Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry

I object to this project going forward for the following reasons:

1. Having the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Koalas that live locally in Port Stephens. No habitat = No Koalas.

2. It will have increase the impact of congestion on our roads due to more traffic involved in the mine.

3. The sand mine will be located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed.

4, Also the sand mine will be located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter, with the above risks of contamination, I feel that it would be a very silly thing to go ahead with, risking public health and safety.

I do not feel the sandmining should stop for many reasons, some are as below;

the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala, the sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter, the sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed, there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid, there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses, the sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day. - KOALAS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR MAYOR PROFITING FOR PERSONAL GAIN.

Koalas are in danger already, proposals lil ethos must be stopped in order to protect the few remaining habitats. Animal and environmental welfare can no longer be sacrificed for the benefit of big business. This plan must be stopped and cannot be considered reasonable or responsible.

- the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala

- the sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter

- the sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed

- there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid

- there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses

- the sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day.

The sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koalathe sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunterthe sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessedthere is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnessesthe sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day. This should not be allowed to go ahead, there is to much at risk.

Say NO to sand mining. This is an absolute disgrace and shows how money hungry and corrupt Port Stephens council is to want to clear hectares of bush land and the native habitat of so many native animals. I grew up opposite the bush on Cabbage Tree Rd and would often see koalas in the gum trees, sometimes with a baby.
Besides that, the Tomago sand beds are a local fresh water supply. How you can even be thinking of disrupting and possibly contaminating this water supply is beyond belief.
Do what is right and preserve the local water supply and save the native animals. These will be far more important for future years than the short term gains the council will briefly get from a sandmine.

As a local Port Stephens resident I am strongly opposed to the proposed sand mine at Williamtown. We as a community feel that introducing a sand mine to the area would not only jeopardise the health of the residents living in the surrounding area, but it would also have devastating effects on our wildlife and the environment.

Particular concern should be directed towards the Port Stephen's Koala population which is already under immense pressure due to habitat destruction. The sand mine would cause further destruction to their already dwindling habitats, we might loose them from the area forever!

We believe that there would also be a negative impact on tourism in Port Stephens. We are known for picturesque scenery and wildlife. Introducing a sand mine would leave a scar on our beautiful landscape and discourage tourists from visiting.

The main concerns that we have as a community is that:

-the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala
-the sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter
-the sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed
-there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid
-there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses
-the sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day.

Sand mining has long been known for it's disastrous impacts on the community and the ecosystem. All we have to do is look at the devastation it caused at Kurnell Penninsula, NSW and North Stradbroke Island, QLD to know that mining would be of absolutely ZERO long term benefit to our community.

I say 'NO' to the sand mine!

The region of the proposed Sand mine will impact on the habitat of our koalas. These animals need to be protected, not just by keeping their trees and maintaining the ground water, but from the extra traffic. So many deaths of koalas are caused by vehicles and with the increase of trucks there will be an increase of deaths. Most koala sanctuaries are run by volunteers they already have enough work. No need to create any more for them.

As a resident of Cabbage Tree Road of more than 30 years, I feel it imperative to voice my concerns and register my objections to the proposed construction of a sand mine in Cabbage Tree Road. My concerns and objections are numerous and are detailed below:
Aboriginal Archaeology & Cultural Heritage:
The proposed sand mining site lies within a known traditional aboriginal hunting area and this area is simply littered with Aboriginal artefacts and stone tools. At times, after particularly windy weather, middens may also be found lying on the surface of live dunes. Who knows what else awaits discovery from an authentic and experienced archaeological dig?
Early evidence and records of `white' settlement in the Port Stephen's shire are not uncommon but there is, to my knowledge very few, if any, records or evidence of early Aboriginal settlement in the area. The sand dunes in Cabbage Tree Road provide vital evidence of not only Australia's early history but also of a way of life no longer practised. If nothing else, the Cabbage Tree Road evidence of early Aboriginal habitation should be given the same respect and consideration that is given to the remnants of early `white' settlement. It should be respected and preserved for future generations not simply destroyed.
Air Quality:
The air quality study is flawed. It would seem the study was carried out using wind speeds of 3.1m/s. Given Williamtown regularly experiences W/NW winds of over 70kmh, i.e.>20m/s, these results and the subsequent conclusions are factually incorrect.
It is also noted with interest that water carts and a sprinkler system will be used in some areas of the quarry to suppress generated dust and that "for transfer points where water sprays cannot be utilised due to dry processing requirements (dry screen and air separator) Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of controlling emissions using a ventilation system incorporating emission point extraction, dust filtration and collection".
It is well known that sandmining impacts on the health of those in close proximity causing silicosis and other respiratory illnesses. If approval is granted for the development of this sand mine which is in close proximity to residential housing, what guarantee do residents have that an effective ventilation system will be incorporated in the dry processing areas? Investigating the "the feasibility and effectiveness of controlling emissions" is not a surety or promise that a ventilation system will be installed. And, what if the proposed water carts and sprinkler system prove as ineffective as those used at the Newcastle Coal Loader? Cabbage Tree Road is some 8kms (in a straight line) from Kooragang Coal Loader yet residents of Cabbage Tree Road are still besieged with coal dust? The proposed quarry is nowhere near that distant for those living in Cabbage Tree Road so what, if any, secondary measures will Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd. undertake to minimise dust emissions from the quarry?
Consultation:
Despite the study's claims that the local community was widely consulted about the proposed sand mine, I would beg to differ. Neither my husband nor I have had a face-to-face consultation, received a fact sheet or anything else via a letter box drop about the proposed sand mine. Nor have we been provided with the telephone or email contact details for Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd or their agents.
As previously mentioned, I have lived at my current address for over 30 years and the advent of the proposed sand mine came as a complete and most unwelcome surprise.
Employment:
According to the study the proposed sand mine will provide employment for a total of 6 quarry workers and up to 20 road truck drivers for a period of up to 15 years. Such employment is transient and hardly what one considers being permanent.
The short-term nature of the quarry and the minimum employment provided hardly justifies the widespread desecration of native bushland, loss of important koala habitat and increased threat to already endangered species of fauna and flora.
Noise:
While the operation of the quarry itself is not expected to contribute significantly to the surrounding noise levels there are secondary noise effects associated with the quarry's development to be considered.
Firstly, the current bushland environment provides a very effective sound barrier to the day-to-day operation of the nearby airport. Clearance of this bushland will result in Cabbage Tree Road residents being subjected to louder and more intrusive aircraft noise from the airfield ad infinitum for years to come. It may also result in noxious aviation fumes spreading further afield.
Secondly, the noise from accelerating and decelerating fully laden sand trucks travelling eastward and/or westward along the proposed merging lanes in Cabbage Tree Road will result in a definite increase in ambient noise levels for residents. As will the significant increase in traffic.
According to the study, there will be 63 trucks entering and exiting the quarry on a daily basis. This is 63 trucks more than what currently uses Cabbage Tree Road and with a new intersection only allowing a left-hand turn when exiting the quarry, doubles when the trucks are forced to go up to the Nelson Bay Road/Cabbage Tree round-about in order to turn around to head to the Pacific Highway. Of course some trucks will travel to other destinations from the round-about but the study fails to mention the dual movements of trucks along Cabbage Tree Road or recognise the additional noise this will create.
Residents in Cabbage Tree Road chose to live in Cabbage Tree Road because of its semi-rural environment; they did not choose to live in an `industrial' area. If the proposed quarry proceeds, it is imperative that the erection of noise abatement barriers for residents in close proximity to the truck accelerating/decelerating zones be made a mandatory condition of the quarry's approval. The erection of noise barriers for residents is current practice in many areas where the roads and motorways are noisy and it should be the same in Cabbage Tree Road.
Safety
It is interesting to read that Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Limited "will implement a Traffic Management Plan including a Driver Code of Conduct". This code of conduct is to be signed during the site induction and allows Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Limited to "strictly enforce the access requirements and penalise non-complying drivers". This may be good for the operation of Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd but provides very little reassurance to residents of Cabbage Tree Road.
Since Cabbage Tree Road was realigned after the flooding in 1990, many of the residence driveways are now `concealed'. Road users (truck and car alike) currently abuse residents (verbally and with horn blasts) for slowing down to enter their driveway. This `road rage' is outside the proposed quarry's Driver Code of Conduct but the increased traffic is not only going to add to the frustration of drivers but also increase the number of impatient drivers racing to meet deadlines. It's only a matter of time before someone is rear-ended and/or seriously injured.
Exiting a residence is also problematical for residents. Currently it can take up to 10 mins (at busy times) to exit a driveway and then, the resident can be subjected to more `road rage' from vehicles travelling too fast or racing to a deadline. Had Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd spoke with me during their supposed consultation phase, I would have happily told them of our driveway dilemma. An additional 63 plus trucks is only going to add to the problem!
Also of concern is the erection of "No Stopping" zones at the quarry intersection and the associated acceleration and deceleration lanes. These no stopping zones will prevent school buses from pulling up within the no stopping zones and force school children to board and disembark to the east or west of the zone. While the new bus zones will be supposedly designed to provide a `safe location for passengers' the fact is that Cabbage Tree Road is a relatively `isolated' road and it is not safe to expect children to wait or disembark further away from their homes. With a complete lack of footpaths and/or cycle ways on Cabbage Tree Road, it is not safe for them to walk to and from home along the edge of such a busy road. And, with little easement on the edge of the road (and a steep drain on either side of the road), nor is it practical for parents to park their cars and wait with their children.
On a tangential but definitely related safety issue is the removal of the sand itself. The proposed quarry resides within the recently defined red zone with respect to the contamination of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF). This foam contained perfluoroctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and these contaminants have reportedly leaked from the RAAF base to impact and contaminate a wide area of land, surface water as well as waterways in the Port Stephens Shire.
Activities within this red zone have been restricted, for example, fisher folk are unable to fish or net for prawns; residents were advised not to eat home grown fruit and vegetables or to eat eggs from their own poultry or drink even milk from their own dairy cows. Water, soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, vegetation and aquatic fauna sampling is still being conducted.
Given there is still a `cloud' over the extent of the contamination and the impact on people's health, it seems rather rash to mine sand and perhaps spread the contamination further afield.
Omissions:
It would seem the Environmental Impact Statement has omitted to provide a Biodiversity Offset Plan as well provide a Cumulative Effect on the Koala Habitat Study.
Vegetation:
The proposed quarry will mine an area of bushland some 53.9 hectares, some of which is still in its pristine state. While the study acknowledges the existence of three vulnerable and threatened species (Camfield's Stringybark, Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp decadens and flowering grevillea) it fails to acknowledge the variety of other native species growing in the area such as Xanthorrhoea, Cycads, Blandfordia, Actinotus helianthi and numerous native orchids.
There also appears to be a distinct lack of a rehabilitation plan on closure of the quarry. The study states it will `establish a sustainable native ecosystem' but the study fails to mention which species will be replanted. Past experience with supposed rehabilitation plans (from a previous mining venture by RZM in a nearby area) has resulted in little more than a monoculture of Eucalypts and weeds with the widespread annihilation of Blandfordia and a host of other uniquely Australian floral types.
Water
The proposed quarry is located within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area; an integral source of water for the City of Newcastle and surrounding areas. It is therefore imperative that industry (of all types) be prohibited from the area as industry, deadlines and the need for profits often result in OH&S short-cuts and spillages which, in turn, lead to pollution. Environmental pollution is unacceptable at any time but even more concerning when it effects a city's drinking supplies.
The study states "Extraction will be at least 0.7m above the maximum predicted groundwater level at all times with the final landform being at least 1m above the maximum predicted groundwater level unless otherwise approved". The question begs to be asked how an excavator driver will be able to determine a depth of 0.7m above the maximum predicted groundwater level from the cab of his excavator and who will "otherwise approve" anything less than the 1m above the maximum final landform?
The lowering of the ground level as a result of sand mining is very concerning. The aforementioned perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and pefluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination has seemingly, in the main, been dispersed via surface water so will the lowering of the ground level in the sand quarry result in a spread of the contamination especially in periods of adverse weather like that experienced recently when we received 304.5ml of rain? What studies, if any, have been undertaken to determine the impact of inundation of groundwater on sand mined areas? And if there is a spread of contamination, what steps will be taken to protect Newcastle's water supply and local residents?
Wildlife:
Koalas, possums, wallabies, frogs, bats and a wide variety of birdlife inhabit the bushland adjacent to Cabbage Tree Road. A number of these animals are considered threatened or vulnerable as the study well notes. The koala, in particular is especially vulnerable. With increased urban development and industry encroaching on native bushland, more and more koalas are losing their native habitat in the Port Stephens Council area.
The Cabbage Tree Road bushland is well known as a koala habitat and koalas are regularly sited in both the bushland and adjacent private properties. Fires in 2013 destroyed much of the koalas local food supply and affected their population numbers. The destruction of an additional 53.9 ha of valuable koala habitat will threaten even further this wonderful but innocent Aussie icon.
A wildlife corridor is proposed within the quarry area, but is grossly insufficient. There are no wildlife corridors running north/south in Areas A & B. So one wonders how the wildlife will get from the bushland to the north of the quarry site to the unmined areas between Areas A & B and the unmined area on the northern side of Cabbage Tree Road. It would seem the planners do not appreciate or realise not all animals are equipped with wings.

i object strongly to the proposed Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry development due to the following points:

I have recently moved to this address to enjoy the rural setting and clean fresh air with my young seven year old daughter and my husband. My daughter suffers from asthma and i am very concerned about the health impacts that sand mining will cause such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses.
As the mother of a young daughter i am also concerned with the extra traffic the sand mine will create on an already very heavy used roadway with a proposed extra 140 truck movements a day.
My other concern is the clearing of 53.9 hectares of vegetation and that the sand mine will clear important habitat for the koalas of Port Stephens.
The sand mine is also going to be located within the groundwater catchment area that supplies the area and surrounds.
The sand mine will also be located within the Red Zone where the groundwater is already contaminated by toxic chemicals from the RAAF base and the impact it may have on the spread of the contamination has not yet been assessed.
Also there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement, therefore the application is invalid.
Also another major concern that i have is the impact the sand mine is going to have on my quality of life with dust, heavy traffic and noise from the mine and hours of operation.
the devaluation of my property is also an issue for my family and our financial future.

I am making a submission for numerous reasons
If Bruce Mackenzie cared for local community he would not be putting in more sand mines , our poor community has been through enough and continues to go through stresses from contamination, air noise, Bruce Mackenzie polluting, dumping waste.

*We need to think about the koalas and other native animals. They will loose their habitat And die.

*There is enough pollution happing in our community, there are young children, families and the elderly in this local area. This will put the communities Health on the line.

*Bruce Mackenzie has already got enough trucks on the roads, at all different times in the early hours, noise - road pollution.

*Currently it is known that the area Bruce Mackenzie is trying to put in his new sand mine is contaminated from the RAAF , PFOS and PFOS And who knows what other contaminates there is from RAAF and their run off.

Please stop and think about our community , this is wrong.
And someone should fire Bruce Mackenzie , he is no mayor , role model, a decent person.

My name is Bronte Gorfine. I am 4 years old and I play right next to where they want to put the sand mine. I don't like it and my horse spot does not like it.

I'm a resident at Williamtown and lived there for the last five years, my profession is a metallurgist and was enjoying my retirement at my property, unitl the added stress of a proposed sand mine and now the RAAF base contamination, plus the possibility of the CSG at the rear of the property and being labeled in the 'RED ZONE' It has in no uncertain terms, created stress for my family. My property is also home to our miniature horse stud and are also concerned about the horses with the increase in traffic noise and possible increase in future surface water should the mine proceed.

I feel that the poor condition of the road and the proposed entrance site to the mine so close to residences will cause even more danger to myself, my family, visitors and neighbors, turning in and out of our driveways. At present the level of traffic and road visibility is extremely poor and dangerous. Only last Saturday we assisted in pulling a pantec truck out of the ditch outside my property. It was a very near collision as I was trying to turn into my own driveway. This is becoming a more regular occurrence up and down this stretch of road. This is certainly not a position to put anyone in let along the elderly. This road Cabbage Tree Road is a narrow road with the current and potential traffic it has to carry, with a series of shallow 'S' bends which together with the tree coverage on some of the bends reduce the visibility by up to 50%, making it dangerous for the current 90km/h speed limit. I still don't understand why this road is a 90km/h limit when all other surrounding roads are 80km/h or less, especially with the significant population of this area and dense housing that surround the road and proposed site.

I strongly oppose this state significant development and have being in active financial member of the Williamtown and Surrounds Residents Action Group Inc.

Below are more in-depth and further reasons as to my opposition to the proposal.

In 2014, Port Stephens Council controversially awarded a contract for quarrying of 4.6 million tonnes of sand over 15 years at 398 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown. It would remove critical Koala habitat and other at risk species, will destroy the quality of life of our family and local residents, and would add hundreds of heavy truck movements to an already overloaded and unsuitable carriageway within a 90km/h zone. The risk of sand dust silicosis is real and threatens the health of our community and their children. The removal of 54 hectares of vegetation would see a major disruption to the sensitive charge and discharge rates of the tomago sandbed aquifer - the trees effectively act as `pumps' to the aquifer, regulating the entire ecosystem. The removal of that vegetation and flattening of the land would remove a critical mitigating buffer zone to the RAAF base and its activities directly to the North and North East of the proposed site. All of this for a quarry supplying a product which is not in short supply, is readily available at the 5 other sand mines already located within 10km of the proposed site, employing a measly 3 to 5 people with any royalties going back to the council for their use and disposal and not necessarily to the rate payers.

Finally, the proposed site now sits directly in the middle of a declared `red zone' contamination area. An area governed by strict precautionary and cautionary principles dictated by NSW EPA and NSW Chief Scientist, Professor, Maryanne O'Kane. The proponents have failed to take any of this into account in their submission.

The means must justify the end and the unknown and known significant risks to this significant environment can only be avoided by refusing this proposal. We reserve all our rights and entitlements against the NSW Department of Planning and any decision makers in relation to any future loss or damages (including future health claims) as a result of the proposed sand mine should the proposal be approved.













Environmental Impacts -

Koalas

The Port Stephens area is an important population for the Koala, at a state and federal level. This is recognised by the federal Department of the Environment and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. The proposal will wipe out preferred Koala Habitat, a total of 10 koalas were found on site as noted in the EIS, this area is imperative to the survival and interbreeding of the population.

There is no formal offset or offset calculations using the NSW Bio banking calculator have been included. 

Water

There are unknown effects to the Tomago sand beds. The native vegetation acts as the main stabiliser of the water table, removing the vegetation and flattening the dunes will cause a natural increase in the water table. A characteristic that in the current situation and the Red Zone is not acceptable. Once the natural undulation is flattened, this will cause further drainage problems affecting nearby properties, if and when we have the next rain deluge.

Historically the previous mining on the site for Routille and Zircon the RZM mine, was shut down in the early 90's, this is due to the operation bringing up arsenic and heavy metals to the water table, Hunter water and residents bore supply.


Other Environmental

* Water dependant ecosystem
* A significant impact is likely to occur on another species and the study area is likely to support an important population of the squirrel glider
* No assessment of cumulative impacts in the local area (required in DGRs) on Koalas or loss of bushland and habitat
* There are no north-south wildlife corridors to allow wildlife to move between all unmined areas, only a token east west corridor along sparsely vegetated ground.
* There will be no rehabilitation of the land, just spread mulch and let natural seed revegetate the site


Visual impacts -

The EIS has stated that there will be limited visual impacts on residents; however the properties next door and residents who live on higher elevations will overlook the operations of the mine. Which has currently been a picturesque bush landscape?

Noise Impacts -

Noise impacts will be of the operation, truck movements and possible changes to airport noises once the natural hills are taken away. There will be an increase of everyday noise for the surrounding residents, there will be the noise of the everyday operation of the sand mine, including the times of operation including and not limited to transportation and loading 5am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 4pm Saturdays.

On either side of the proposed sand mine entrance there are 25 entrances to homes, all of which will be negatively impacted by the proposed changes to Cabbage Tree Road and the entrance to the site. All of these homes will suffer with increased noise of trucks accelerating and decelerating in and out of the site from 5am.

When the natural sound buffer of the sand hills is taken away there will be an increase in nosie of the airport and RAAF base operations, this could result in the RAAF needing to re-evaluate the noise mapping.

Traffic and access impacts -

There are 25 homes within 500 meters of the site entrance, Cabbage Tree Road is a 90km road and already incredibly dangerous for residents safely turning in and out of properties. At present residents are already limited with exit strategies to escape an accident if other motorists are overtaking or do not see a car slowing down to turn into a driveway.


Air Quality/ health -

With any mine or quarry operation there is a risk of increased dust and diesel emissions. We know that dust travels as per Dr Van Steenis, Visit to the Hunter Valley: Urgent Reform of Coal Industry Operating standards; Children living 1.5km from a coal mine have 33%risk of Asthma, at 3km the risk is 22% and at 5km it is 12%. The quarry will be as close as 20 meters to a resident's boundary. The product that will be mined is classed as high grade silica sand; there is a real risk of not only silicosis but also other related respiratory diseases, Asthma, COPD and chronic rhinitis.

The airborne particle/dust study seems to be flawed. It was carried out with a wind speed of 3.1 m/s whereas we are regularly subjected to winds >70kmh i.e. >20m/s. Real established risk of sand dust silicosis was dismissed in the report, which is of great concern to all surrounding residents


Socio Economic -

It was suggested that that local residents keep a diary of significant dust, traffic and other events that effect us, why should the onus be on us, given the back ground of the tender process and the company involved, how Can we trust their use of the operation and adherence to proper policy and procedure with regards to the safe guarding of the community. Why should we have to bring non compliance to their attention? These areas should not be monitored via a complaint system, these things should be addresses and mitigated beforehand....

Maximum of 6 staff employed

Aboriginal and Cultural heritage

One site was noted as significant, where they found 66 objects, it was noted that this area had no historically value in teh EIS.


What we want the Department of Planning to do?
Knock back the inappropriate development
There are five other sand mines in the area; we do not need another one in an inappropriate location.
In the event it is approved, strict monitoring AS WELL AS PROACTIVE MEASURES PUT IN PLACE to address issues of drainage, water table levels, dust, noise as well as a buffer of 200 meters from any property boundary must be implemented to protect the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life we currently enjoy. As the proposal currently stands, parts of the mine encroach within 20 meters of some properties, this is not acceptable for local families. In addition, proper barriers by way of 5 meter high soil walls or proper acoustic fences are to be erected on the perimeter of the site. A height of 5 meters is necessary to ensure the bulk of the noise from the site is captured taking into account types of heavy equipment and vehicles proposed to be used. Proper shielding of light from any machinery and buildings must also be sufficiently diffused so as not to impede on the local resident's and their homes. This will ensure the aesthetic, acoustic and general privacy of local residents is maintained or at least preserved to some extent.

I'm a resident at Williamtown and lived there for the last five years, I am a mother and grand mother and was enjoying my retirement at my property, until the added stress of a proposed sand mine and now the RAAF base contamination, plus the possibility of the CSG at the rear of the property and being labeled in the 'RED ZONE' It has in no uncertain terms, created stress for my family. My property is also home to our miniature horse stud and are also concerned about the horses with the increase in traffic noise and possible increase in future surface water should the mine proceed.

I feel that the poor condition of the road and the proposed entrance site to the mine so close to residences will cause even more danger to myself, my family, visitors and neighbors, turning in and out of our driveways. At present the level of traffic and road visibility is extremely poor and dangerous. Only last Saturday we assisted in pulling a pantec truck out of the ditch outside my property. It was a very near collision as I was trying to turn into my own driveway. This is becoming a more regular occurrence up and down this stretch of road. This is certainly not a position to put anyone in let along the elderly. This road Cabbage Tree Road is a narrow road with the current and potential traffic it has to carry, with a series of shallow 'S' bends which together with the tree coverage on some of the bends reduce the visibility by up to 50%, making it dangerous for the current 90km/h speed limit. I still don't understand why this road is a 90km/h limit when all other surrounding roads are 80km/h or less, especially with the significant population of this area and dense housing that surround the road and proposed site.

I strongly oppose this state significant development and have being in active financial member of the Williamtown and Surrounds Residents Action Group Inc.

Below are more in-depth and further reasons as to my opposition to the proposal.

In 2014, Port Stephens Council controversially awarded a contract for quarrying of 4.6 million tonnes of sand over 15 years at 398 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown. It would remove critical Koala habitat and other at risk species, will destroy the quality of life of our family and local residents, and would add hundreds of heavy truck movements to an already overloaded and unsuitable carriageway within a 90km/h zone. The risk of sand dust silicosis is real and threatens the health of our community and their children. The removal of 54 hectares of vegetation would see a major disruption to the sensitive charge and discharge rates of the tomago sandbed aquifer - the trees effectively act as `pumps' to the aquifer, regulating the entire ecosystem. The removal of that vegetation and flattening of the land would remove a critical mitigating buffer zone to the RAAF base and its activities directly to the North and North East of the proposed site. All of this for a quarry supplying a product which is not in short supply, is readily available at the 5 other sand mines already located within 10km of the proposed site, employing a measly 3 to 5 people with any royalties going back to the council for their use and disposal and not necessarily to the rate payers.

Finally, the proposed site now sits directly in the middle of a declared `red zone' contamination area. An area governed by strict precautionary and cautionary principles dictated by NSW EPA and NSW Chief Scientist, Professor, Maryanne O'Kane. The proponents have failed to take any of this into account in their submission.

The means must justify the end and the unknown and known significant risks to this significant environment can only be avoided by refusing this proposal. We reserve all our rights and entitlements against the NSW Department of Planning and any decision makers in relation to any future loss or damages (including future health claims) as a result of the proposed sand mine should the proposal be approved.













Environmental Impacts -

Koalas

The Port Stephens area is an important population for the Koala, at a state and federal level. This is recognised by the federal Department of the Environment and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. The proposal will wipe out preferred Koala Habitat, a total of 10 koalas were found on site as noted in the EIS, this area is imperative to the survival and interbreeding of the population.

There is no formal offset or offset calculations using the NSW Bio banking calculator have been included. 

Water

There are unknown effects to the Tomago sand beds. The native vegetation acts as the main stabiliser of the water table, removing the vegetation and flattening the dunes will cause a natural increase in the water table. A characteristic that in the current situation and the Red Zone is not acceptable. Once the natural undulation is flattened, this will cause further drainage problems affecting nearby properties, if and when we have the next rain deluge.

Historically the previous mining on the site for Routille and Zircon the RZM mine, was shut down in the early 90's, this is due to the operation bringing up arsenic and heavy metals to the water table, Hunter water and residents bore supply.


Other Environmental

* Water dependant ecosystem
* A significant impact is likely to occur on another species and the study area is likely to support an important population of the squirrel glider
* No assessment of cumulative impacts in the local area (required in DGRs) on Koalas or loss of bushland and habitat
* There are no north-south wildlife corridors to allow wildlife to move between all unmined areas, only a token east west corridor along sparsely vegetated ground.
* There will be no rehabilitation of the land, just spread mulch and let natural seed revegetate the site


Visual impacts -

The EIS has stated that there will be limited visual impacts on residents; however the properties next door and residents who live on higher elevations will overlook the operations of the mine. Which has currently been a picturesque bush landscape?

Noise Impacts -

Noise impacts will be of the operation, truck movements and possible changes to airport noises once the natural hills are taken away. There will be an increase of everyday noise for the surrounding residents, there will be the noise of the everyday operation of the sand mine, including the times of operation including and not limited to transportation and loading 5am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 4pm Saturdays.

On either side of the proposed sand mine entrance there are 25 entrances to homes, all of which will be negatively impacted by the proposed changes to Cabbage Tree Road and the entrance to the site. All of these homes will suffer with increased noise of trucks accelerating and decelerating in and out of the site from 5am.

When the natural sound buffer of the sand hills is taken away there will be an increase in nosie of the airport and RAAF base operations, this could result in the RAAF needing to re-evaluate the noise mapping.

Traffic and access impacts -

There are 25 homes within 500 meters of the site entrance, Cabbage Tree Road is a 90km road and already incredibly dangerous for residents safely turning in and out of properties. At present residents are already limited with exit strategies to escape an accident if other motorists are overtaking or do not see a car slowing down to turn into a driveway.


Air Quality/ health -

With any mine or quarry operation there is a risk of increased dust and diesel emissions. We know that dust travels as per Dr Van Steenis, Visit to the Hunter Valley: Urgent Reform of Coal Industry Operating standards; Children living 1.5km from a coal mine have 33%risk of Asthma, at 3km the risk is 22% and at 5km it is 12%. The quarry will be as close as 20 meters to a resident's boundary. The product that will be mined is classed as high grade silica sand; there is a real risk of not only silicosis but also other related respiratory diseases, Asthma, COPD and chronic rhinitis.

The airborne particle/dust study seems to be flawed. It was carried out with a wind speed of 3.1 m/s whereas we are regularly subjected to winds >70kmh i.e. >20m/s. Real established risk of sand dust silicosis was dismissed in the report, which is of great concern to all surrounding residents


Socio Economic -

It was suggested that that local residents keep a diary of significant dust, traffic and other events that effect us, why should the onus be on us, given the back ground of the tender process and the company involved, how Can we trust their use of the operation and adherence to proper policy and procedure with regards to the safe guarding of the community. Why should we have to bring non compliance to their attention? These areas should not be monitored via a complaint system, these things should be addresses and mitigated beforehand....

Maximum of 6 staff employed

Aboriginal and Cultural heritage

One site was noted as significant, where they found 66 objects, it was noted that this area had no historically value in teh EIS.


What we want the Department of Planning to do?
Knock back the inappropriate development
There are five other sand mines in the area; we do not need another one in an inappropriate location.
In the event it is approved, strict monitoring AS WELL AS PROACTIVE MEASURES PUT IN PLACE to address issues of drainage, water table levels, dust, noise as well as a buffer of 200 meters from any property boundary must be implemented to protect the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life we currently enjoy. As the proposal currently stands, parts of the mine encroach within 20 meters of some properties, this is not acceptable for local families. In addition, proper barriers by way of 5 meter high soil walls or proper acoustic fences are to be erected on the perimeter of the site. A height of 5 meters is necessary to ensure the bulk of the noise from the site is captured taking into account types of heavy equipment and vehicles proposed to be used. Proper shielding of light from any machinery and buildings must also be sufficiently diffused so as not to impede on the local resident's and their homes. This will ensure the aesthetic, acoustic and general privacy of local residents is maintained or at least preserved to some extent.

I'm part time resident at Williamtown where my parents have lived there for the last five years.
My main concern formost was the quality of life my parents once had untill all the added stress of a proposed sand mine and now the RAAF base contamination, plus the possibility of the CSG at the rear of the property and being labeled in the 'RED ZONE' It has in no uncertain terms, created stress for my family. Their property is also home to their miniature horse stud and are also concerned about the horses with the increase in traffic noise and possible increase in future surface water should the mine proceed.

The current poor road situation has become a critical and dangerous matter, their is an inevitability that there will be deaths on this road if changes are not made now, let alone the impact of this insane proposal by Council. I do not wish this for anyone, let alone my parents who are very capable and aware but still in their senior years.

I feel that the poor condition of the road and the proposed entrance site to the mine so close to residences will cause even more danger to myself, my family, visitors and neighbors, turning in and out of our driveways. At present the level of traffic and road visibility is extremely poor and dangerous. Only last Saturday they were involved in pulling a pantec truck out of the ditch outside my property. It was a very near collision as they were trying to turn into their own driveway. This is becoming a more regular occurrence up and down this stretch of road. This is certainly not a position to put anyone in let along the elderly. Why is it that Cabbage Tree Road is a poor condition narrow road, with the current and potential traffic it has to carry due to the density of existing residents and in a 90km zone, with a series of shallow 'S' bends which together with the tree coverage on some of the bends reduce the visibility by up to 50%, making it dangerous, and now this proposal on top too?

I strongly oppose this state significant development and have being in active financial member of the Williamtown and Surrounds Residents Action Group Inc.

Below are more in-depth and further reasons as to my opposition to the proposal.

In 2014, Port Stephens Council controversially awarded a contract for quarrying of 4.6 million tonnes of sand over 15 years at 398 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown. It would remove critical Koala habitat and other at risk species, will destroy the quality of life of our family and local residents, and would add hundreds of heavy truck movements to an already overloaded and unsuitable carriageway within a 90km/h zone. The risk of sand dust silicosis is real and threatens the health of our community and their children. The removal of 54 hectares of vegetation would see a major disruption to the sensitive charge and discharge rates of the tomago sandbed aquifer - the trees effectively act as `pumps' to the aquifer, regulating the entire ecosystem. The removal of that vegetation and flattening of the land would remove a critical mitigating buffer zone to the RAAF base and its activities directly to the North and North East of the proposed site. All of this for a quarry supplying a product which is not in short supply, is readily available at the 5 other sand mines already located within 10km of the proposed site, employing a measly 3 to 5 people with any royalties going back to the council for their use and disposal and not necessarily to the rate payers.

Finally, the proposed site now sits directly in the middle of a declared `red zone' contamination area. An area governed by strict precautionary and cautionary principles dictated by NSW EPA and NSW Chief Scientist, Professor, Maryanne O'Kane. The proponents have failed to take any of this into account in their submission.

The means must justify the end and the unknown and known significant risks to this significant environment can only be avoided by refusing this proposal. We reserve all our rights and entitlements against the NSW Department of Planning and any decision makers in relation to any future loss or damages (including future health claims) as a result of the proposed sand mine should the proposal be approved.













Environmental Impacts -

Koalas

The Port Stephens area is an important population for the Koala, at a state and federal level. This is recognised by the federal Department of the Environment and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. The proposal will wipe out preferred Koala Habitat, a total of 10 koalas were found on site as noted in the EIS, this area is imperative to the survival and interbreeding of the population.

There is no formal offset or offset calculations using the NSW Bio banking calculator have been included. 

Water

There are unknown effects to the Tomago sand beds. The native vegetation acts as the main stabiliser of the water table, removing the vegetation and flattening the dunes will cause a natural increase in the water table. A characteristic that in the current situation and the Red Zone is not acceptable. Once the natural undulation is flattened, this will cause further drainage problems affecting nearby properties, if and when we have the next rain deluge.

Historically the previous mining on the site for Routille and Zircon the RZM mine, was shut down in the early 90's, this is due to the operation bringing up arsenic and heavy metals to the water table, Hunter water and residents bore supply.


Other Environmental

* Water dependant ecosystem
* A significant impact is likely to occur on another species and the study area is likely to support an important population of the squirrel glider
* No assessment of cumulative impacts in the local area (required in DGRs) on Koalas or loss of bushland and habitat
* There are no north-south wildlife corridors to allow wildlife to move between all unmined areas, only a token east west corridor along sparsely vegetated ground.
* There will be no rehabilitation of the land, just spread mulch and let natural seed revegetate the site


Visual impacts -

The EIS has stated that there will be limited visual impacts on residents; however the properties next door and residents who live on higher elevations will overlook the operations of the mine. Which has currently been a picturesque bush landscape?

Noise Impacts -

Noise impacts will be of the operation, truck movements and possible changes to airport noises once the natural hills are taken away. There will be an increase of everyday noise for the surrounding residents, there will be the noise of the everyday operation of the sand mine, including the times of operation including and not limited to transportation and loading 5am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 4pm Saturdays.

On either side of the proposed sand mine entrance there are 25 entrances to homes, all of which will be negatively impacted by the proposed changes to Cabbage Tree Road and the entrance to the site. All of these homes will suffer with increased noise of trucks accelerating and decelerating in and out of the site from 5am.

When the natural sound buffer of the sand hills is taken away there will be an increase in nosie of the airport and RAAF base operations, this could result in the RAAF needing to re-evaluate the noise mapping.

Traffic and access impacts -

There are 25 homes within 500 meters of the site entrance, Cabbage Tree Road is a 90km road and already incredibly dangerous for residents safely turning in and out of properties. At present residents are already limited with exit strategies to escape an accident if other motorists are overtaking or do not see a car slowing down to turn into a driveway.


Air Quality/ health -

With any mine or quarry operation there is a risk of increased dust and diesel emissions. We know that dust travels as per Dr Van Steenis, Visit to the Hunter Valley: Urgent Reform of Coal Industry Operating standards; Children living 1.5km from a coal mine have 33%risk of Asthma, at 3km the risk is 22% and at 5km it is 12%. The quarry will be as close as 20 meters to a resident's boundary. The product that will be mined is classed as high grade silica sand; there is a real risk of not only silicosis but also other related respiratory diseases, Asthma, COPD and chronic rhinitis.

The airborne particle/dust study seems to be flawed. It was carried out with a wind speed of 3.1 m/s whereas we are regularly subjected to winds >70kmh i.e. >20m/s. Real established risk of sand dust silicosis was dismissed in the report, which is of great concern to all surrounding residents


Socio Economic -

It was suggested that that local residents keep a diary of significant dust, traffic and other events that effect us, why should the onus be on us, given the back ground of the tender process and the company involved, how Can we trust their use of the operation and adherence to proper policy and procedure with regards to the safe guarding of the community. Why should we have to bring non compliance to their attention? These areas should not be monitored via a complaint system, these things should be addresses and mitigated beforehand....

Maximum of 6 staff employed

Aboriginal and Cultural heritage

One site was noted as significant, where they found 66 objects, it was noted that this area had no historically value in teh EIS.


What we want the Department of Planning to do?
Knock back the inappropriate development
There are five other sand mines in the area; we do not need another one in an inappropriate location.
In the event it is approved, strict monitoring AS WELL AS PROACTIVE MEASURES PUT IN PLACE to address issues of drainage, water table levels, dust, noise as well as a buffer of 200 meters from any property boundary must be implemented to protect the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life we currently enjoy. As the proposal currently stands, parts of the mine encroach within 20 meters of some properties, this is not acceptable for local families. In addition, proper barriers by way of 5 meter high soil walls or proper acoustic fences are to be erected on the perimeter of the site. A height of 5 meters is necessary to ensure the bulk of the noise from the site is captured taking into account types of heavy equipment and vehicles proposed to be used. Proper shielding of light from any machinery and buildings must also be sufficiently diffused so as not to impede on the local resident's and their homes. This will ensure the aesthetic, acoustic and general privacy of local residents is maintained or at least preserved to some extent.

We are currently, through no fault of our own, in a rotten financial position because we have a 1.5 acre property with two houses and a hefty mortgage, but with a zero value. Unfortunatley, due to the contamination from the nearby Defence Airstrip, the property is worth nothing. Banks are refusing valuations and will not use properties as security. We do not want any activity in the local area, such as the proposed sand mine, to interfere with underground water flow and potentially worsen the contamination problem. The emotional impact on the local residents that are currently trying to cope with the contamination issue is unacceptable. The mine should not go ahead, at least until the contamination issue has been resolved and compensation has been paid. The mine should also be moved away from residents so that it does not impact on their lives in any way.

To whom it may concern,

i wish to strongly oppose the expansion of Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry.

the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala

the sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter

the sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed

there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid

there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses

and the sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day.

You must support the local residents and Koala and wildlife population by refusing this sand mine application.

Sincerely,
Sharon Healey

I feel it is important to keep areas such as this, an area that wildlife can continue to safely thrive in. It is too late once multiple areas have been approved for mining or housing and the animals living there have had to move out, sometimes finding somewhere else to live or being killed on roads that have become busier or where never there before.

These areas where they find their food and are safe to live, are diminishing with the approval of new subdivisions, housing and major roads expanding into their territories.

It seems that even though environmental studies are being done, all the information does not come to light in the period the studies are being conducted. With the result of many species being displaced or coming to an extinction level, when their habitat is compromised or they cannot get sufficient water, because dams or creek beds that they use, have been covered by housing or in this case the areas that they live in, have been given over to increased mining and use of large machinery which scares them away.

Please think about the future. Don't wait until it is too late, when we look back in hindsight and realise we should have done something about it when we had the chance.

When our fauna & flora is endangered due to greed, so a few can become richer, to the detriment of many, we really need to look at the big picture and ask "Is it worth it". Can we do with what we already have, including housing and in this case, sand mining.

Please save our Fauna & Flora and especially our Koalas, before it is too late!

Being a concerned citizen and a dedicated conservationist I feel it is my duty to put forward my views on this totally undesirable development. Not only is the environment at risk, but the health and well-being of the local citizens.
To simply, it would be totally crazy to continue with this plan.
My objections to this proposal are:
* The ongoing toxic chemical threat from the Williamtown RAAF Base. Removal of the sand from the site would most likely raise the water table and spread the problem even further. It is in the middle of the declared "Red Zone" of health concerns.
* The removal of 54 hectares of vegetation would see a major disruption to the sensitive charge and discharge rates of the Tomago sandbed aquifer, with three trees playing an important role in the entire ecosystem.
* The survival of the remaining koala population is imperative. Destroying their environment for the sake of a monetary gain for greedy developers, including the council, is totally obscene.
* Air quality: With any mine or quarry operation there is a risk of increased dust and diesel emissions. The risk of airborne diseases must be taken into account.
* Noise and road danger: This proposal would put hundreds of heavy truck movements onto an already overloaded and unsuitable roadway. This would be a burden and indeed a huge danger for the residents, especially in the 90km zone.
* Visual impact: Please consider the nearby residents.
* Approval with conditions: Such decisions have proved useless in the past. Putting "strict" conditions on a development never seem to work - excuse my cynicism. A slap on the wrist never works and the guarantee of breaking the conditions is more likely than unlikely because there is money at stake.
Finally, the bottom line is common sense. Approving an application in this location at this time is absolute folly. The safety risks to residents, to the environment, the vegetation and the koalas is too great.
Please reject this proposal as an inappropriate development for the reasons discussed above.

I would like to register my opposition to the proposed new sand quarry for the following reasons:
1. there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid
2. the sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala
3. the sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter
4. the sand mine is located within the 'Red Zone' where groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals from the Williamtown RAAF base and the impact a sand mine in this area may have on the spread of contamination has not been assessed
5. there are serious health impacts from sand mining such as silicosis and other respiratory illnesses
6. the sand mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day.

I am totally against the sand mine on Cabbage Tree Road. Myself and 2 children have lived on Cabbage Tree Road for just over 3 years and find the traffic "bad enough" without the addition of hundreds more truck movements.
Further it is my understanding that the Government had previously declared the area a green zone for koalas many years ago and so now I cannot understand how this can be forgotten about so easily by a seemingly corrupt local mayor. Our koalas should not have their rights dismissed so easily given their already fragile numbers.
I also understand that a previous rutile mine in the vicinity poisoned one of our sand bed aquifers with arsenic. With the contamination already an issue, how can this help?
And finally I believe that there will be increased dust and health risks as well as more noise pollution from the airport and RAAF base with the removal of all the trees and vegetation which creates a buffer. Who would have thought that something so obviously wrong could be even considered. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster since I moved here with seemingly little support. Once again I implore you, please say No to the Sandmine on my Road