Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry

The proposed Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry should not be approved.
The mine will impact on biodiversity (such as koala habitats and other significant vegetation communities) and alter the hydrology of the immediate area. Subsequent flow effects (quality and quantity) to the wider catchment remain unknown. In recent decades there has been documented reports regarding contaminant export from different landuses in the Tilligerry catchment ranging from feacal contamination, nutrients, hydrocarbons and the PFOS/PFAS. The oyster industry is probably the most recent example of where poor water quality has caused the cessation of harvesting areas in Tilligerry Creek and impacted on the local community. Further urban development within the catchment, the presence of PFOS/PFAS and proposed growth of the RAAF base and surrounds means there is a HIGH LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY in a sensitive catchment at this time.
Dune removal alters flood extents in disturbed areas and changes the way water moves through a catchment. Groundwater recharge and infiltration regimes (and subsequent water levels) are also altered through changes in topography (dune removal) of a catchment. Groundwater "mounds" underneath the existing paleo-dunes in the area and plays a significant role in the shape of an aquifer. Groundwater modelling has never been undertaken in the Williamtown area and only provides further uncertainty.
Uncertainty also lies with the proposed merger between Newcastle and Port Stephens Council and the likelihood of several class-actions against Port Stephens Council/RAAF from the community. The proximity to the Tomago Sand Beds (water supply) and the fact the site is currently in the "red zone" with respect to PFOS/PFAS contamination from the RAAF base. Not to mention the uncertainty experienced by the commercial fisherman..........I could go on!
If the sand mine is approved then any ground/surface water (and the pollutants existing in the catchment at this time) will need to be managed. For example, if the sand mine finds that their groundwater (assuming that is going to be their wash water) is polluted in the future do they then start legal proceedings against Council or the RAAF base? Or does the EPA shut them down for not managing their wash water properly? Detailed groundwater modelling has not been undertaken and until this is known there will be further uncertainty with respect to changes in hydrology, flood extents and export of pollutants within the catchment. Even if there is a business case for this mine there is the larger issue of uncertainty within the Tilligerry catchment that needs to be clarified before any more sand mining approvals in the area.
With all the uncertainty discussed above, and no pathway forward at this time, it would be an insult to the Williamtown community to approve this sand mine under existing conditions.

I am writing to object to the Sand Mine. There are enough sand mines in the area to meet demand. Not only will this add even more noise it will make our road even more dangerous. Along with the fact that this is a contaminated area which we do not know as yet the effects that this contamination has, it will add yet another health risk to the already suffering people who live in the area. Please save our bush and give us residents of Cabbage Tree Road/Williamtown a break, we are already suffering enough. Should this be approved which being in a contamination area would be ludicrous, It should be mandatory for all residential homes to be sound proofed at the expense of the Sand Mine. small compensation, but one I think will be necessary. Thank you

Submission Re : Sand Mining @ Cabbage Tree Road WILLIAMTOWN NSW

My name is Deborah Sketchley. I am opposed to this latest proposed sand mine due to the environmental degradation it will cause.
Firstly, the area will lose its ability to soak up excess moisture from heavy rains once the sands are removed causing extra flooding to adjoining properties. This area is also in the contamination zone for PFOS & PFOA.
The area as it stands acts as a buffer zone against noise from the airbase.
Destroying the topography of the area will cause a domino effect on water, noise, habitat and air pollution.
Excessive truck movements on our local roads, (which are already overloaded) from other sand mines in the area will only create more danger to the public.
Surely there are enough sand mines already in our community without the need to rape another area of its beauty and environmental benefits, for the sake of a few dollars in someone's pocket.
Some years ago, a sand mine in Cabbage Tree Road removed thousands of tonnes of sand and flattened the area. Now that area is subjected to heavy flooding. Along with the flooding waters, the contamination from the RAAF Base is carried further around the area.
In my opinion, to add further assault to this already overburdened, negatively impacted community, will be nothing short of bad planning and a disaster.
Yours Truly,
Deborah Sketchley

My very close friends moved to Cabbage Tree Rd several years ago, and I have visited them on numerous occasions and been struck by the beauty and pristine natural environment of the area. What a great place to raise a family! The sand mine will completely alter this, impacting negatively on wildlife as well as the community, particularly in the destruction of a very important habitat for koalas. It is a very sad day when greed and self-interest is all that seems to matter by the people who should be representing their community as a whole, not just certain members of the council and other parties who will gain financially if this sand mine goes ahead. It is particularly concerning that there is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Surely this invalidates the submission? I would have thought the Port Stephens area should be trying to maintain the beauty and serenity of the natural environment as long term tourism is a far better way of providing employment than short term sand mining which will irrevocably damage the environment and communities, both human and animal.

I can see no sound reason why a sand mine is justified in this sensitive area given its unnecessary impact of the local inhabitants of humans and fauna - particularly the koalas which are losing habitat all over Australia and so increasingly threatened.
In Victoria where I live, a substantial population of koalas which were starving to death in the Otway ranges were moved to an area that has been since destroyed by bushfire. Their safety is vital.134

I believe that all the points raised by affected parties (see below) are extremely valid and with so many question marks about the submission, the mine should not go ahead.
1. The sand mine will clear important habitat for the Port Stephens koala.
2. The sand mine is located within a groundwater catchment that supplies drinking water to the Hunter.
3. 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.
4. There is no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore the application is invalid.
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.

Dear Sir or Madam,

In 2014 Port Stephens Council controversially awarded a contract for quarrying of 4.6 million tonnes of sand over a 15 years at 398 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown NSW 2318.

We believe this operation will impact on us visually, audibly as well as a large increase in heavy traffic movements on our already dangerous road.

The risk of silicosis and other related medical conditions from this sand mine is a real and huge concern for me, my family, friends and neighbours.

We have lived in this area for over 10 years and being in business for over 15 years within the Dust, Fume and Gas Management we understand how fugitive dust will impact our environment and subsequently our health and wellbeing.

Also we have major concerns regarding the disturbance of the already contaminated sand beds from which we currently draw water to feed livestock, and irrigate orchard and vegetable gardens.

Additionally the impact of noise through the mining operation itself, multiple loaded and unloaded vehicle movements from 5am to 6pm on a single lane unsuitable carriage way.

We strongly urge denial of this application as we believe there is no benefit to the community.

We strongly oppose and do not support this application .

Kind regards
Rose and Wayne Brown

I object to this proposal for numerous reasons:
1. It is going to have a devastating impact on local ecosystems, particularly the Port Stephens koala population. Koalas are adorable and anyone who supports the destruction of their habitat is clearly a soulless demon.
2. Ya'll haven't even assessed whether the mine will cock up the Hunter's drinking water supply.
3. The application isn't even legit because there's no offset package described in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
4. Sand mining can have serious health impacts and to force these upon local residents is ludicrous.
5. The mine will create an extra 140 truck movements per day which will negatively impact local resident's quality of life.

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.

The sand mine boundry will be 120mt from our fence line and 20mt from next doors fence line.
Dust and air pollutants from the mine will be a major issue to our health and our livestock. With the contamination in Williamtown, where will the water to hose down the dust from minning come from?
Major increase to trucks entering and exiting onto cabbage tree road between private propertys and across the road from private propertys. Break noise and hazard to all uses of the road.
Our water table sits 1ft below the surface, a single shovel will hit water in 5 minutes, how will the underground water not be contaminated?

Submission Williamtown Sand Syndicate
My name is Shaun Farmer I currently reside 397 Cabbage Tree Road Williamtown, I am writing to you today in response to the proposed sand mine at 398 Cabbage Tree Road Williamtown, at current the proposal has several considerations left out that I believe are critical to the residing residents living in direct vicinity of the proposed site including that of bus stop access, water table levels and air pollution.
At current there are no designated bus stops along Cabbage Tree Road as a result of the closure of Williamtown Public School in 2008 meaning that the only off road sign posted bus stop access along Cabbage tree road was removed, with the closure of the school however did not end the movement of children along the road travelling by bus to and from school. My youngest sister Sahra is currently on of those who catch a bus that drops children off along Cabbage Tree Road. Currently the bus pulls half off the road into the small indentation of bush that forms the entrance to the fire trail at 398 Cabbage Tree Road Williamtown; she is then aided across the road by either her mother or Grandmother who both reside at 397 Cabbage Tree Road. Due to her age (9 Years) I hold concerns with the increase of heavy vehicles on the road and how they will impact the safety of both the ability of the bus to be able to stop and that of my sister being able to safely cross the road.
Air Quality, due to the increase flow in traffic and disturbance of silica particles in the air I have a great concern for my youngest sister who suffers asthma, with the increase in the density of silica in the air around where we live I fear that she will experience difficult of breathing and decrease in general health as she did after the October 2013 bushfires that raged through the bushland across from our premises. As a result of the bushfire she found it extremely hard to breath due to an increase in dust, ash and silica in the air that was blown from the proposed site.
Ground Water has always been a contentious issue for those that live along Cabbage Tree Road; it is used in many residents' everyday lives from irrigating gardens, livestock and nurseries to providing water for business in the form of grey water. My first issue is what form of water the applicant intends to use to mitigate the silica and dust emissions from the site as is mentioned that they will undertake in the Environmental Impact Statement. At current the site is within the "Red Zone" determined by the Environmental Protection Agency, due to the contamination issue arising from RAAF Base Williamtown, I believe that it is unethical seeing the current justification determining the contamination issue is yet to be resolved thus if the applicant were to use ground water they could potentially be damaging the environment furthermore as no testing has been conducted on the site.
My second issue is that if the applicant was to source their water from an offsite location what would the applicant do to reduce the fluxuations in the water table that are a result of increased addition to the water table on-top of what is already naturally occurring? Due to the Applicants proposal to remove current land vegetation to access the sand underneath, there will be a loss in the natural removal of water from the water table that takes place in the form of transpiration. What is the applicant going to do to mitigate the increase in the water table that is caused by the removal of vegetation in order for them to conduct their operation?
I strongly oppose any proposed approval of any form of mining at the site due to the concerns raised above. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns related to this submission.
Regards,
Shaun Farmer
397 Cabbage Tree Road
Williamtown 2318
(02) 49651585

Submission of objection to the proposed Williamtown Sand Syndicate Sand Quarry.
Application No. SSD 6125
My Name is Sahra Garside and I am 9 years old. I live at 397 Cabbage Tree Road Williamtown which is straight across the road from where some people want to dig up sand and take away. I don't think these people should be allowed to do that. It is a very bad idea. I will tell you why.
My school bus stops to let me off at the driveway as it is a-bit safer there and the bus can get off the road a-bit which is safer. I wait there until the road is clear when my Mum tells me (which takes a while) the big trucks fly past and their wind nearly knocks me over. If there is a road made for the big trucks to go in and out there will be no place for me to stand and be safe from either the road traffic or sand trucks.
Also I have asthma which as you might know makes it hard for me to breathe properly, if there is lots of wind and dust in the air I feel sick. Our big hedge stops a lot of the dust in come into our yard. So I hope the sand people don't want to take down our fence and hedge.
When the bushfire burnt all the trees over the road the wind made it very dusty for months and made me sick. If the bush disappears then all we will have is dusty sand in the air all the time. I don't want to get sick.
The bush is the home of many plans, animals and birds. I know because when the bushfire came it destroyed the trees and lots of the animals. My brother went across to the bush and buried as many of the dead animals and bird as he could find. It was very sad. Now some have come back, the galahs, Kookaburras and black cockatoos. The goannas, lizards, echidnas and even some koalas come over the road to our house. If he trees are cut down to dig out the sand all these animals will lose their homes again and die.
Please don't let this happen.

I wish to have an addition to my submission previously completed.
I have done some research into the indigenous inhabitants use of this area prior to European settlement and I have found evidence of their use of this area for hunting and living here.
I was informed that there are culturally significant sites within the original boundaries of the proposed sand mine and that the area was then excluded from the proposal.
Further to this there is actual evidence that the indigenous people also travelled from that site through the proposed area and onto the land I now own.
The actual evidence can be viewed at any time by appointment with myself, however it must only be viewed with a Worimi elder present and in strict confidence as I am the custodian of this artefact and I will not allow any harm to befall it or public exhibition without Worimi consent.

Submission of objection to the proposed Williamtown Sand Syndicate Quarry
Application No: SSD 6125
Hello, my name Is Liam Farmer of 397 Cabbage tree Road, Williamtown. The proposed sand mine lies across from where I live, it will affect the health and wellbeing of both residents and the local ecosystem.
As a Year 12 student from Lambton High both my brother and I have used the area of the proposed sand mine for Biology and Earth and Environmental assignments over the past five years and from these experiences I have personally witnessed the biodiversity of the flora and fauna that inhabit the proposed sand mine. I have observed a small group of Koalas, goannas, various types of snakes, frogs and birds over these years. However after the 2013 Bushfires the majority of wildlife either fled the area or perished. Ever since that event the ecosystem has been in a fragile state of regrowth, with the majority of species returning only significantly in late 2015.
The potential threat of increased dust and noise pollution together with the loss of huge amounts of vegetation presents the possible collapse of the surrounding ecosystem as well as damages to the health and wellbeing of local residents, especially those with asthmas such as my sister. Suffering already from noise pollution from the RAAF base that is set to increase with the introduction of two squadrons comprising 24 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets in 2018, which will triple the noise of the F-18's already present at the RAAF base, more noise pollution from the proposed Sand mine will only further the risk of hearing problems for local residents and increase their exposure to dust and other airborne pollutants
The sand mine which will un-doubtedly include deforestation will add to the already high water levels of the local area, this will increase salinity and bring bore water already contaminated with fire retardant foam that has seeped into the water table over the past twelve years from the RAAF base to the surface. This will further devalue the properties along Cabbage Tree Road as well as its surrounds.
Please decline this Sand mine proposal for the benefit and longevity of both the health and wellbeing of the environment and local residents. Its development poses serious threat to all that inhabit the area no more so than my family and I.
Yours Sincerely,
Liam Nicholas Farmer

My list Of Objections for the sand mine are as follows:-

1. The entrance to my property is approximately 900 metres from the proposed mine. The noise and movement of sand trucks at the moment on Cabbage Tree Road is just about the limit, anymore would be unbearable.

2. Enough Koala habitat has been destroyed already in the Port Stephens area.

3. With the underground water already polluted by fire fighting foam from RAAF Williamtown the clearance of more vegetation
could see a further spread of the contaminants. This alone should be a good enough reason to not allow the mine to proceed .

I am writing to you about our concerns on the proposed Sand Mine on Cabbage Tree Road in Williamtown. My wife and I live and work within 100 metres of where the mine will go.

It has been brought to my attention that the removal of the sand hills will raise the level of the water table. Our home is in a low part of our two acre property and when we get heavy rain the water table rises quickly to within 50mm of flooding our home before it starts to run into the drains. Any rise in the water table will definitely flood our home. We have lived here for 32 years and have never had the water come inside.

As we are also in the `Red Zone' for the RAAF water contamination. We are concerned that any disturbance of the water table may cause contaminants to enter our spear point. At the moment our water tests negative to all contaminants.

Please consider this when making your decision.

Letter of objection to the proposed Williamtown Sand Syndicate quarry Application No. SSD 6125
My Name is Kate Rochester and I strongly oppose the proposal for a sand mine operation at 398 Cabbage Tree Road. I live directly across the road from the site, my family and I will be extremely adversely affected by all aspects of this proposed operation.
I will list my main objections under the following headings:
* Noise
* Pollution
* Safety
Noise
 Road traffic noise has been increasing in both duration and levels due to commercial developments at each end of our road (including the airport). Assuming a one way entry to the proposed site this would greatly increase the number and noise of traffic movements along the road. Empty trucks are nosier then fully loaded and with the use of air brakes etc to enter and leave the site directly opposite my driveway the noise will greatly impact on us.
 Site operational noise - The proposed plan did not indicate the road pathways through the site just the exit. Trucks moving through the site together with the noise created by the operation itself will move directly towards us. The proposed "sound barrier" of 20 metres will be totally ineffective. The bush is a dry scherophyll ie eucalypts with a base of ferns and small shrubs, grevillea, bottlebrush etc. This affords n protection from sound.
 Airport noise - When the bush burnt in October 2013 the sounds from the airport could be heard much more distinctly than previously so removal of the bush for the mines operation will cause the same effect, airport noise is expected to increase with more usage and the proposed F-35 fighter jet been stationed at RAAF Base Williamtown over time without the bush barrier that is currently there noise from this source will be amplified.
Pollution
 Airborne materials - Dust, sand, vegetation particles made airborne due to mining operation itself together with dust created by trucks moving over gravel road must have an adverse effect on air quality. This was noticed after the fires when for months the slightest breeze picked up ash and other debris and carried it over the properties nearby. We are lucky to normally have breezes daily (many from the north east) but not if the breeze carries the wastes from an industrial site. These will cause respiratory problems among the old, very young and those like my granddaughter who are already experiencing breathing problems (asthma).
 Water contamination -This area is already reeling from the RAAF contamination debacle ( the "RED ZONE") Where does the mining company expect to source the water necessary for its operations, its workers etc? Surely not by the use of water trucks? From one of the many bores that appear to be located throughout the site? No the bores maybe contaminated and unusable even to wet down sand. From the Tomago sand bed one of Newcastle's main drink water sources? Any disturbance to the surface must impact on the ground water. At the moment the water table is only 10cm below the surface of our back paddock. The last rainfall caused widespread flooding throughout the properties along Cabbage Tree Road and nearby areas. Although I realise that mining is not allowed below a certain depth but who will be there to monitor this? The mining would not be viable if it had to stop due to rain, flooding of the site, water table levels, contaminated water on the site etc (unfortunately our local farmers and fisherman have been stopped). There will be more water on this site the measured now due to the removal of vegetation. Each eucalypt removes an enormous amount of water from the soil daily. What will happen to this water if not drawn up by the vegetation but to either sit in the denuded area raising the water table and/or flow slowly due to gravitation over to surrounding properties including mine. The problem of water contamination has not been fully explained or solved. More water flowing through from the vicinity of the airport is certainly not going to alleviate the situation.
Safety
Cabbage tree Road has a 90 km/h speed limit. Most assume this is the minimum not maximum allowable speed. The demographic of traffic varies throughout the day. Greater proportion of trucks (empty) prior to 6.00am, smaller commercial trucks, cars, then busses (mainly tourists) throughout the day with large trucks (laden) and of course another influx in the later afternoon.
To access driveways is always a problem. The traffic following does not slow down particularly in line-ups as they simply overtake either side to pass a "slow" vehicle. With our driveway directly opposite to the proposed quarry entry I expect the situation will worsen with trucks entering and leaving, impatient drivers trying to get past the trucks. There have been many incidents and near misses cars and trucks ending up over the road edges etc add to this what would appear to be a second lane and many more trucks in the area and this will be a disaster. Reducing the road speed limit would realistically be a waste of time as the majority of people using this road want to get from one end to the other in the shortest period of time. My granddaughter is one of the children who catch school busses. There are no bus stops. She at the moment uses the entrance to the number 398 property as her bus can patricianly get off the road. With trucks going in and out, nowhere for the bus to stop safely what will she be able to do?
I have read the proposal for this venture and realise that there are many factors and situations that have not been addressed. It concerns me that the company has not fully analysed the effect of imposing as sand quarry in the middle of a semi-rural area. People live here because of its nature which the bus and its unique habitats are a part. The koalas, goannas, frogs, lizards and the variety of birds (whose character brings relied from traffic and airport noise) form an integral part of our lives. To remove bush removes their habitat forever. Covering the remains after rand is removed with grass does not work (ask any ecologist). The people here are trying to cope and overcome the effects of the water contamination issue. We cannot deal with the profoundly negative impact that the introduction of a sand quarry will bring.



Kate Rochester

MEGAN ROCHESTER
397 CABBAGE TREE ROAD
WILLIAMTOWN, NSW 2318

Letter of Objection to the Proposed Williamtown Sand Syndicate Quarry
Application No. SSD6125

Background


My family and I reside across the road from the proposed entrance to the development at 397 Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown. Our residence consists of four adults and three children. We have lived here since 2003 having moved from Salt Ash.

Concerns

We have several concerns in relation to the development proposal. On top of these concerns is the other major problem in our area of the Williamtown RAAF Base Contamination and the fact that we reside within the "red zone". The pressure of not knowing what the final outcomes will be in relation to this issue has just added to an already stressful environment of the possibility of having a sand quarry and out buildings built across the road.


Concern 1 Traffic

Living on a busy (90km limit) road we understand that there are many cars and trucks that pass past our property twenty-four a day. The trucks start well before 5.00am and are still passing (rumbling) by when we retire to bed after 11.00pm. To think that we will possibly be having a large increase of trucks not only entering and exiting but also then going down to the Cabbage Tree Road roundabout to turn around and come back pass our property is mind blowing. As well as the noise there is also the airbrake noise from trucks entering and exiting the proposed development. These noises will be right outside our bedroom windows.

Since moving here we have had to adjust our driving when either entering or exiting our property. We indicate our intention to turn two full properties before. We still have had some very near misses with both cars and trucks.

When travelling east and indicating our intention to turn right, most motorists pass us on the left hand verge of the road, directly in front of the proposed entrance (which is directly in front of our driveway). My concern with a turning lane into the proposed development (appears to be a traffic island separating the main road and the turning lane) is that when we or visitors to our property, slow down, indicating to turn into our driveway the motorists behind us will try to overtake on the left hand verge, realising that they can't there is the possibility of them rear ending our vehicles and push us into oncoming traffic, thus causing a head on collision or pushing us into our post and rail boundary fence. Most overtaking vehicles tend to not even slow down as they overtake.

What will happen when a truck that overshoots the left turn onto the exiting lane from the proposed development and crashes into our boundary fence or worst still causes an accident?

Concern 2 Buses

Since moving here in 2003 I have had my children catch buses to school. My two boys caught the bus to Williamtown Public School from across the road (at the entrance of the proposed development) for several years before its' closure. It was indicated to me at the time of enrolment at the school in 2003 that the verge directly across the road to our property was a known bus stop for school aged children.

I currently have a daughter who attends Raymond Terrace Primary School who catches a school bus home. Her bus drops her off out the front of our property across the road at the entrance to the proposed development. My question is - where is she going to be getting off if the development goes ahead? I know she is not the only school aged child that is dropped off along Cabbage Tree Road. The property two doors down from us also have a school-aged child that is dropped off by the same bus.

Knowing how busy this road is and how hard it is at the present time in waiting for there to be no traffic coming either way before she crosses the road, how is she expected to cross the road and where is she to cross the road? Along with the extra truck movements either way as well. I am highly concerned for her welfare.


Concern 3 Health

My daughter (nine years old) suffers from asthma and has medication to curb any breathing attacks. I am very concerned about dust and sand that will be flying around and blowing across the road to our property. Like most children she enjoys her large rural backyard and plays in it everyday. Why should I have to keep her indoors when the wind is blowing in our direction not to mention the damage that the sand and vegetation will do to both our house and motor vehicles.

I am also concerned about the proposed development using possible contaminated groundwater to wash their sand down and their trucks. If the wind is blowing from the north/east there is also the possibility of the contaminated water blowing onto our property, which already has a contaminated groundwater problem.

Concern 4 Environment

We have always enjoyed the lovely rural atmosphere and have been visited by many native animals. These include several varieties of birds including black cockatoos and wrens, koalas, frogs, blue tongue lizards, possums and goanna. All of these animals have crossed over a busy road from the proposed development site to enter our property. They have been a welcome sight and my children have learnt a lot from their antics. As recent as last year we were visited by a female koala and could hear her male friend's grunts. What will happen to their environment if the proposed development goes ahead?

As well my children have used the area across the road as a resource for their school projects. We have found the area to have a wealth of environmental information with new ecosystems evolving after bushfires and flooding.


Conclusion

We have enjoyed a lovely lifestyle here, with native animals, our own farm animals and show dogs. We already have the Williamtown RAAF Base contamination to worry about and what it will do to our property valuation and our health, to now also have the possibility of a sand mine across the road is totally overwhelming and has created undue stress in our household. I worry about getting into our property, I worry about how my daughter will get off her school bus, what the sand mine may do to her health and how to explain to my children why we will see no more wildlife on our property.

Yours sincerely




Megan Rochester
Resident
397 Cabbage Tree Road
Williamtown, NSW 2318

We do agree to this development, This is a pristine area and should not be touched . The Williamtown area has already been over developed. This mine is to close to residential area being only 1km from our house. We already have contaminated land, noise pollution from the RAAF base and heavy traffic and fallount from the coal loader at kooragang and Tomago Aluminium. This is a high wind area and we will be impacted. We have children that walk to the bus stop at Nelson Bay Road for travel to school they will be walking along the road and crossing the road with many more truck movements created by this project. All my children suffer from athsma and exzcema. When the commercial jets fly over we can smell the kerosine that they are obviously dumping prior to landing. The development will also cause the already high water table to rise further as we are seeing the effects of heavy rain events get worse as it is taking unusually longer to dry out. Coming out and into the driveway of our hoiuse is already very difficult we do not need any more truck movements as they will only be allowed to turn left out of the mine and use the roundabout to head west again this means
every truck leaving the mine will have to drive passed our house twice. Please stop the greed and dismiss this proposal

Mario Ciccanti

SSD 13_6125 - 398 Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry - OBJECTION

I have not made political donations in the past 2 years.

I object to the approval of this sand quarry on a number of grounds.

1. Traffic movement - Safety Concerns - When this proposal is combined with other sand truck movements along Nelson Bay Road and Cabbage Tree Road it represents a serious threat to public safety. We might not live close by. However, we do drive through the area regularly and we do care about safety for other people on a daily basis. Operations during peak hour flow times (as has finally been recognised at the Mackas Sand road) should be restricted.
Of particular concern is the use of the roundabout on corner of Cabbage Tree Road and Nelson Bay Road. With a left in and left out of the site, the trucks, empty or loaded will need to do a turn somewhere. If this is a U turn at that roundabout, it is totally unacceptable. I witnessed in a low traffic flow part of the day a truck do just that and the bank up in that time of vehicles coming from Newcastle astounded me. Imagine peak hour! In addition to McDonalds there is to be a KFC on that corner as well as other future developments. Traffic lights or a roundabout at the quarry site will be essential for public safety. There is a pull off road not far from the corner (recognise there is a bend in the road) If that road could be converted to a turning circle then that might be another opportunity for better safety. At the very least the condition being proposed for Mackas Sand perilous access road further along Nelson Bay Road, for CCTV cameras could provide some reassurance for public concerns if this quarry is approved and could keep the drivers/operators honest.
2. Water Supply - The Tomago Sand Beds is what we draw upon in times of need for our water supply. As if the contamination from the airport wasn't enough, now this proposal threatens our supply if a 1 metre buffer zone is approved. Not enough. At least 2 metres as suggested in Groundwater Management Plan should be the minimum. Recent rainfalls have demonstrated how volatile this area is with flood waters (contaminated!) spreading across wide areas.
3. Threats to Wildlife and Flora - The price we pay for short term gain of a few individuals is a long time wipe out of native species. Is the company kidding that a speed limit so trucks don't hit koalas will work. I don't think so. The red necks who often drive these trucks would rather kill one and avoid it. Port Stephens has a Koala Plan of Management to try to keep what we have. Why on earth would this area be decimated? This is one of those areas which should be kept intact for the future. Where is the biodiversity offset for now? To work this out once they have finished with the site is totally unacceptable to me.
4. Site Rehabilitation - This has very much been in the news of late. What happens if this company goes "belly up" and has nothing in the coffers to rehabilitate the site. They don't care - they have ripped the dollars out already. With such a history to how this company was formed after such a corrupt tender process with a now bankrupt Tinkler company, how can we be reassured that the same won't happen here. At the very least if this is approved, rehabilitation should not be left to the end. As they propose progressively mining, they should be progressively planting trees to replace the ones taken out immediately one site is finished. If this is a 15 year plan for the site, then trees planted progressively will have re-established. Site rehabilitation should be continuous.
5. Eyesore from Cabbage Tree Road and Proximity to Current Houses - I'm not convinced that when driving by this quarry, we won't have a horrible mine to view. This is a main road leading into and out of our beautiful tourism area at Port Stephens. There are enough trashy industrial areas further down Tomago Road. Please leave this end of Cabbage Tree a little bit decent.
6. Economic Benefit? - This is nothing compared to the loss of environment in the longer term. I seriously question just how much "economic benefit" comes from this proposal as well. 6 jobs is peanuts compared to the environmental damage this will cause.

Why too is Castle Quarry Products still listed as the proponent on Planning website - it is a defunct Buildev (Nathan Tinkler) company. He's bankrupt! Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd seems just as dodgey. Why are we wasting taxpayers money on this?


I just cannot believe that this proposal continues to be pushed through when such a cloud hangs over the very site with the contamination issues from the Airport. This is in the "red" zone for goodness sakes.