Eagleton Quarry Project

Please note that all references made by the proponents of The Eagleton Quarry project in regards to the Eagleton Ridge Respite Centre Pty Ltd in the Scoping Letter Amendment are OUT OF DATE and INACCURATE for that business name.The current business name which was registered in 12/03/2019 is EAGLETON RIDGE DISABILITY SERVICES.( ERDS) This name change reflects the fact that we are no longer JUST providing respite and temporary accommodation to our disabled clients.ERDS now provides the following services.
SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (RESPITE)
PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION clients live permanently in supported independent living (SIL) Houses.
DAY ACTIVITIES SERVICE.
OVERSEAS AND LOCAL HOLIDAY TRAVEL SERVICE fully supported by ERDS Staff.
Currently ERDS employs 80 staff and utilises 22 contracting services.There are 3 SIL Houses,a day activity centre and a Respite house all located in Raymond Terrace.
100 SIX MILE RD PROPERTY: This 10 hectare property located within 1000metres of the proposed Eagleton Quarry is an essential and strategic hub of ERDS.There are 2 SIL UNITS where 6 high support clients live permanently and are supported by 24 staff rotating on 8 hour shifts per day 365 days per year.The disabled clients have a range of disabilities including Autism where anything out of the ordinary including sudden noise and vibration can cause behavioral issues especially due to the STARTLE REFLEX which when triggered can cause injury to both staff and client.
This property also is home to farm animals where the ONSITE residents as well as the OFFSITE residents in Raymond Terrace INTERACT with and help look after.
This property also has living quarters for staff,office for General Manager and office for staff co-ordinator.
This property also has an onsite specially designed outdoor entertainment complex with Spa unit.This entertainment complex is used for MOVIE NIGHTS,DISCO NIGHTS and ARTS and CRAFT DAYS.It can handle up to 80 people undercover.This entertainment complex is one of the UNIQUE FEATURES ERDS is proud of and is a SOCIAL AREA for our disabled clients,their carers,our staff and other people from outside our organization.
Our Maintenance staff are also centered here with appropriate warehousing and workshop facilities.
BORAL QUARRY ITALIA ROAD
We were advised some months ago by Boral that they were applying for consent to operate their quarry on a 24/7 basis as well as extend the mining life by increasing the size of the pit and create new benches.They have been very consultative with ERDS and also proactive by sending 2 representatives from their consultants EMM on different occassions to visit our Six Mile Rd facility and also agreeing to place a noise logger at my request on our property at Six Mile Rd.The logger was placed on the property on the 16/06 /23 and removed on the 1/07/23.I asked for access to the data over the 3 weeks the logger was recording.I have been provided with the data and can now compare readings with those proffered by the Eagleton Quarry using their sound technician SPECTRUM ACOUSTICS.In conclusion,Boral have been very proactive in establishing a relationship with ERDS regarding due diligence and care on their behalf.BORAL HAVE BEEN PROACTIVE AND LIASE DIRECTLY WITH ERDS.UNFORTUNATELY THE SAME CANNOT BE SAID OF THE PROPONENTS OF THE EAGLETON QUARRY.
EAGLETON QUARRY PROJECT.
In the time this project has been on the horizon 2016 to current date NO REPRESENTATIVES HAVE CONTACTED ERDS.THERE HAS BEEN NO DUE DILIGENCE DONE ACCURATELY BY EAGLETON QUARRY WITH REGARDS TO ERDS FACILITY IN SIX MILE RD.SINCE 2016-17 UNTIL THE PRESENT,ERDS HAS GROWN IN SIZE AND NOW CONTRIBUTES NOT ONLY TO THE ECONOMY OF THE LOCAL AREA BUT JUST AS IMPORTANTLY TO OUR DISABLED PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR CARERS AND FAMILIES.
THERE IS PURE SPECULATION AND SUPPOSITION ON EAGLETON QUARRY'S BEHALF ON THE PROPOSED IMPACTS THEY SAY THEIR OPERATIONS WILL HAVE ON ERDS FACILITY IN SIX MILE RD.PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXTRACT FROM THE RTS
Economic: Eagleton Ridge Respite Care Facility
If the Eagleton Ridge Respite Care facility was no longer able to operate as a result
of amenity impacts then this would affect the visitors to the facility as well as the
staff working at the facility. 20 submissions were from employees of the Eagleton
Ridge Respite Care facility. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION HERE OF THE 6 HIGH NEEDS PARTICIPANTS WHO LIVE HERE IN THIS FACILITY.THIS IS THEIR HOME.
The Social Impact Review concluded that, the proposed Eagleton Quarry would comply with the relevant amenity and
health based criteria including for air quality, noise and traffic, and as such it would have minimal impact on the social
values of the local area including on the local community, and the staff and visitors of the Eagleton Ridge Respite
facility. Notwithstanding this, whilst the assessed individual impacts may not be significant (such as dust, noise, traffic
etc) in that they do not exceed specified assessment criteria, taken together the community considers that they will
degrade the local rural character of the locality. These social impacts that therefore likely to occur, and specific
mitigation and management measures has been identified as required to be implemented. Further, it is
acknowledged that visitors to the Eagleton Ridge Respite Centre may be more susceptible to the sudden loud noise
associated with blasting. It is however noted that visitors to the Eagleton Ridge Respite Centre are occasional (rather
than permanent occupiers), and that operational Eagleton blasting will take place at a rate of no more than 1 blast per
day, and generally will only require approximately 1 blast per month, and neighbours would be forewarned.
" IT IS HOWEVER NOTED THAT VISITORS TO THE ERRC ARE OCCASIONAL RATHER THAN PERMANENT OCCUPIERS" THIS STATEMENT GOES TO PROVE THE IGNORANCE DISPLAYED HERE BY THE PROPONENT OF THIS QUARRY IN REGARDS TO THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF OUR FACILITY IN SIX MILE RD.
" IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT VISITORS TO THE ERRC MAY BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE SUDDEN LOUD NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH BLASTING". WHAT ABOUT THE 6 HIGH NEEDS PARTICIPANTS WHO LIVE HERE AT THIS FACILITY????????
CONCLUSION
WE ARE MOST CONCERNED THAT THE PROPONENTS OF THE EAGLETON QUARRY HAVE A TOTAL LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF ERDS OPERATIONS AT SIX MILE RD.THEY SHOW NO INTEREST IN PROPER DUE DILIGENCE AND THE IMPACTS THAT THEIR QUARRY COULD HAVE ON ERDS AS A REGISTERED PROVIDER UNDER THE NDIS.
THE ISSUE OF DUST PARTICULENTS EMMITTED FROM THE PROPOSED QUARRY IS ALSO OF CONCERN SINCE ALL POTABLE WATER ONSITE IS TANKWATER AND COLLECTED FROM THE SUBSTANTIAL ROOF AREA AT THE FACILITY.
THE ISSUE OF NOISE AND VIBRATION EMMITTED FROM THE PROPOSED QUARRY HAS A REAL PROBABILITY OF AFFECTING THE VIABILITY OF OUR FACILITY AT SIX MILE RD.IF OUR FACILITY WAS COMPROMISED IN ITS OPERATION BY THE ACTIVITIES OF THIS PROPOSED QUARRY AT SOME POINT IN TIME,6 CLIENTS LIVING AT THIS CENTRE WOULD BE FORCED TO FIND A NEW HOME.THIS WOULD BE A LOGISTICAL NIGHTMARE.NOT TO MENTION THE STAFF INVOLVED AND THEIR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT.
WOULD THE PROPONENTS OF THIS QUARRY PAY FOR THE POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF OUR FACILITY SHOULD IT BE REQUIRED IF AT SOME POINT IN TIME THEIR OPERATIONS WERE PROVING TO BE AN ISSUE FOR ERDS? CAN THIS BE MADE A CONDITION OF CONSENT?
ERDS CONTEND THAT OUR SUBMISSIONS MADE PRIOR TO THIS ( 03/03 2017) REMAIN JUST AS RELEVANT TODAY AS THEY DID THEN.
NSW PLANNING BACK IN 2016-17 SENT 2 REPRESENTATIVES TO VISIT OUR FACILITY AT SIX MILE RD.THERE WOULD BE A RECORD OF THIS WE ASSUME.SINCE THAT TIME THE FACILITY AND ERDS HAS GROWN IN SIZE AND ALSO SERVES A BIGGER CLIENT BASE.WE ARE ALSO NOW A RECOGNIZED PROVIDER WITH THE NDIS.
SHOULD PLANNING WISH TO SEND REPRESENTATION OUT TO OUR FACILITY IN SIX MILE RD AND ALSO OUR OTHER FACILITIES IN RAYMOND TERRACE WE WOULD BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO SHOW YOU OUR OPERATIONS AND DISCUSS OUR CONCERNS RE THE EAGLETON QUARRY.
KIND RGDS VINCE AND BELINDA FURLONGER.

The proposal for Eagleton Quarry should not be approved due to failure to address, or inadequate information provided, to alleviate the many serious community concerns raised in this submission:
• Cumulative and Combined Impact concerns
• Flawed project justifications
• Not Meeting the Hunter Regional Plan’s Environmental objectives and goals
• The proposed clearance of koala habitat is based on outdated survey data
• Impact on existing and future wildlife corridors
• The importance of habitat connectivity for koala survival
• Increased heavy vehicle traffic and its impacts
• Air pollution concerns
• Impact on water resources
• Impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage
• Inadequate Offset and Stewardship schemes
• Not meeting the Environmental goals of the Hunter Regional Plan.

see attached

Attached is the submission from VOWW.

Views on this project are expressed in the attached PDF document.

Objection detailed in attached letter

Refer to attached PDF and Word Files

I oppose the proposed Eagleton Ridge quarry, my opposition to Eagleton Ridge quarry stems from genuine concerns about the well-being of the community and the environment. From the early morning noise to the loss of precious habitat, my opposition to Eagleton Ridge Quarry has been driven by a desire to protect the well-being of the community and the environment.
One of my primary concerns is the noise generated by the quarry, starting as early as 5:00 am from which time trucks can load. As a resident living close to the existing Eagleton quarry, I know first-hand how this disturbs sleep and daily activities; trucks will arrive prior to the 5:00am start time and wait outside the site until opening time as happens at the Eagleton quarry site. The constant rumble of heavy machinery and the twice monthly blasting sounds will disrupt the tranquillity of my neighbourhood; the 2017 study by the developers listed the ‘peace and quiet’ of living in Eagleton aa a primary reason for living there The question arises - should residents have to sacrifice their peaceful mornings for the sake of the quarry's operations? The answer is simple - no. The quarry should be obligated to implement hours of operation that align with community expectation, which would not be from 5:00 am to 10:00 PM on weekdays and until 4:00pm on Saturdays. According to the provided information, the extraction and processing activities at Eagleton quarry are scheduled to take place from 7 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 7 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. However, sales activities, which are separate from extraction and processing, have extended hours. Sales activities are permitted from 5 am to 10 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays with the following caveat: ‘Please note that these operating hours are specific to Eagleton quarry and may be subject to change’. Does that mean extraction/processing and/or sales can be extended? Noise impact from a jaw crusher, cone crusher, screens, vertical shaft impact crusher and blasting on residents from 7:00am for 30 years.?
Another prominent concern is the heavy truck movement associated with the Eagleton Ridge quarry. Based on the information provided, it is stated that approximately 85 sales trucks are dispatched per day, resulting in approximately 170 truck movements (in/out) daily. Additionally, the site receives regular truck deliveries for fuel and other supplies, with up to 10 deliveries per week or an average of two per day. The constant stream of these vehicles will not only contribute to increased traffic congestion alongside other quarries in the area but also poses a risk to other road users. I also query the directive that requires trucks to turn left at the Pacific Highway, travel north and turn to head south. Who will be enforcing this? How will it be enforced that trucks do not turn left from the quarry and travel along Six Mile Road where the restriction does not apply?
Dust is a serious concern associated with quarrying operations. The Eagleton Ridge quarry would undoubtedly contribute to the generation of dust particles, which can pose various health risks, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The inhalation of quarry dust can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues, leading to respiratory discomfort, coughing, and potential long-term damage to lung function. Moreover, the dust particles can settle on nearby residential properties, affecting their aesthetic appeal and potentially impacting property values.
In addition to the health hazards, the dust generated by the quarry would also have adverse environmental consequences. The settling of dust on vegetation can impair plant growth and pollute water bodies, negatively impacting local ecosystems.
I am also concerned about light pollution in the area. Eagleton has no street lighting and, as such, has no light pollution. Given the proposed hours of operation and the lighting that is proposed 24/7, I must object to this in that it will interfere with the ambience of the area. Light pollution would have negative consequences for the nocturnal and diurnal wildlife at Eagleton, including owls, tawny frogmouths, macropods, gliders and echidnas that all roam at night and have done so in that area in darkness, free from light pollution.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the Eagleton Ridge Quarry is the potential loss of wildlife. The biodiversity assessment report states that : ‘This assessment determined that a total of 26 threatened fauna species and eight EPBC Act-listed migratory species were likely to, or could potentially, be impacted by the proposed development.’ This is not acceptable.
This includes two fauna species: Koala and Southern Myotis. Southern Myotises (fishing bats) are vulnerable to destruction of roost sites in caves by mining,(Australian Museum). Koalas, already considered a vulnerable species, heavily rely on their habitat for survival. The destruction of their natural habitat due to the quarry's operations could have devastating consequences for this iconic Australian animal.
What impact does the quarry have on koalas, and other wildlife? The continuous noise, dust, and destruction caused by quarry operations disrupt their natural behaviour, such as feeding, breeding, and nesting. The loss of trees and vegetation, often cleared to make way for the quarry, leaves wildlife vulnerable and without essential resources.
Apart from the direct threat to wildlife, the Eagleton Ridge quarry poses a broader risk to the environment and its delicate balance. The excavation and mining processes involved in quarry operations contribute to soil erosion, degradation of water quality, and disturbance of the natural landscape.
If approved, how will the quarry affect the ecosystem? The quarry's disruption of the natural landscape, including the removal of vegetation and topsoil, can lead to increased erosion. Sediment runoff into nearby waterways can harm aquatic ecosystems, reducing water quality and affecting the native species that rely on these habitats. Furthermore, the excavation process may disturb underground water tables, affecting the availability of water for both wildlife and nearby communities.
What are the long-term consequences? The long-term consequences of the Eagleton Ridge quarry can be devastating. The loss of vegetation, including the destruction of the hill, and the disruption of natural ecosystems can lead to a decline in biodiversity, with ripple effects on the entire ecosystem. Plants and animals that depend on these habitats may be forced to relocate or face extinction, resulting in a loss of ecological balance.
Conclusion
The opposition to the Eagleton Ridge Quarry stems from the serious threats it poses to wildlife, and the broader environmental impact it will have on the ecosystem. The destruction of habitat and disturbance caused by the quarry's operation can have long-term consequences that extend far beyond the immediate area. It is crucial to prioritise the preservation and protection of our natural heritage, ensuring the survival of our wildlife and the integrity of our environment.

SUBMISSION REGARDING THE AMENDED APPLICATION FOR EAGLETON QUARRY (APPLICATION # SSD-7332) – 13 Barleigh Ranch Way Eagleton

TRANSPORT AND TRUCK MOVEMENTS

It is the cumulative effect of 4 quarries within 10 minutes of each other that is not taken into account in the original and this Amended Application.

Eagleton Quarry’s truck movements plus ARDG’s Stone Quarry’s 344 truck movements per day COMBINED with Boral’s East Seaham Quarry’s current and future movements in relation to its application to extend its operations TOGETHER with the truck movements from Hanson’s Brandy Hill Quarry (when it has business north of Raymond Terrace or Seaham Road is closed) will cause congestion; noise and pollution from diesel particulate.

To get the trucks of 4 quarries (Boral’s East Seaham, ARDG’s Stone Ridge, Hanson’s Brandy Hill and Eagleton Quarry) off Italia Road and the Pacific Highway there should be a freight only rail spur line installed between Hexham and East Seaham.

If the rail siding was south of Italia Road then it would be easily accessible for Eagleton Quarry and ARDG could build a flyover over Italia Road for access.

The Government owns land from Hexham to East Seaham adjacent to the Pacific Highway which could be used for this purpose. The spur line could operate similar to the rail freight lines to and from the coal mines in the Hunter.

There is spare rail freight capacity into Sydney even more so when the Brisbane to Melbourne inland rail project is finished. Transport of quarry products in and around Newcastle and surrounding areas could be from Hexham which is designated an industry hub.

With the 4 quarries having a life of 30 or more years and making billions of dollars the cost of a spur line is affordable (especially as the land should not have to be purchased).

A bridge over the river at Hexham would be costly but such costs were paid for road intersections and flyovers by other extractive industries south of Sydney so they could get their licences as well as the coal mines in the Hunter. A bridge for a rail freight line has lesser structural/ engineering requirements than a public transport line.

Italia Road is classified a local road by Port Stephens Council. As noted on the Port Stephens Council’s website 2022-2023 “the current safety hazards evident on Italia Road:
- Pavement has deteriorated beyond normal maintenance
- lack or no shoulder width along Italia Road with trees lining the pavement
- current road width approximately 3m travel lanes
- table drains within close proximity of road edge and section with steep batters.”

Council is spending $550k to upgrade the central part of Italia Road. Italia Road is not meant for the traffic it is experiencing now or in the future. It is not fit for the purpose of either heavy truck movements or emergency access to the Pacific Highway for local residents.

From the entrances of Eagleton’s 13 Barleigh Ranch Way; Booral’s East Seaham Quarry and ARDG’s Stone Ridge Quarry there should be a four-lane road to allow local residents to move freely on this section of Italia Road and residents should not be stuck travelling behind slow moving trucks which can lead to dangerous driving trying to overtake trucks and cracked windscreens from gravel spilling from trucks. Trucks should have designated lanes.

Quarry trucks should not travel west along Italia Road and this includes those of Hanson’s Brandy Hill Quarry which travel in both directions.

BOORAL’S EAST SEAHAM QUARRY

Booral’s plan to extract 2Mtpa equates to +400 truck movements per day. This combined with ARDG’s 344 truck movements per day together with Hanson’s Brandy Hill Quarry truck movements and local truck traffic and the proposed Eagleton Quarry’s truck movements could see +1,000 truck movements per day on Italia Road which is designated a local road. A rail freight line is preferred.


LOCAL FLOODING AND ROAD CLOSURES

Eagleton Quarry has not considered that in 2007; 2015; 2016; 2021 and 2022 all roads to access Raymond Terrace and Maitland/ East Maitland except Italia Road were closed due to flooding. All roads but Italia Road were affected by major river systems in flood and low-lying topography. In 2015 the roads were closed for 6 days. It was longer in 2007.

According to Pt Stephens Council in July 2022 local roads were closed with water ingress on 10th July 2022 as follows:

“Road Closures
Newline road Eagleton
Six Mile Road Eagleton
High Street Hinton
Old Punt Road Hinton
Seaham Road Seaham
Newline Road Seaham
Clarence Town Road Woodville
Italia Road OPEN”

And this was just ‘minor’ flooding of the Hunter, Williams and Paterson Rivers impacting the low-lying areas of Raymond Terrace, Seaham, Wallalong, Hinton and surrounding areas.

Again, flooding in March 2021 with flood waters impacting the same low-lying areas and Italian Road being the only road open.

On 6th January 2016 the Port Stephens Hunter Police District published:

“Seaham Road closed
Newline Road Raymond Terrace closed
High Street Hinton closed
Clarence Town Road closed
Italia Road open”
In 2007; 2015; 2016; 2021 and 2022 the residents of East Seaham; Seaham; Brandy Hill; Wallalong; Butterwick; Woodville; Dunns Creek and Glen Oak PLUS trucks from Hanson’s Brandy Hill Quarry and Booral’s East Seaham Quarry were all trying to access the Pacific Highway from Italia Road. The cumulative traffic of two quarries; local residents; local emergency services; Council workers and two local plant hire businesses and the associated road safety was extremely bad.

Italia Road is the link to Seaham from the Pacific Highway to Seaham for those wishing to access local communities. When roads are closed Italia Road is the only way to access the Pacific Highway for residents to attend appointments; seek medical assistance; get to supermarkets and hardware stores; go to work, etc.
There will be more meteorological events resulting in flooding. The Hunter is prone to severe east coast lows.

When local roads are closed ALL truck movements from ALL quarries using Italia Road should cease for the duration of any road closures due to flooding or other emergencies such as fire and this should be a requirement of their Licence to operate.

HOURS OF OPERATION
There has to be a balance between the needs of industry and the needs of local residents for peace and harmony. 24 X 7 or even 24 X 5 operations are not conducive to the health of the community.
For quarries to operate within daylight hours is fair and reasonable. That’s 10 hours (Winter) -12 hours (Summer) X 5 or 6 days per week, daylight hours only. This should apply to the Eagleton Quarry; ARDG’s Stone Ridge; and Boral’s East Seaham. Brandy Hill Quarry has restricted operating hours.

The cumulative effect of all three quarries operating beyond daylight hours, especially the noise of truck loading and crushing/screening, would be intolerable especially during enhanced meteorological conditions. ALL quarries should operate within daylight hours.

In regards to the amendment of the development I wish to advised that I still oppose the original application for all the reasons stated in my original submission and strongly object to the time of 0500 hours for sales to begin. The Quarry is close to residential homes and noise from ballast or rock sales will be intrusive to these homes thus sleep disturbance will affect residents, even the noise of machinery should be mitigated with the use of low frequency reversing quackers.
I wish to clarify as to which document the amendment is being sought for approval as the Ethos Urban revised scoping letter dated 27th June 2023 under 1.2 Right of carriageway states that the new carriageway is to be constructed of 2, 150mm layers with top layer to be cement stabilized. But the Ethos Urban scoping letter dated 27th September 2022 states that under proposed amendments Eagleton Rock Syndicate remain committed to maintenance including pavement / tar sealing to minimize dust emissions from the use of right of way by quarry trucks.
Yes carriageway should be sealed.
We believe that quarry proposal has not outlined the accumulative amounts of vegetation to be removed in the area to support wildlife considering the Boral Quarry extension plans as well as the proposed Stoney Ridge Quarry and how it will affect wildlife connectivity as part of the Raymond Terrace to Wallaroo wildlife corridor .
It should also be noted that Eagleton Rock Syndicate has had minimal communication and consultation with immediate neighbor's and general community.

My family and I share a boundary to the proposed quarry and it's operations on our family farm. Our family and fellow farm resident's are constantly experiencing the continual and quickly growing issues traffic flow, noise, dust, and impacts on native habitat of flora and fauna due to Port Stephens Councils continual approval of ridiculous developments by wealthy applicants.
We are now confronted with this proposal to shoehorn another quarry alongside Boral quarry, (with planned expansion),MG Car Club, MX Central, Hunter Valley paintball, and now a ridiculous car track with no noise impact infrastructure to protect neighbouring properties in Circuit Italia.
The current quarry truck flow both within our area, including entry and exit to the Pacific Highway from both Italia Rd and Six Mile Rd is highly dangerous and difficult to navigate as we stand, soon to be compounded with the Boral quarry expansion.
Alongside this, we endure the motorsport noise impacts which will now be compounded further.
We are bewildered as to the reasoning behind these development approvals. How many more un-needed projects is Port Stephens council willing to approve at the peril of safety of residents and families in traffic movements, entry to the Pacific Highway, existing residents safety, businesses, lifestyles.
Our neighbours at Eagleton Respite Centre whom have been in operation for 20 years provide disability support, family respite, short term accommodation for the disabled, along with nursing and family support. How will they maintain the ability to provide a safety and care to their high need patients and their families if this development gains approval.
We have a tight knit community that is at the peril of greedy development.
Eagleton quarry is an unwelcome and unnecessary further burden on the residents of our community. As outlined, our community and residents have already been forced to deal with compounding development approvals of unsuitable applications within our rural community, which have impacted our lives and the value of our properties we have worked so hard for.
Myself, and my fellow residents cannot understand what value this development can possibly add to our local community, our native flora and fauna, our wellbeing, safety and lifestyles we have worked so hard for.
Please consider our concerns,
Thank you

Submission objecting to the project is attached.