Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

I am a local Elderslie resident, I strongly object to this proposal.
My submission can be found attached, along with photos describing the local area.

I oppose the project and have attached a letter stating my reasons and concerns

Please find attached objection to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project

To whom it may concern,
Due to the character restriction, I have attached a copy of my full objection. Below is a condensed version for this text box.
OBJECTION TO SSD-76210271 — BLUESTONE HARDROCK QUARRY PROJECT
I OBJECT to SSD-76210271.
I have lived at a property off Elderslie Road for 5 years. Noise from existing truck traffic on Elderslie Road is already noticeable and intrusive at my property. I have three school-aged children who ride bicycles along and across Elderslie Road, and who wait at an unprotected bus stop on Elderslie Road for the school bus. I am gravely concerned for their physical safety and long-term respiratory health. A full detailed submission is attached; this text summarises my grounds.
1. Road network cannot withstand proposed haulage volumes. The Project proposes up to 220 heavy vehicle movements/day, 5 days/week, for 30 years (over 57,000 movements/year) on Springvale Road, Stanhope Road and Elderslie Road — rural roads never engineered for this loading. The route crosses the single-lane, weight-restricted, heritage-listed Elderslie Bridge, creating a serious daily conflict point. Singleton Council's own mayoral minute objecting to the Project found the roads are "not designed for heavy vehicle movements" and that maintenance costs would fall on Council/ratepayers, not the proponent. The Applicant's proposed upgrade covers only ~300m near the site entrance — not the full route or the bridge.
2. No safe pedestrian/cycling infrastructure; unprotected school bus stops. There are no footpaths or cycleways anywhere on the route. Rural school bus stops, including on Elderslie Road, offer no refuge or protection. My own children use this exact corridor daily. A Road Safety Audit is stated to occur but does not appear completed at exhibition — it should be finished and public before determination, not a post-consent condition.
3. Noise pollution. Existing truck noise on Elderslie Road is already intrusive; adding 220 movements/day plus ~40 blasting events/year will materially worsen rural amenity for 30 years.
4. Air quality and dust, including silica, with impact on pre-existing conditions. Dust impacts extend along the entire haul route, not just the site, particularly where loads are not fully covered. Respirable crystalline silica from drilling/blasting/crushing is a recognised chronic health hazard. Residents with pre-existing conditions such as asthma — including children — are especially vulnerable to increased ambient dust over a 30-year operation. Silica content of the resource has not been independently verified or disclosed. I request independently verified silica disclosure and a health-risk assessment covering the whole corridor, not just PM10/PM2.5 compliance at the site boundary.
5. Amenity and property value impacts. Industrialising a quiet rural/tourism corridor for 30 years will affect sense of place and property values along the full haul route, not just near the site — a recognised consideration under the NSW Social Impact Assessment Guideline and in Gloucester Resources Limited v Minister for Planning [2019] NSWLEC 7 ("Rocky Hill").
6. Alternative haulage routes inadequately investigated. The Applicant's own documents show alternatives (Blind Creek Road, a southern alignment) were discounted, but no analysis appears to address an alignment avoiding the Elderslie Bridge and Elderslie village school-bus corridor altogether — e.g. via Stanhope Road/Standen Drive/Lower Belford toward the New England Highway or Golden Highway. Given the scale (30 years, ~30 million tonnes), an independent, publicly exhibited Route Options Assessment should be required before consent, comparable to the approach taken in the Hillview Hard Rock Quarry assessment regarding shared-corridor cumulative impacts.
7. Singleton Council's formal objection. Council has resolved to object, meaning the Project must be determined by the Independent Planning Commission regardless of submission numbers. Council found consultation inadequate and the EIS does not address traffic, biodiversity, amenity or road-user impacts.
8. Consistent with NSW precedent on social impact/rural character. In Rocky Hill, Bylong, and Hume Coal, NSW courts/IPC refused resource projects where concentrated, long-term local harm outweighed diffuse regional economic benefit and could not be satisfactorily mitigated. The same reasoning applies here: broad regional aggregate-supply benefits versus concentrated 30-year harm to an identifiable rural community along one narrow corridor.
9. EPBC Act controlled action. The Project is a Commonwealth "controlled action" (EPBC 2026/10452) regarding threatened species/communities. This assessment should be fully resolved and public before any State determination.
10. Additional matters: full blast/vibration modelling near sensitive receivers and Elderslie Airport; mandatory RFS bushfire conditions; heritage impact assessment of cumulative vibration/loading on Elderslie Bridge.
Requested outcome: I request refusal of SSD-76210271. If approved regardless, I request conditions requiring: an independent Route Options Assessment before determination; full structural assessment and Applicant-funded upgrade of the entire haul route and bridge; a completed public Road Safety Audit with funded pedestrian/cycling and bus-bay infrastructure; no haulage during school bus hours or on weekends; independently verified silica disclosure and health-risk assessment with real-time public monitoring; a corridor-wide Social Impact Assessment; a Voluntary Planning Agreement covering the full route; resolution of the EPBC controlled action before State consent; and a public hearing before the IPC.
Full supporting detail, evidence and legal citations are provided in my attached submission.

I object to the quarry, please see my attachment

We are 3rd generation farmers, have owned & operated a transport business since the early 90's, built and managed a retail business for 9 years which employed local people and was well supported by the community.
Our son has worked closely on this project & has kept us informed about what is proposed. From what we have seen & discussed with him, we believe this quarry will bring long term benefits to our community as well as the wider Hunter region.
We understand the importance of quarries and the part they contribute in the development & growth of an area supplying the resources for important infrastructure like roads, concrete, houses to name a few.
We believe this quarry is a good opportunity for the area and is a key element in its growth. It will provide benefits for now and future generation through jobs, investment and the supply of an important necessary resource.

Please see my objection to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project in the attachment.

I am Arthur Newell am writing as a resident of Branxton. I live at 10 Sutton Grove, Branxton and will directly be impacted by the development proposal. I wish to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry development.

Anthony THREADGATE
159 D/E Cranky Corner Rd. Stanhope. N.S.W. 2335 (DP814254 Lots 2&3)
OBJECTION of the proposed development application number SSD-7621 0271 (Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project)

To whom it may concern regarding my OBJECTION of the proposed development application number SSD-7621 0271. From Landholder Anthony THREADGATE 159D/E Cranky Corner Rd. Stanhope. N.S.W. 2335. My properties Western boundary joins the Mt, Tangory Nature Reserve. I am directly effected by the develoment. Predominantly westerly winds for the region. I am East or down wind of the quarry project. Many concerns including POLLUTION - DUST, NOISE, FUMES, DRINKING WATER, BORE WATER, TRAFFIC HAZARDS, SAFETY HAZARDS - Falling ROCK from cliff faces, Rolling Boulders on mountain slopes. FAULT LINE
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Conflicting Hunter Gas Pipeline Proposals

I object strongly to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project (SSD-76210271)
I have lived in Elderslie for over 40 years and have seen a lot of development in our community in that time. The most successful of these has been the residential developments on Elderslie Road just out of Branxton. This has provided much needed housing and quiet semi-rural lifestyle opportunities for many, many families. The commercial shopping precinct at North Rothbury, just on the other side of Branxton, supports these residential planning initiatives on Elderslie Road as well as Huntlee residential, healthcare and educational zones in the area.
The proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project is totally at odds with the natural and planned amenity currently valued by many people who live along Elderslie Road. This rural road already services the needs of workers travelling daily to and from the coal mines further up the valley. It also enables essential, twice daily school bus services to be provided to get our rural children to their various schools in Singleton, Branxton, Lochinvar and Maitland.
Elderslie Road is the main commuter road for many people living in Stanhope, Lambs Valley and Elderslie, who work in other industries in and around Branxton, Singleton, Maitland, Cessnock, Pokolbin and Newcastle.
The daily truck movements anticipated as part of this proposed quarry project is not only alarming it is totally unacceptable. Such heavy vehicle dominance of this rural road would drastically change the rural tone of the communities that have developed along Elderslie Road. Heavy vehicles from the proposed quarry would be significant noise and dust polluters. Multiple truck movements, loaded and empty, not only compromise the safety of other road users but the integrity of the road surface itself. Residents in our community already know the huge impact and disruption caused by road works and especially bridge repairs, on Elderslie Road, where alternative routes involve significant costly detours via Singleton or Lochinvar simple to get to and from work or maintain normal family commitments.
One private project like the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry should not be allowed to have such an adverse impact on so many other people. People who chose to settle in this rural community for the quieter, safer setting it offers.
One private project like the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry should not be allowed to dominate the use of Elderslie Road nor Elderslie Bridge. This single lane bridge, built in the late 1800’s, is a vital piece of infrastructure for our communities as the next closest alternative for crossing the Hunter River is about 20kms away (at Luskintyre Bridge near Lochinvar or Redbournberry Bridge near Singleton).

From an environmental perspective, our local government planning prioritises the retention of rural land in our area, for rural use and preservation of natural forests for native fauna and flora. The proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry should not be allowed to go ahead as it blatantly is contrary to that important priority. And PLEASE don’t be so naïve to think that imposing some tree planting requirement on the development to offset the loss of natural bushland, is adequate ‘compensation’ or a realistic trade-off.

I implore those of you who are charged with the assessment of the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry, on behalf of the NSW planning authorities and people of the communities impacted by this proposal, to PLEASE protect the rights of the many who will have their lives adversely affected by this proposal, as opposed to the very few who will gain purely financially, from this proposal.

PLEASE do not allow this proposed project to go ahead.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my sincere and heartfelt objections.

Regards,
Julie Maguire,
664 Elderslie Road, Elderslie.

As long term resident and property owner on Elderslie Rd I am deeply upset by the current quarry proposal that can only be perceived as wrecking ball into our rural LGA. The impact on the road alone by the 1100 truck movements per week will leave the road in a state of constant repair which in itself will present hazards to locals that use the road daily. Elderslie road is also a school bus route and the to use the road as a haul road will undoubtedly be putting lives at risk. Add to this the road noise /dust and airbrakes noise, exhaust brake noise. Including the growing housing estates on Elderslie Rd there would be approximately 400 residences impacted on Elderslie rd, which doesn't include the significant number of through traffic. We don't deserve a haul road ! Local coal mines in the region use their own haul roads and transport their product by train to minimise impact on local infrastructure. The single lane bridge over the Hunter river is already a bottle neck and headache during peak hour traffic . I suggest this is not a suitable project for a growing residential area and a quarry will destroy our our ability to enjoy our currently peaceful enviroment.

Faithfully yours Michael Zerafa

I support the project

This project will adveresly effect the community and traffic on Elderslie Bridge...Please see my attachment for details.

This project will impact the area in several ways, including managing traffic flow on the Elderslie bridge, cyclic road erosion in the haulage corridor, and noise.

This project will place immense pressure on local roads not designed to handle such high frequency and heavy loads. Excessive noise will be generated from quarry transport, from the truck engines directly but also engine braking and the banging/crashing of empty tipper bodies returning to the quarry. Homes are located along the haul route, especially along the stretch from Elderslie Bridge to Branxton township. This traffic will be disrupting to residents (including myself), add danger for kids walking/riding along the road, and overall make the area a much less desirable place to live. House prices immediately along the haul route and the surrounding neighbourhood will be negatively impacted.
Elderslie bridge is another key part of the route that doesn't support the project and its traffic volume. This is a one-lane bridge which can be quite busy in peak times currently. Adding a large quantity of trucks will only make this worse with wait times becoming excessive and potential risk of oncoming truck traffic especially when considering the steep descent leading into the bridge entrance. It would also be interesting to see the original design parameters of the bridge to determine its suitability for the proposed weight and quantity of trucks. I would assume that the bridge was never designed for this and is going to suffer decreased lifespan and increased maintenance requirements. This maintenance, whilst an expense for the rate payer also becomes an issue where the bridge is partially or completely shutdown. Given the lack of suitable distance detours this could lead to significant impacts on residents.
In summary the quarry itself doesn't bother me, but the trucks and haul route are downright ridiculous and not in fitting with the community. I strongly object to be project.
Without an alternative method of transporting material from the quarry this project should not go ahead.

This project will bring many negatives to a beautiful area but my main concerns are as follows:

The number of large truck travelling on the small rural roads and the historic one way Elderslie bridge.
This has the potential to cause serious traffic accidents as well as causing a significant nuisance to the local residence from the noise and frequency of the trucks driving past homes some of which are very close to the road. The roads will see major damage from the excessive truck movements

Dust from the project is also a huge concern for me and my family silica dust is extremely dangerous and I am scared for the safety and health of the local residents, even with strict dust control measures Implemented and EPA requirements and oversight I have no doubt that there will still be excessive amounts of dust being airborne.

The noise generated from this project is a major concern also. Studies show that constant drone sounds like that of distant machinery I.e dozer, drills, excavators, generators, crushers (all of which will be used in this project) cause serious negative physical and mental heath effects

Blasting sounds will also cause issues with spooking local native wildlife and personal livestock of neighbouring properties.
Included the hunter valley pet motel which is the closest property to the proposed project, if a safe environment for animals at the pet motel cannot be maintained their business will likely be destroyed.

Water run off the property which encompasses the projects presents a huge risk of erosion and sediment build up in the local creeks and ultimately the hunter river

If this project proceeds it will absolutely destroy this beautiful quiet rural area forever as well as decrease the value of home in the area and in the vicinity of the haul road included the brand new prestige housing estate Radford park which is located on the proposed haul road at branxton

I OBJECT to this proposal.

I am the owner of Pierre's Wines at 82 Elderslie Road, Branxton, a long-established winery and tourism business directly on the proposed haulage route. My attached submission is a detailed response to the Integrated Transport Assessment prepared for the proponent.

Submission Opposing the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project (SSD 76210271)

I am a resident of the Stanhope community, living directly along the corridor that will be impacted by the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry. I am writing to formally oppose this development due to the severe and unavoidable impacts it will have on my home, my family, my neighbours and the broader rural community.
This proposal is not simply a quarry, it is a 30 year industrialisation of a quiet rural area, with consequences that will be felt every single day.
As someone who lives close to the proposed haul route and within the noise catchment, I will be directly affected by:
• Dust drifting across my property, settling on our home, washing, gardens, water tanks and my livestock.
• Blast vibrations that will be felt inside my home causing stress, structural concerns and ongoing anxiety.
• Industrial noise from machinery, crushing and loading processes and truck movements from early morning until late evening.
The quarry’s operating conditions, including blasting up to twice a week and loading from 5:00am guarantee that residents will lose the quiet rural amenity we rely on.
Dust and vibration are not abstract impacts. They will be felt, breathed and lived by every household in our Elderslie and Stanhope communities.

The proposed traffic management plan is fundamentally incompatible with the existing road network and community uses. The haul route requires quarry trucks to cross the historic one lane Elderslie Bridge, a structure never designed for:
• High frequency heavy vehicles
• 40 tonne quarry trucks
• Continuous industrial freight movements.
This bridge is a heritage asset and a community landmark. It is already narrow, fragile and difficult to navigate. Turning it into a quarry freight route is reckless and dangerous. Weather conditions such as fog on winter days makes the visibility of trucks impossible and a very high risk area.
The same route is used daily by school buses transporting local children. Introducing up to 216 laden truck movements per day onto this corridor places children at unacceptable risk. Parents should not have to fear for their children’s safety on the way to school.
The surrounding roads are narrow, have limited shoulders, include blind corners, concealed driveways and are used by farm vehicles, cyclists, horse riders and families. These roads cannot safely accommodate the proposed volume of quarry trucks. The road degradation and increased maintenance costs will be borne by the community and the local council. The traffic plan fails to recognise the real world conditions residents navigate every day.

Living here means quiet mornings, clean air, an abundance of wildlife, safe roads and a peaceful rural lifestyle. The quarry threatens all of this.
As a resident, I will experience:
• Constant noise from trucks, machinery and blasting
• Dust settling on my home and property
• Vibration impacts that cause stress and fear
• Traffic dangers that change how we move through our own community
• Loss of sleep from early morning loading and truck departures
• Reduced property value due to industrialisation of the area.
This is not a temporary inconvenience, it is a 30 year degradation of our quality of life.

The clearing of 35.28 hectares of native vegetation will destroy habitat, reduce biodiversity and permanently alter the landscape.
Dust and vibration will affect livestock, crops, water tanks and soil health. The quarry’s environmental footprint is incompatible with the agricultural and ecological character of Elderslie and Stanhope.
The benefits of this quarry flow to the proponent and external construction markets. The burden is environmental, social, safety and amenity impacts which falls entirely on local residents.
There is no public interest that justifies:
• Turning a rural community into an industrial corridor.
• Endangering school bus routes.
• Forcing heavy trucks over a fragile one lane bridge.
• Exposing residents to dust, noise, and blast vibration for 30 years.

For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request the Department of Planning and Environment to reject the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry proposal (SSD 76210271) which will:
• protect the safety, wellbeing and rural character of our local communities of Elderslie and Stanhope.
• prevent long term industrial harm to a community that has already clearly expressed its opposition to the project.
• prioritise sustainable land uses that align with community values and long-term ecological health.
As a resident who will live with the consequences of this quarry every day, I urge the Department to refuse this development. The impacts on dust, noise, vibration, traffic safety and community wellbeing are too severe, too long lasting and too incompatible with the nature of Elderslie and Stanhope.
This project is the wrong scale, in the wrong place, with the wrong impacts. Our community deserves better.

Although the resource can not be relocated, the value of the resource to the state and community should be assessed against other resources that are available without providing an additional impact on a local rural community. Other previous extraction projects, like Great Greta Colliery as mentioned by the proponent were required to limit road transport and move to rail. The proposed Mitchells Flat Coal Mine, which did not proceed, was require to establish rail transport, as the road network, and the single lane Elderlie Bridge was, and still is not capable of carrying the extra loads. Local traffic and school buses will be severely impacted. A hard rock quarry, with dust, noise, and transport impacts is not in keeping with the local rural area.

I strongly object to the proposed Bluestone Hard rock quarry please view the attached letter of objection.