Dunmore Lakes Quarry (Mod 2)

As I live on the River, I am very worried about the mining going close to
and disturbing the old rubbish tip and leaching into the river, which
is used by hundreds of people in their leisure time.

The environmental concerns are significant.

Minnamurra River is ecologically sensitive.

It is also proposed to completely remove 4.53 hectares of ecologically
endangered Bangalay sand forest, with resulting impact on fauna
sheltering there.

These are grounds for refusing the request.

Please find Submission as Attachment 1.

Note and Declaration: I have not and have never made a donation to any
pollical party. - Graham Pike

I am worried about the effect of sand mining on:
The Minnamurra wetlands,
Aboriginal sites,
Environmental impact on flora and fauna

Can we look at using a recycling system?

Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc., as a community
group representing the residents and ratepayers of Jamberoo village
and valley, would like to make a submission in objection to the
modification request associated with the Dunmore Lakes Sand Extraction
Project DA 195-8-2004 MOD 2. This proposal requests permission to mine
sand in additional extraction areas that are immediately adjacent to
an important part of our municipality.
Our concerns relate to both the environmental impact of the proposal
and the traffic management problems involved.
Environmentally, the section of the Minnamurra River involved is very
sensitive indeed. It contains remnants of vegetation that keep this
part of the river viable in the face of other threats posed within its
catchment area (clearing, farm management, golf courses, etc.). The
vegetation and the habitat that it supports will never recover from
the damage caused by sand extraction done for the purposes of
short-term profit. `Rehabilitation' is an empty promise. A venture
like this should never go ahead without a full environmental impact
assessment of the proposal as it affects the Minnamurra River and its
ecosystem.
The traffic issues will be far-reaching, affecting even those
residents who do not live in the immediate vicinity, but who regularly
use the roads that give us access to the Minnamurra Recycling Depot
and the Gainsborough Sports Oval. These roads simply cannot handle the
increased use associated with the trucking movements involved in this
sand mining proposal.
We strongly feel that this request should be refused.
Roslyn Neilson
Secretary, JVRRA

This is absolute barbarism. In no way can this mine go ahead without
totally destroying local vegetation communities and creating another
eyesore in the Illawarra. Any potential long term tourism for our
beautiful part of the world is being hampered by projects such as this
- what has been done so far is disgusting! All land west of the
freeway should be protected and development severely restricted.

Stage 5 of the Dunmore Lakes extraction project should require a new
development application as it is clearly not part of the existing
mine.
It's location next to the Minamurra River and requiring clearing of
the Bangalay Forest make this proposal unworthy of proceeding.
The Department of Planning should reject the current assessment
process and declare Stage 5 a new proposal. A proper assessment of the
area should be undertaken and access granted to concerned groups.

I wish to state my objection to the modification of the sandmining
project DA 195-8-2004 MOD 2 currently being proposed by Boral
Resources NSW.
Although it is stated that the new areas proposed are adjacent to the
existing project they have considerably different environmental
considerations. These differences are so substantial that the proposed
project should be applied for and assessed in its own right. It is
rightfully not just a modification and it should not be being dealt
with through section 75W of the NSW Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979.
The proximity of the decommissioned Minnamurra tip to Area 5A has not
been sufficiently addressed. Interfering with the aquifer in this
location is very likely to increase the spread of contaminated
groundwater from the old tip site, causing it to travel in unexpected
ways towards neighbouring water bodies, devastating the ecological
communities they support.
The impact on the ecology of Area 5B is significant. Bangalay Sand
Forest is an endangered ecological community with 4.53 Ha of this
community including 12 hollow bearing trees being proposed for
removal. All remaining examples of this community are biodiverse by
necessity and retaining the habitat they provide and the tree hollows
that support breeding birds and animals should be a priority. There is
a particular community pride in the nesting site of sea eagles known
to be in this stand of Bangalay forest.
The alteration in local hydrology that sandmining will generate will
also impact the health of adjacent Bangalay Forest. All of the
ecological impacts of this proposal seem to be inconsistent with the
necessity for coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests to be
protected in their natural state, including their biological diversity
and ecosystem integrity as specified by the Coastal Management Act
2016.
The fact that this proposal does little to protect and doesn't even
propose any offsetting is a big concern to me. Providing habitat boxes
further south is a poor alternative and one that is known not to be
accepted by many species.
I ask that that this project cease being considered as a modification
of an existing activity and that a full investigation is carried out
as a new approval, with intense scrutiny of the impacts of the project
on hydrology and ecology.

The areas proposed in Modification 2 are physically separated from those
considered in the original approval and have a far greater likelihood
of causing environmental impact.
Areas 5A and 5B are both located in very close proximity to the
Minnamurra River, and unlike the existing extraction areas, has the
potential to impact on ecologically important ecosystems such as
Coastal Wetlands and Bangalay Sand Forest, in addition to impacts on
tourism and the scenic amenity that is of very high value to the Kiama
Community.
Area 5A is located opposite Kiama Municipal Council's Waste and
Recycling Depot and sand extraction in that location will potentially
impact upon groundwater hydrology, mobilising contaminated groundwater
with resultant impacts on the adjacent Minnamurra River. This
potential risk has not been sufficiently evaluated.
The proposal appears to be inconsistent with the Objectives in Part 2
Section 6 of the Coastal Management Act 2016 (and the former SEPP 71)
which are as follows:
(a) to protect coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests in their
natural state, including their biological diversity and ecosystem
integrity,

(b) to promote the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded coastal
wetlands and littoral rainforests,

(c) to improve the resilience of coastal wetlands and littoral
rainforests to the impacts of climate change, including opportunities
for migration,

(d) to support the social and cultural values of coastal wetlands and
littoral rainforests,

(e) to promote the objectives of State policies and programs for
wetlands or littoral rainforest management.

The potential impact on Flora and Fauna is likely to be significant
and has not been evaluated sufficiently. Area 5B is surrounded on
three sides by the Minnamurra River and coastal wetland containing
mangrove forests and salt marsh.
Area 5B is very low-lying and council is concerned that the extraction
will impact on natural groundwater and surface water (flood) flows
with resultant impacts on the adjoining coastal wetland ecosystems.
According to the supporting documentation, 56% of Area 5B is made up
of Bangalay Sand Forest vegetation that is classified to be in either
moderate or good condition and it is proposed to remove completely
4.53 hectares of this ecologically endangered forest.
Council is concerned about noise and dust pollution to the residents
of The Village (part of Minnamurra, off Riverside Drive), located
within 500 metres of Area 5A.
Council is concerned that increased heavy vehicle traffic on Riverside
Drive to service area 5A (including proposed backfill at that site)
will add a significant traffic risk on the primary northern access
road to the suburbs of Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Gainsborough and
has not been adequately addressed.
Neither council nor the community has been provided access to Area 5B
to allow evaluation of the impacts of the proposed Modification.
2) Request the Department of Planning terminate the current assessment
process and consider this a new proposal, as Areas 5A and 5B are
distant from the current approved extraction areas and will have a
range of different impacts.

3) Request the Department of Planning, either as part of this (or any
new) proposal, offer a guided site tour in conjunction with the
proponents to Kiama and Shellharbour councillors and staff and
interested community group representatives

4) Amend the Submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Industry
to add the points raised above and include a copy of the council
resolution.

5) Forward a copy of this resolution to Shellharbour Council (and
councillors) for their information as soon as practicable.

(ends)

I am strongly against this proposal as a local community member and wish
to protect our unique and biodiverse landscape not continue to destroy
it. I believe there are better solutions to growing our economy and
jobs for community members and impacting what we have left is not so.
Please see the specific reasons why.

The areas proposed in Modification 2 are physically separated from
those considered in the original approval and have a far greater
likelihood of causing environmental impact.
Areas 5A and 5B are both located in very close proximity to the
Minnamurra River, and unlike the existing extraction areas, has the
potential to impact on ecologically important ecosystems such as
Coastal Wetlands and Bangalay Sand Forest, in addition to impacts on
tourism and the scenic amenity that is of very high value to the Kiama
Community.

Area 5A is located opposite Kiama Municipal Council's Waste and
Recycling Depot and sand extraction in that location will potentially
impact upon groundwater hydrology, mobilising contaminated groundwater
with resultant impacts on the adjacent Minnamurra River. This
potential risk has not been sufficiently evaluated.

The proposal appears to be inconsistent with the Objectives in Part 2
Section 6 of the Coastal Management Act 2016 (and the former SEPP 71)
which are as follows:
(a) to protect coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests in their
natural state, including their biological diversity and ecosystem
integrity,

(b) to promote the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded coastal
wetlands and littoral rainforests,

(c) to improve the resilience of coastal wetlands and littoral
rainforests to the impacts of climate change, including opportunities
for migration,

(d) to support the social and cultural values of coastal wetlands and
littoral rainforests,

(e) to promote the objectives of State policies and programs for
wetlands or littoral rainforest management.

Area 5B is surrounded on three sides by the Minnamurra River and
coastal wetland containing mangrove forests and salt marsh. The area
is very low-lying and council is concerned that the extraction will
impact on natural groundwater and surface water (flood) flows with
resultant impacts on the adjoining coastal wetland ecosystems.

According to the supporting documentation, 56% of Area 5B is made up
of Bangalay Sand Forest vegetation that is classified to be in either
moderate or good condition and it is proposed to remove completely
4.53 hectares of this ecologically endangered forest.

Council is concerned about noise and dust pollution to the residents
of The Village (part of Minnamurra, off Riverside Drive), located
within 500 metres of Area 5A.
Council is concerned that increased heavy vehicle traffic on Riverside
Drive to service area 5A (including proposed backfill at that site)
will add a significant traffic risk on the primary northern access
road to the suburbs of Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Gainsborough and
has not been adequately addressed.
Neither council nor the community has been provided access to Area 5B
to allow evaluation of the impacts of the proposed Modification.

I wish to strongly oppose the planned sandmine on private lands
surrounding Dunmore House.
There are many reasons for my opposition including its affects on the
Minnamurra River system and the ecologically important ecosystems such
as Coastal Wetlands ans Bangalay Sand Forestl and animals that live
there.There are a multitude of other problems including possible
leakage from the Minamurra Recycling centre and its impact on
tourism.This also does not seem to be in keeping with the Coastal
Management Act

The ecological impacts and risks of the proposed development are
significant. Particularly the clearing of ecologically endangered
Bangalay sand forest, which is also critical habitat. More detailed
assessment of the application is required including whether Boral has
fully explored other locations.

Please find attached our submission objecting to this proposal.

I wish to advise the Department of Planning of my strong opposition to
Modification 2 for the reasons set out in the attached submission, and
because:
The areas proposed in Modification 2 are physically separated from
those considered in the original approval and have a far greater
likelihood of causing environmental impact.
Areas 5A and 5B are both located in very close proximity to the
Minnamurra River, and unlike the existing extraction areas, has the
potential to impact on ecologically important ecosystems such as
Coastal Wetlands and Bangalay Sand Forest, in addition to impacts on
tourism and the scenic amenity that is of very high value to the Kiama
Community.
Area 5A is located opposite Kiama Municipal Council's Waste and
Recycling Depot and sand extraction in that location will potentially
impact upon groundwater hydrology, mobilising contaminated groundwater
with resultant impacts on the adjacent Minnamurra River. This
potential risk has not been sufficiently evaluated.
The proposal appears to be inconsistent with the Objectives in Part 2
Section 6 of the Coastal Management Act 2016 (and the former SEPP 71)
which are as follows:
(a) to protect coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests in their
natural state, including their biological diversity and ecosystem
integrity,
(b) to promote the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded coastal
wetlands and littoral rainforests,
(c) to improve the resilience of coastal wetlands and littoral
rainforests to the impacts of climate change, including opportunities
for migration,
(d) to support the social and cultural values of coastal wetlands and
littoral rainforests,
(e) to promote the objectives of State policies and programs for
wetlands or littoral rainforest management.
The potential impact on Flora and Fauna is likely to be significant
and has not been evaluated sufficiently. Area 5B is surrounded on
three sides by the Minnamurra River and coastal wetland containing
mangrove forests and salt marsh.
Area 5B is very low-lying and council is concerned that the extraction
will impact on natural groundwater and surface water (flood) flows
with resultant impacts on the adjoining coastal wetland ecosystems.
According to the supporting documentation, 56% of Area 5B is made up
of Bangalay Sand Forest vegetation that is classified to be in either
moderate or good condition and it is proposed to remove completely
4.53 hectares of this ecologically endangered forest.
Council is concerned about noise and dust pollution to the residents
of The Village (part of Minnamurra, off Riverside Drive), located
within 500 metres of Area 5A.
Council is concerned that increased heavy vehicle traffic on Riverside
Drive to service area 5A (including proposed backfill at that site)
will add a significant traffic risk on the primary northern access
road to the suburbs of Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Gainsborough and
has not been adequately addressed.
Neither council nor the community has been provided access to Area 5B
to allow evaluation of the impacts of the proposed Modification.

I request the Department of Planning terminate the current assessment
process and consider a new proposal, as Areas 5A and 5B are distant
from the current approved extraction areas and will have a range of
different impacts.

I request the Department of Planning, either as part of this (or any
new) proposal, offer a guided site tour in conjunction with the
proponents to Kiama and Shellharbour councillors and staff and
interested community group representatives.

Another example of our ecosystems being treated as secondary to business.

Another example of our ecosystems being treated as secondary to business.

I am a long time resident of Kiama Downs and Minnamurra having lived here
for since 1974, most of my adult life.

I strongly object to the proposal to further mine the area adjacent to
the Minnamurra river and the bringing in of fill to replace the
excavated sand.

The time frame for the submission was also very short.
The lack of informing either Kiama council or Shellharbour council
also seemed rather unfair or deliberate in sliding this submission
under the radar if I can use that term.

The potential negative impact on the wetland appears to have been
overlooked. At best it will be compromised considerably.
This area is very special to me as I often canoe up this quieter reach
of the river and watch the birdlife. Of special interest to me is the
sea eagles that sit high in trees there.

A significant stand of forest will need to be cleared for the large
area being considered in this proposal. This just does not sit well
with me as there has been so much land clearing already. I would hate
to see this special area disturbed. Has the company looked into what
animals/birds would be affected?

The area adjacent to the Minnamurra tip is also an area for concern
with the possible leaching of toxic water from the tip once the water
table is disrupted. Once extraction was to take place ground water
movement would be inevitable.

Traffic management and truck movements would also impinge on the
lifestyle of residents.An estimate of several thousand truck movements
in the area around Dunmore house is not acceptable.

Boral seems to have done away with train movements out of the quarry
on Tabitha road and already the number of trucks here is unacceptable.

Boral have a poor record on dust control at this quarry. I have
already made approaches to the EPA regarding the lack of water
spraying in severe westerly winds.

At least we need to have this whole application looked at by an
independent body as there are too many concerns that have not been
addressed.

Only then can the residents affected and the broader community have
confidence in this proposal.
Peter Lee

I write as a concerned individual, and community advocate, residing in
close proximity to the proposed Dunmore Lakes Extraction Project -
Modification 2, to:

1) Advise the Department of Planning of my strong opposition to
Modification 2 for the reasons set
out in the attached submission, and because:
1.a) The areas proposed in Modification 2 are physically separated
from those considered in the original approval and have a far greater
likelihood of causing environmental impact.
1.b) Areas 5A and 5B are both located in very close proximity to the
Minnamurra River, and unlike the existing extraction areas, has the
potential to impact on ecologically important ecosystems such as
Coastal Wetlands and Bangalay Sand Forest, in addition to impacts on
tourism and the scenic amenity that is of very high value to the Kiama
Community.
1.c) Area 5A is located opposite Kiama Municipal Council's Waste and
Recycling Depot and sand extraction in that location will potentially
impact upon groundwater hydrology, mobilising
contaminated groundwater with resultant impacts on the adjacent
Minnamurra River. This potential risk has not been sufficiently
evaluated.
1.d) The proposal appears to be inconsistent with the Objectives in
Part 2 Section 6 of the Coastal Management Act 2016 (and the former
SEPP 71) which are as follows:
(a) to protect coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests in their
natural state, including
their biological diversity and ecosystem integrity,
(b) to promote the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded coastal
wetlands and
littoral rainforests,
(c) to improve the resilience of coastal wetlands and littoral
rainforests to the impacts of
climate change, including opportunities for migration,
(d) to support the social and cultural values of coastal wetlands and
littoral rainforests,
(e) to promote the objectives of State policies and programs for
wetlands or littoral
rainforest management.
1.e) The potential impact on Flora and Fauna is likely to be
significant and has not been evaluated sufficiently. Area 5B is
surrounded on three sides by the Minnamurra River and
coastal wetland containing mangrove forests and salt marsh.
1.f) Area 5B is very low-lying and i am concerned that the extraction
will impact on natural groundwater and surface water (flood) flows
with resultant impacts on the adjoining coastal
wetland ecosystems.
1.g) According to the supporting documentation, 56% of Area 5B is made
up of Bangalay Sand Forest vegetation that is classified to be in
either moderate or good condition and it is proposed to remove
completely 4.53 hectares of this ecologically endangered forest.
1.h) I am concerned about noise and dust pollution to the residents of
The Village (part of Minnamurra, off Riverside Drive), located within
500 metres of Area 5A.
1.i) I am concerned that increased heavy vehicle traffic on Riverside
Drive to service area 5A (including proposed backfill at that site)
will add a significant traffic risk on the primary northern access
road to the suburbs of Minnamurra, Kiama Downs and Gainsborough and
has not been adequately addressed.
1.j) Neither Kiama council nor the community has been provided access
to Area 5B to allow evaluation of the impacts of the proposed
Modification.

2) Request the Department of Planning terminate the current assessment
process and consider this
a new proposal, as Areas 5A and 5B are distant from the current
approved extraction areas and will have a range of different impacts.

3) Request the Department of Planning, either as part of this (or any
new) proposal, offer a guided site tour in conjunction with the
proponents to Kiama and Shellharbour councillors and staff and
interested community group representatives.

4) Amend the Submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Industry
to add the points raised above.

It seems beyond belief that we would be considering such a proposal,
given the site's sensitive nature and the value of public amenity
derived from the locale, in particular , the Minnamurra River. It is
my understanding that over 4 hectares of Bangalay sand forest would
need to be destroyed should the proposed mine be approved. This
vegetation type is considered endangered, and is uncommon in this
area, providing habitat to organisms that will be unable to
re-establish in another location. It has been suggested that the
benefit to the community would, at best, be 2-5 years of operations,
after which time the limited economic benefit (arguable benefit)
disappears. The damage to the environment will be permanent. The
Minnamurra River is under stress due to the urban encroachment and
agricultural impacts- this river is a major recreational resource that
we cannot afford to have threatened further. I object to this proposal
in the strongest terms.

The proposed mining by Boral will have devastating effects on the fauna
of the area and significantly impact the sensitive Bangalay sand
forest.

The increased traffic of heavy vehicles will also impact the main road
in and out of Minnumurra, Gainsborough and Kiama Downs.

The biggest concern is the proximity of these mining sites to the
pristine waters of the Minnamurra River. The removal of even 1
mangrove tree attracts a $50,000 fine. How then, can any authority
allow this proposal to go ahead with the potential of contamination to
this river whose waters are necessary for the breeding grounds of
different fish species.

Please deny this application. Does no-one look beyond "next week" when
it comes to the decisions made and the impact they potentially have on
the future???