There are plans for future pedestrian access, but local governments do not have resources or funding to complete such projects in a timely manner. Cessnock council currently has massive financial issues and will not complete this project for many years. It should be completed by the quarry company prior to approval to ensure the safety of children in the area, the council cannot be relied on to complete this project.

Mitigation measures
How can the quarry mitigate the following???
Having previous experience with working on Hebden rd and interacting with Hebden Quarry’s contracted truck drivers three thing are very clear, the operational quarry have very little control over the contractor behaviour outside of the quarry project area. Fully laden trucks often drove at excessive speeds and had very little regard for local traffic.
Contracting truck drivers are paid by the load and will drive as fast as they can to complete as many loads as possible throughout the day.
The police were essentially powerless, to try and enforce speeding and erratic behaviour, trucks with radios and phone apps were able to communicate effectively to avoid detection.

Noise Assessments
The Bluestone Quarry Project have not considered the appropriate noise impacts in their noise assessment. They have not modelled noise impacts during temperature inversions on public roads. Although operational hrs are noted as being 7AM to 6PM, which puts them outside criteria to model for temperature inversions, there will be truck haulage activity on public roads from 5:30AM in East Branxton Village which suggests they should model road traffic noise for temperature inversions. The trucks will be driving through the East Branxton village at 5:30AM with empty truck trailers on less then adequate road surfaces, during times when temperature inversions are common during winter. Branxton is in a valley, the truck trailers will rattle with no load in them and they pass close to high density housing, this has not been accounted for. There is also the use of exhaust brakes coming into Branxton from the quarry to be considered, the trucks will be loaded, slowing from a 80km/hr zone into a 50km/hr zone on a down hill road. The truck operators will use their exhaust brakes and the quarry operators have no control over the truck drivers actions.

I support the Bluestone Quarry project. I live and work in Stanhope, I can see how important quarries are to our region. Many people just don’t realise just how essential they are. Everything we rely on — homes, schools, roads, hospitals and other infrastructure — all start with rock.
As our region continues to grow, we need a reliable local supply of quarry materials. This project will help support that growth and reduce the need to bring materials in from far away.
I believe it will benefit our community and region into the future.

**Submission ID: SUB-132658244**
**Re: SSD-76210271 – Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project**
**Submission of Objection**

To the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I wish to lodge my objection to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project (SSD-76210271).

My family and I live at the top of Elderslie Road, one of the closest residential areas that will experience the cumulative impacts of this development. We deliberately chose to live in this rural area because of its peace, clean air, natural landscape and quiet environment. The proposed quarry would fundamentally change the character of our community for decades.

While I understand the importance of supplying construction materials for infrastructure and housing, I do not believe this project is appropriately located given its proximity to existing residents and the long-term impacts it will have on our daily lives. The project proposes extraction and processing of up to one million tonnes of hard rock per annum over a 30-year period, with associated drilling, blasting, crushing and heavy vehicle movements.

My concerns include the following:

**Traffic and Road Safety**

Elderslie Road already carries local traffic, school buses, agricultural vehicles and tourists travelling through the Hunter Valley. Introducing a significant number of heavy quarry trucks onto these roads will inevitably increase safety risks, road deterioration, congestion and noise.

Heavy vehicles accelerating, braking and using engine compression brakes will create noise well beyond normal rural traffic. This is particularly concerning given my work commitments.

As the owner and chef of Muse Restaurant, I regularly finish work very late at night. Returning home after midnight, our family values the peace and quiet that rural living provides. The additional road noise associated with quarry operations and heavy vehicles during operational hours will significantly reduce our ability to rest and enjoy our property.

**Noise**

The proposed quarry will generate ongoing operational noise from drilling, crushing, screening, reversing alarms, heavy machinery and truck movements.

While modelling may demonstrate compliance on paper, it cannot adequately reflect the lived experience of residents who will be exposed to industrial activity in what has historically been a quiet rural landscape.

Noise impacts are cumulative and extend well beyond simple decibel measurements. Constant industrial noise changes how people live, work and enjoy their homes.

**Dust and Air Quality**

One of my greatest concerns is dust.

Our property relies on rainwater tanks for our household drinking water. Like many residents in this area, we have no town water supply.

Dust generated from blasting, crushing, stockpiles, haul roads and truck movements has the potential to settle on our roof catchments and enter our water tanks.

This raises serious concerns regarding the quality of our drinking water and ongoing maintenance costs associated with cleaning roofs, gutters and water infrastructure.

The proposal should not place this burden or risk on surrounding residents.

Dust also impacts outdoor living, gardens, livestock and overall quality of life.

**Loss of Rural Amenity**

My family invested in this property because of its rural setting.

The peace, quiet, natural outlook and clean environment are intrinsic to why people choose to live in Elderslie and Branxton.

Approving a large industrial quarry in this location will permanently alter the character of the area.

Once this amenity is lost, it cannot be recovered.

**Property Values**

Although difficult to quantify, there is understandable concern that nearby residential properties will suffer a reduction in value due to perceived and actual impacts associated with living near a major quarry.

Residents should not bear a financial loss through no fault of their own.

**Duration of Impact**

Unlike many developments, this proposal is expected to operate for approximately 30 years.

This means the impacts will not be temporary.

A generation of local residents will potentially live alongside continuous industrial activity, truck movements and associated impacts.

This is an extraordinary timeframe that deserves careful consideration.

**Community Wellbeing**

Planning decisions should balance economic benefit with community wellbeing.

The benefits of this project will largely accrue to the operator and broader construction industry, while the environmental and social costs will be carried by local residents every single day.

I respectfully ask the Department to give genuine weight to the lived experience of those who call this area home.

Rural communities deserve protection from inappropriate industrial development where the impacts on neighbouring residents are significant and ongoing.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project be refused.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours faithfully,

Our country road leads to acreage young family estate I do not support big trucks hauling on Elderslie road.
As it is we need to push prams and ride bikes on elderslie road to get to the main road of Branxton for schools/parks/shops. It is unsafe and blocking the lanes with more big trucks will result in a pedestrian accident in no time. Kids yabby on the side of the road. Wildlife is everywhere.
Our house prices will decrease with the business and the noise and the dust. It’s not the place I would want to live anymore and we just built our dream home and lifestyle here.
My kindergartener gets dropped off and crosses the road from school bus stops. Making this road busier will mean she can no longer cross this road or get the new home and riding her bike to school will not be safe with one truck on road let alone trucks passing in opposite directions.
My eldest child suffers with asthma. Please don’t make her suffer when she’s in her backyard with the silicoses from this project.

Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project
Application No. SSD-76210271
Object to this Application
My objection relates to the Operation Time Frame, Transport Route and Product Transport as per Appendix L - Integrated Transport Assessment – Proposed Bluestone Hardstone Quarry Project prepared by David Pavey, Pavey Consulting Services

As described in this report:

Time Frame - Transport of the Products is 6.30am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays.

Road Transport Route from the site extends over approximately from the site entrance to the Hunter Expressway at Branxton. The road transport route incorporates Springvale Road, Stanhope Road, Elderslie Road and the New England Highway. Elderslie Road was previously used by the Great Greta Coal Mines to haul coal. The road transport includes use of the Elderslie Bridge which crosses the Hunter River. The bridge is located 600m south of the intersection of Elderslie Road and Stanhope Road and has a mass restriction of 50 tonnes.

Product Transport by road haulage will be via a semi-trailer/truck and dog trailer. It is noted in the report that the standard truck to be used by the site is a 19metre truck and dog with a capacity of 37 tons. On average 110 laden trucks per day in order to meet peak production. A maximum of 15 laden trucks (in each direction) per hours at peak rates. A maximum daily extraction rate of 7,000 tonnes per day.

The report states that the peak hour traffic is from 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm but on closer inspection it shows that the traffic starts earlier, from 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.

The report states that the road transport route will not affect the school bus routes. The trucks will be operating 6.30am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays in both directions. What needs to be considered is the size of the trucks that will be travelling on the route. In the report it states that the standard truck that will be operating is a 19 metre truck and dog. As stated in the report 15 trucks (in each direction) per hour. There will be children waiting to get collected or dropped off by their school buses along this route. The concerns here is - that children can be unpredictable in their behaviour and with the number, size and weight of the trucks as well as the speed that they are travelling, the question is: would they be able to stop in time if necessary in regards to the safety of a child.

There are several school bus routes along this Transport Route:
• Stanhope to Singleton - turn around area is located at the Stanhope Tennis Courts
• Elderslie to Branxton - turn around area is located at the Elderslie Chicken Sheds
• Major School Bus Collection Stop, next to the Branxton Cemetery on Maitland Road which takes children to schools in Cessnock, Lochinvar and Maitland
• Please note there may be additional school bus routes that are impacted.

It is clear that the school buses routes and children travelling on these bus will be effect by the operating hours and the number of trucks travelling over that timeframe.

The transport route for the trucks is an extreme busy and well travelled route not only for the residents of Elderslie and Stanhope but for many of the residents of Glendonbrook, Gresford, Lambs Valley, Aberglasslyn, Maitland and Lochinvar. Many of the residents use this route to travel to work at the mines or other businesses in Branxton, Pokolbin, Cessnock and Singleton. Lochinvar residents for example would only use the Hunter Expressway if they worked in Newcastle. Lochinvar access to the Hunter Expressway only allows for an off ramp for Newcastle and an on ramp back to Lochinvar. If they wish to travel to Singleton, Muswellbrook or the Upper Hunter they will need to access the Hunter Expressway at Branxton.

I am sure there are those who suggest that these travellers would use the Hunter Expressway but it has been quite obvious over many years that many of the arterial roads that feed into the Hunter Expressway from the new residential developments are not up to the task.

The Elderslie Bridge is another major concern for a number of reasons:

The age of the bridge is a consideration as it will need more regular maintenance and ongoing repairs based on the number of trucks using the bridge.

The bridge is sign posted as a single lane bridge

The Elderslie/Stanhope road approach and entry to the bridge is a very sharp corner, and is extremely dangerous for vehicles of all sizes. Two vehicles cannot pass on this bridge let alone a 19 metre truck and dog. There will be further issues with the numbers of trucks using the bridge in both directions.

The approach on the Branxton side has a give way sign for all vehicles to obey. The trucks whether loaded or unloaded will certainly reinforce the fact that this bridge is for single lane usage only. I question whether the trucks coming down the hill to the Elderslie Bridge from Branxton would be able to stop quickly at the give way sign for oncoming traffic.

The report mention that this route had been used by Great Greta Coal Mine in the past. When the Mine was operating at that time, there had not been the major residential developments which has occurred in recent years and which continue to do so. Please note that these new residential developments, are not only in the Branxton but in Lochinvar, Greta and Aberglasslyn. Aberglassly for example its developments have now spread to the Hunter River. Where the new concrete bridge replacing the former timber Metford Forge Bridge provides a quick route through Stanhope and Elderslie to the Hunter Expressway to Singleton and the Upper Hunter. It must be remembered that there are new residential developments occurring and these will also be affected by the transport route.

I am a nearby resident with many concerns about this proposal, my submission is attached

Im concerned about the silicoses dust that will be presented to the community from mining the hard-rock quarry and transporting it through a residential area. This present a health risk to my family, which we have an asthmatic in ours, and the community.
I’m also concerned about increased traffic movement on country roads, where young family's reside, will present a hazard to the pedestrians that use Elderslie rd to get access into town. While also adding danger to small vehicles sharing the roads with B-double trucks and intersections that are already dangerous, without the increased traffic flow.
I feel after just building our house in this quite community of Branxton, and spending a large amount of money in investing in my family’s future, that the value of what we have spent will decrease from the introduction of hauling hard-rock through the town.

My wife and I, strictly oppose the new quarry project for the following reasons;
- Poor air quality within close proximity of residential homes. The mining and transportation of quarry products is proven to create significant amounts of silica dust, which has been linked to numerous health issues including but not limited to lung cancer and kidney disease.
- The significant increase of heavy vehicles and cars on Elderslie Road will increase noise pollution to a lot of residential areas, causing ongoing health issues related to stress and sleep deprivation.
- Elderslie road is already in extremely poor condition with the residential traffic utilising it daily. The road is narrow and is not well equipped for frequent heavy vehicles use.
- Environmental impact. The Hunter Valley is already experiencing massive land clearing rates for new businesses and estates. Further land clearing can not continue to be authorised if we want any native flora and fauna left in the valley.

I object in the strongest terms. This project is wrong and dangerous on so many levels. There is no protection in place for pollution in our local water systems or for dust particles affecting the air on windy days. Safety of the speeding(80kms)trucks on Elderslie Road which is simply NOT DESIGNED to carry 220 of them per day or 1100 per week for 30 years. Plus all the service trucks. The danger to young school children on and off buses on the route. What will happen to the value of our “rural” properties There are simply too many unacceptable risk and too many unknown consequences. Protect the future of this region. Do not accept this application.

Hi,
Letter of support for the Bluestone Quarry Project attached

Regards,
Luke Standen
Pittman Building Services Pty Ltd

to the department of planning, housing, and infrastructure
objection to SSD-76210271- BLUESTONE QUARRY

I am writing this submission AGAINST bluestone quarry.
As a resident of Elderslie for the past 8 years with my two children and have recently married into the local Moore family and have become a family of five. I have enjoyed the quiet lifestyle and rural outlook. My husbands family have been here since the 1950’s, continuously farmed this area and we plan on having many more generations here to enjoy what has been built by previous generations.



My concerns with the bluestone quarry are as follows.

Safety of all road users using stanhope and Elderslie rd.

My children catch the local school bus that also uses stanhope red. They must cross the road at the top of a blind hill to catch their bus. This is dangerous now but will be deadly if you increase the number of loaded trucks to this road shared by school buses. These buses pick my kids up at 7.58 am and drop off at 4.20 pm. When catching the morning bus there has been heavy fog noted on many occasions that limits visibility even more.

My home is one of the closest to stanhope rd. (less than 20 meters). We can see and hear the current traffic on Stanhope rd. especially truck movements. With an increase in truck movements, I will lose my peace and quiet.

My husband also assists in running the local family farm and is currently up and down that road multiple times a day, a lot of the time in a registered tractor and farm implements. With the extra truck movements, I am afraid of his safety while doing his normal daily work activities.

The bridge.
This is a one lane bridge that as locals we have a lot of issues with. There is generally queuing to be able to cross the bridge, it also becomes almost impossible see in fog. If there is an accident on the bridge it becomes a 40-minute drive to Branxton.
the potential of speeding trucks on the route taken into Branxton.
The winding hill between Elderslie Bridge and Branxton.
The proposed usage of a right turn from maitland rd Branxton onto wine country drive to access the freeway. There has already been many accidents and near misses at this intersection.
Also as a rural home we rely on rainwater and well water for our home and farming operations, I am concerned about the dust and possible damage to our water table due to the truck movements and blasting.

Also not to forget that the proposed quarry is way to close to the future gas pipeline through this area. With both the quarry and the pipeline there will be no hope for our native wildlife (some on the critical list)

Overall, in conclusion I think the idea of having a quarry in the area of stanhope is just a really damaging idea and I in no way can support this proposal.

Thanking you
Anna moore

I am writing as a resident of Branxton my name is Julie Charman of 10 Sutton Grove Branxton writing to comment on
the proposed development of Bluestone Hardrock Quarry. I am very upset by the current proposal that can only be described as having a negative impact on our rural and peaceful township of Branxton region. See attached points for my objection for development in our beautiful rural environment.

I object to the proposed quarry project. In my view, this development is not appropriate for this location because it would introduce substantial, ongoing and unacceptable impacts to a semi-rural community. My concerns include road and traffic safety, biodiversity, water resources, air quality, noise, vibration, blasting, impacts on local businesses and farms, and the overall quality of life of residents in Elderslie and surrounding communities, including Branxton, Greta and Singleton, depending on the proposed heavy truck haulage routes. I am also concerned about the negative impact on housing and farm values, as the area would no longer be seen as a serene semi-rural environment.
Biodiversity and waterways
The proposed quarry area has the potential to affect native wildlife, including koalas, bats, flying foxes, honeyeaters, parrots, treecreepers and quolls. The project may directly disturb and reduce native habitat, while dust, noise, vibration and blasting could 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 nearby creeks and the Hunter River. Sediment, dust or runoff entering these systems could affect aquatic environments and the broader health of local waterways.
Noise, vibration and blasting
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, local businesses 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.
The proposal may also affect the long-established boarding kennel business operating in close proximity to the proposed quarry. Noise, vibration, blasting, dust and increased traffic could have a serious impact on the welfare of animals in care and on the viability of that business.
There would also be a substantial increase in road traffic noise associated with more than 200 heavy vehicle 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 material.
Air quality and dust
I am seriously 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, amenity 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, transport and road safety
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 significant safety and traffic management concerns.
Elderslie Road is already regularly under repair due to existing traffic volumes. Additional heavy vehicle movements would likely increase road damage, wear and maintenance demands. I am concerned that any contribution offered by the proponent toward road maintenance may not be sufficient to cover the damage likely to be caused by sustained heavy vehicle use.
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. 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.
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 and is not designed to safely accommodate sustained heavy vehicle movements of this kind. It presents significant traffic management and safety issues if large trucks and motor vehicles are required to share this route.
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 Branxton, where local traffic, shops, parked cars and pedestrians already create a busy village environment.
Local amenity, farms and businesses
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.
The proposal may also affect the operations of Hunter Pet Motel and Elderslie Airport, which supports general aviation, charter operations and parachute jumping activities. These existing local uses should be carefully considered before any approval is granted.

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, local businesses and the semi-rural character of Elderslie are too significant to justify the project proceeding in this location.

Objection to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project – Elderslie
I wish to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project at Elderslie.
While the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concludes that the project's impacts can be managed, I do not believe it adequately addresses the long-term consequences for local residents, community safety, property values, heritage infrastructure, public health, and the future character of Elderslie and Branxton. The proposal places the burden of noise, dust, traffic and infrastructure impacts on local communities for decades while the economic benefits are primarily realised by the project proponent.
A key concern is the proposed use of the heritage-listed Elderslie Bridge. Opened in 1892, the bridge was designed for light rural traffic and was never intended to carry sustained heavy industrial freight movements. The proposal could result in hundreds of quarry truck movements each day crossing the bridge. While the EIS states there are no significant safety concerns beyond routine maintenance, it does not adequately address the cumulative structural impacts that decades of heavy vehicle traffic may have on a 130-year-old timber and steel structure. Increased loading, vibration and wear are likely to accelerate deterioration, increase maintenance requirements and potentially lead to expensive future upgrades or replacement at taxpayer expense. Once damaged, the heritage value of this important local landmark cannot be restored.
Road safety is another major concern. Although the EIS concludes that the road network has sufficient capacity to accommodate quarry traffic, capacity should not be confused with safety. Elderslie Road is a narrow rural road with limited shoulders, steep grades, rolling terrain and no overtaking opportunities. Local residents who use this route daily understand the challenges that already exist. Introducing large numbers of heavy vehicles will increase speed differentials between trucks and passenger vehicles, particularly on the steep approaches to and from Elderslie Bridge. This creates a greater risk of rear-end collisions, driver frustration, unsafe overtaking manoeuvres and serious crashes. The consequences of a collision involving a fully loaded quarry truck are far more severe than those involving ordinary passenger vehicles.
I am also concerned about school bus operations and the safety of children. School buses regularly travel these roads and collect children from roadside locations throughout the district. Many of these stops are located on roads without footpaths, street lighting or dedicated pedestrian facilities. Increased truck traffic will create additional conflict points between school buses, heavy vehicles and children crossing roads. Visibility can be reduced by the size of heavy vehicles, and the consequences of any incident involving a quarry truck and a school bus would be catastrophic. The EIS does not appear to give sufficient weight to the protection of vulnerable road users, particularly children.
The assessment also understates the potential impact on residential amenity from noise. While the EIS predicts compliance with applicable noise criteria, compliance does not necessarily mean that residents will not experience significant disturbance. Quarry operations, blasting, crushing, screening, reversing alarms and hundreds of truck movements per day will fundamentally change the acoustic environment of the area. Of particular concern is the use of engine and exhaust brakes on steep descents. Residents living along haul routes are likely to experience repeated noise events from trucks slowing on downhill approaches. Unlike average noise measurements presented in technical reports, these sudden high-intensity noise events can be highly disruptive and significantly reduce quality of life. The cumulative effect of constant industrial and transport noise over many years should not be underestimated.
Air quality and silica dust exposure are equally concerning. The EIS concludes that air quality standards can be met; however, hard rock quarrying is an activity that inherently generates dust through blasting, crushing, screening, stockpiling and vehicle movements. Residents are justified in being concerned about long-term exposure to airborne particulate matter, including respirable crystalline silica. Public awareness of silica-related health risks has increased substantially in recent years due to the serious and irreversible illnesses associated with prolonged exposure. While modelling may predict compliance under specified conditions, real-world operations can vary due to weather, drought, wind conditions and operational changes over the life of the quarry. The community should not be expected to accept uncertainty regarding potential long-term health impacts for a project that may operate for decades.
The proposal also has the potential to negatively affect residential property values. Many families have invested significant financial resources into homes and land within Elderslie and surrounding areas because of the area's rural character, peaceful environment and family-friendly lifestyle. The introduction of a large industrial quarry and associated heavy vehicle traffic is likely to alter these characteristics permanently. Increased noise, dust, blasting, safety concerns, visual impacts and industrial traffic can reduce the desirability of an area and affect property demand. Even the perception of these impacts can influence potential buyers. Residents should not be expected to bear financial losses through reduced property values while the project's commercial benefits flow elsewhere.
I am further concerned that the proposal is inconsistent with the ongoing residential growth occurring throughout the area. Elderslie and nearby communities are increasingly becoming places where families choose to live, work and raise children. The introduction of a major industrial operation and hundreds of heavy truck movements per day conflicts with this growth and undermines the long-term vision for safe, connected and family-oriented communities. The proposal risks changing the character of the area from a rural-residential community into a transport corridor servicing industrial activity.
While I acknowledge that the project may provide economic benefits and support the supply of construction materials, these benefits should not outweigh the significant impacts on local residents. Economic outcomes must be balanced against community wellbeing, public safety, environmental health, heritage protection and the long-term interests of existing communities. In this case, I am not satisfied that this balance has been achieved.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project be refused development consent.