Dunmore Lakes Quarry (Mod 2)

see uploaded file

I am a professional Botanist and work in the ecological restoration and
bush regeneration industry. I object to the new encroachments into the
forested areas as proposed. See my comments attached.

I am concerned that not enough consultation, planning or scientific
investigation has been undertaken for the proposal. My understanding
is that 4.35 ha of ecologically endangered Bangalay Sand Forest will
be removed. This represents irreversible damage to a valuable
ecosystem which our generation has no right to plunder for our short
term gain at the expense of future residents of this area. The result
may be catastrophic for the entire Minnamurra estuary system and I ask
the DOP to terminate the current assessment process and open this to
public comment and scrutiny.

The proposed modifications have potential to make a major impact on the
region - both positive and negative. My main concerns which I think
should be addressed prior to any approval are:
1) There has been a significant increase in dust and grit at our home
and going forward it would be good if there was real time monitoring
of the dust in the area so that any dust could be correctly attributed
to the right source (Shellharbour recycling centre, Kiama Resources
centre, Albion Park bypass, hard rock quarry, VENOM deposition etc)
and appropriate dust mitigation rectification undertaken. The current
dust monitoring method - whilst meeting the standard - is very
outdated and only provides a 3 month lagged result.
2) The extraction of a porous material (sand) and the replacement of
this with a much less porous material (ie VENOM fill from Sydney) and
the subsequent impact of this on the Minnamurra River wetlands /
ground water needs to be investigated and impacts clearly identified.
3) The significant increase of heavy truck movements when rectifying
the site, with the associated noise and dust. The entry ramp of trucks
onto the highway from the current Dunmore quarry site highlights this
- with the road surface being very dusty.

If approved this will have major ramifications for the biophysical
environment along with the built environment. The mining of this
finite resource in the short term ( 2-5 years depending upon market
demand) in such an environmentally sensitive area will have major long
term impacts whose cost will be borne by the community and the
environment in the long term.

I object to the proposal of the two additional extraction areas
(Stages 5a and 5b)
My reasons are as follows:
The proposal appears to be a prohibited development
This is under Shellharbour Councils LEP 2013. The land is zoned RU2 -
Rural Landscape. This zoning does not appear to permit extractive
industries. The objectives of the zone are incompatible with Sand
Mining. Sand Mining does not fit within the specified objectives of
the zone" encouraging sustainable primary industry and the maintenance
of he rural landscape character of the land"

2. Biodiversity impacts
This proposal lies within the NSW Coastal Management Zone for the
Minnamurra River . This area includes critical habitats and species
typical for the region. There is a risk of increased impacts from the
presence of acid sulphate soil in the area. There is concern over the
impact on the ground water and surface water (particularly the
Minnamurra River) and increased risk of impacts from the Minnamurra
land fill site due to the location of the site.

3. Value of the amenity of Minnamurra River
The Minnamurra River is very important for locals and visitors to
enjoy its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This is not only
important socially but economically with many visitors using the area
for recreation. This is likely to bring much more value to the
community than a short term commercial mine site that will benefit
relatively few individuals for commercial gain.


In summary, this proposal represents a significant ecological risk
that is likely to have a considerable negative impact on the
biodiversity of the area and should not be permitted to happen for
short term commercial gain.

That Council:

1) Advise the Department of Planning of our 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.
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.

It's just not okay!!!

I would like to advise the Department of Planning of my strong opposition
to Modification 2 for the following reasons:

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.

There are concerns about noise and dust pollution to the residents of
The Village (part of Minnamurra, off Riverside Drive), located within
500 metres of Area 5A.

There are concerns 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.

The community has not been provided access to Area 5B to allow
evaluation of the impacts of the proposed Modification.

I suggest that 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.

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

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.

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

I wish to object to the sand mining because:
1. The massive increase in traffic along Riverside Drive
2. The trucks turning into the site will block my line of sight of
southbound traffic when coming out of my drive. The turn is already
hazardous owing to a blind spot in the south
3. The impact of the hydrology of the area in particular the
contaminated water flowing from the tip into the area being mined and
back which could have a major impact on both the Minnamurra River and
Rocklow Creek
4. The area is subject to flooding when heavy rain combines with a
king tide. This could also lead to an adverse impact on the Minnamurra
River.
5. The removing of old growth Bangalay with nesting hollows. These
trees take over 100 years to regrow nesting hollows as they are slow
growing. This is also endangered vegetation. There is also a Sea Eagle
nesting in the area which would be impacted.
6. The impact on the fauna in the region. The survey undertaken by
Niche was not done over an extended period so full knowledge of what
is in the area is not known.
7. I am concerned about the impact of the noise and dust on my
peaceful enjoyment of my home.

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposal by a Boral
subsidiary Dunmore Sand and Cement to establish two additional sand
extraction pits, 5a and 5b, close to the pristine Minnamurra River,
which is a major environmental and recreational asset for the area. My
concern is for the following reasons:
1: The proposed 5b pit is on the flood plain close to the river. I
have lived in the area for over 40 years and seen some massive floods
sweep across the valley floor. Future floods would pose a high risk of
massive amounts of sand and other debris from the pit being deposited
in the river.
2: The 5b pit in particular would see the destruction of trees and
other vegetation in areas listed as endangered ecological communities.
3: The excessive depth of the prosed extraction at 5b (27 metres)
would create a massive body of water that would have a negative impact
on the surrounding water table.

That Council:

1) Advise the Department of Planning of our 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.
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.

I object to the Dunmore Lakes Sand Extraction Project as it will have a
significant negative impact on both the physical environment as well
as the traffic congestion to the area.

The mining of this resource will have major long term impacts on the
environment. Not only will this proposal image the local vegetation,
int will also have impacts on the habitat of several types of owl,
bats and sea eagle.

This proposal will see a huge increase in truck movements from 160
loads to 270 loads per day. Not only will tis result in more
congestion, but cold also have the potential for more frequent car
accidents.

For these reasons, I believe that the application t should be
rejected.

Please stop destroying the environment

Dunmore Lakes Sand Extraction
DA 195-8-2004 Mod 2

As a Minnamurra resident I object to this proposal, the reasons why I
object are explained below-

1. The Minnamurra River Estuary is a very beautiful & environmentally
sensitive river estuary area & is protected by State & Federal
legislation. This river scape is important to all the residents in
this area who see themselves as custodians of our river.
Pit 5B & 5A are far too close to the river & it's floodplain not to
have a devastating effect on vegetation, the river itself & the water
table.
Mature Bangalay trees hundreds of years old & Old Man Banksia trees
will be cleared, no offsets can ever compensate for these mature
trees.
There is real danger that toxins from the tip & gasses from digging 27
metres deep will be released into the river & water table.
2. Owls & kestrels have the trees in Pit 5B as their home. Most
significantly there is the nest of a White Belly Sea Eagle, every
afternoon we watch this majestic eagle fly over Minnamurra to the
river mouth & then home to its nest. These beautiful birds will be
displaced & put at risk.
3. We must show more respect for the sacredness of the Minnamurra
River Estuary. This special place is full of Aboriginal History from
thousands of years. As well as the intangible spiritually there has
been found over a thousand Aboriginal artefacts & undoubtedly there
are many burials in the sand & tree hollows in this sacred place.
As a Minnamurra resident I will be totally devastated to not see this
pristine area taken care of & irreparably damaged by allowing sand
mining to be approved.

I wish to object to this modification on the grounds that:
1. Given the scale and relative locations of the expansion to the
Minnamurra Wetlands and river, this sensitive area warrants
examination as a new development in its own right.
2.My objection is based on my personal observations of the
environmental impact on wetlands and river generally over the past 31
years. The overall area is approx 2 sq km, of which a large proportion
will be sand mine. In this same area we have the Shellharbour Waste
Depot and the Kiama Council
Recycling Centre. The existing mined sand area acts as a natural
filtering system for impurities such as dairy farms runoff in the
Jamberoo river area, land fill leaching from two Council Refuge
Centres and the A1 motorway runoff seeping into the sensitive wetland
area of the Minnamurra River.

I am a residence in Jamberoo and frequently visit Minnamurra river. Its
is the hub of the community and it would be very destructive for the
community. As a local we love the river and at least once a month we
kayak from Swamp Rd to Minnamurra's river mouth this is something that
we have been doing for over 25 years.

Please do not allow Boral to go ahead with these sand mines on our
most precious asset.

Regards a very concerned local.

Sand mining affects the viability of future generations of humans to live
in the Illawarra. Our lake depends on the reserves of sand along our
coastline. We cannot mine this sand any more.

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)

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.

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.

Offer a guided site tour in conjunction with the proponents to Kiama
and Shellharbour councillors and staff and interested community group
representatives

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.

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

How can this even be considered when it poses a threat through
contamination to the unsullied waters and fish breeding areas of
Minnamurra River. Local fauna & flora would be put at risk by
destroying the ecoligically endangered Bangalay Sand Forest. This
would also cause major congestion to the main thoroughfare for
Minnamurra, Gainsborough & Kiama Downs. There are heavy fines for
anyone removing a Mangrove Tree so how can the planning department
consider allowing this to proceed.

You only have to read many articles like those in
http://coastalcare.org/?s=australia+sand+mining
to know we cant allow this to continue.