Mackas Sand Project - Mod 2

I am submitting a request that the residents of Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown also be considered before approval is granted for additional truck movements from Mackas Sand Quarry. To my knowledge there was no community consulatation for residents of the road although they will be adversely affected if more sand trucks use that road. Currently there is extremely heavy use of the road by sand trucks many out of the operating hours currently approved for Mackas trucks. This often results in broken sleep and leads to the question of why sand trucks are on Cabbage Tree Rd at times such as 2 and 3am.At a recent community forum,organised by Port Stephens Local Member Kate Washington, Mr Robert McKenzie was unable to definitively state that his trucks, or those belonging to his customers,were not on the road outside approved times. He claimed that he was requesting the increase in truck movements to allow greater flexibility for drivers and to cut wait times, however surely more trucks mean even longer lines waiting for filling. He also stated he didn't know when trucks would turn up which suggests there is no "booking " system in place to better organise the process. Very few businesses operate on a " just turn up basis" and I believe that looking at options such as that should be explored before subjecting residents of the area close to the quarry to even heavier traffic movement on an already dangerous road.

I have some serious concerns regarding the Macka's Sand project that will lead to a major increase in heavy vehicles on the roads surrounding Salt Ash Public School and Pauls corner. The roundabout at Paul's corner is a very busy on with many vehicles entering and exiting at speed. The increasing number of trucks on the road has already led to an increase in near miss accidents and it is just a matter of time before this becomes a major traffic black spot.

The location of the shops and the school means that many Salt Ash residents approach the rounabout from the Nelson Bay side and have to do a right turn and then cross half way around the roundabout into the left lane.
Many trucks approaching from the Newcastle side do not seem to stop or even slow when entering the roundabout and this is causing many problems.

I believe that the speed limit needs to be dropped at all approaches to this roundabout and that a safe road crossing across Nelson Bay Rd needs to be established.
Many children cross from the bus stop and the school and have to run across the road avoiding cars and trucks.

I would also like to see a stop to truck movements during school start and finish times to ease congestion at this intersection and make the road safer for all.

We all support local business and the right to do business using local roads but feel that there needs to be compromise between the business requirements and the safety requirements for our children.

18 August 2015

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/
[email protected]


Mackas Sand Project - Modification Request
Application No. MP 08_0142 Mod 2
I object to the Mackas sand application for modification to its original Development Application which was approved with strict conditions less than 2 years ago. The modifications if approved will permit the use of more trucks on the single lane Nelson Bay Road over an extended daylight period and may do irreparable damage to the reputation of Port Stephens as a tourist attraction with holiday makers experiencing delays and congestion on this busy road.
The original DA was strongly contested at the time by residents and those fearful of the dangerously difficult turn around for trucks at Paul's Corner not to mention the inconvenience and lack of consideration to residents who have pleaded to be heard about the noise of the trucks.
I respectfully request the NSW Planning Department in making a determination take into account a fair and proper balance between the extraordinary requirements of a developer, who happens to be the Applicant and Mayor of Port Stephens, and due consideration for the safety and concerns of the residents, ratepayers and our valuable visitors to Port Stephens.

Yours faithfully,
E.J.Armstrong
[email protected]

Mackas Sand Project - Modification Request
Application No. MP 08_0142 Mod 2

I am writing this submission in objection to the Mackas Sand application to modify its original Development Consent as stated above. This company has already displayed its non-compliance when it breached its approval conditions earlier this year.
The original consent was approved with strict conditions that addressed safety and was strongly opposed by residents and those concerned about truck movements specifically at Paul's Corner. These original conditions were put in place to protect public safety and amenity for residents and visitors to the area.
If these modifications are approved it will increase truck movements by 200% on the single lane Nelson Bay Road which will markedly increase congestion on this already clogged road.
I request the NSW Planning Department, in making a determination, take into account the balance required between the extraordinary requirements of a developer, who happens to be the Mayor of Port Stephens, against consideration for the safety and concerns of the residents, ratepayers and visitors to Port Stephens. Like all other businesses Mackas Sand must be made to comply with the original consent conditions and follow proper process that addresses public safety.
Thanks for your time,

I wish to object to this proposal to increase truck movements relating to Mackas Sand.my reasons are that Cabbage Tree Road is not the M1/ F3 it is a single lane road . The environmental Assessment is only taking into account the noise and traffic impact at the mine site and down to Richardson Road.The company has a responsibility to monitor the whole transport chain not just when the product leaves the site.The assessment talks about engine or compression braking in section 2.0 no testing has been done on Cabbage Tree Road where trucks are doing 90km plus and braking using these methods it talks about socio-economic impact quality of life there are numerous properties on both side of Cabbage Tree Road the quality of life is impacted on due to increased noise and impact on safety due to residence coming and going from their properties it is already very dangerous turning into your property with trucks not slowing down and causing pressure to drivers stuck in the middle of the road waiting for a safe gap in the traffic .Cabbage Tree road is the main road linking Sydney drivers to Nelson Bay we also have an expanding Airport at Williamtown with more visitors to the area that don't know the dangers of this road .Numerous push bike riders use Cabbage Tree road and even thou they have the right to ride on this road with more trucks on this road the danger of death or injury is increased by 200%.The request to have trucks on the road at 5am is unrealistic and comes back to quality of life not every one even in the country is awake at 5am.Even the Airport doesn't have aircraft leave until 6am.We were told by the Dept of Planning spokesman to only take into account this application but if you are really a Planning Dept.you need to factor into account the other proposed sand mines on Cabbage Tree Road and Bobs Farm how many more trucks will travel this road if these mines come into service (god forbid) .I have not mentioned the area from the sand mine to Cabbage Tree Road as I am sure you will have plenty of statements about that part of the road from other concerned people.If this Modification goes ahead I think it only fair that the Dept of Planning erect a sign saying
Welcome to Port Stephens the chance of your family being killed on the road has just increased by 200%
Thank you for your time
David Vial

I wish to outline concerns held by myself and members of the community with regards to the proposed increase in truck numbers for Mackas Sand Mining
The current speed limit of 80km per hour is too fast for current traffic conditions. Turning into Salt Ash Ave from Nelson Bay Rd, coming from Nelson Bay, is very dangerous. Traffic coming from Williamtown along Nelson Bay Rd and from Raymond Terrace along Richardson Rd, are uncertain of your intentions.Coming into the roundabout at 80km/hr leaves less space/time to stop. I have nearly been hit on a number of occasions. I know several people who have been hit.The scary thing is that this is how I take my child to school!!
Salt Ash Public School is just in from the roundabout on Salt Ash Avenue. the only way to access the school is to turn off Nelson Bay Rd. In only a few metres the road turns from 80 to 40 in the school zone.
The service station is increasingly busier. We have students who have to cross Nelson Bay road on foot to get to school. We have a bus stop on either side of the road with students from a number of schools in the area using these bus stops. We also have a takeaway business further down the road as well as a busy childcare centre.
The 80km/hr zone is already unsafe for the volume and type of traffic in the area, and in particular due to the nature of the roundabout at Pauls Corner.
If there is an increase in truck numbers, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. Lowering the speed limit from Pauls Corner roundabout (including a distance before entering) to Lemontree Passage roundabout, from 80 to 60 will make this a safer road with an increase in truck numbers.

To whom it may concern
I am objecting to the proposal to increase truck movements
Firstly the proposal has been incorrectly advertised in the local news paper the port Stephens examiner in as much as it says maccas sands only wants to increase the movements leaving the quarry--obviously very confusing

I live on cabbage tree road abroad which avast majority of the sand trucks use for their inward and outward journeys

This particular area was not part of the original community consultation or assessment for the project but we are the most affected with this area being a high speed area for the trucks especially on relation to the areas which were noise assessed

One of the owners of maccas sands-Robert Mckenzie stood in front of a recent public meeting and gave maccas sands reason for seeking the extra truck movements

His reason--to alleviate queues at their quarry because the drivers are getting upset about waiting and that they want to spend more time with their families

Absolutely unbelievable

If maccas sands have queues with the current number of trucks coming to the site--more trucks is only going to make for more queues and more angry drivers

Solution--organise your loading facilities better

The planning department has put riders into nearby sand mining control documents stating that the operation of the mines must not affect the current lifestyle enjoyed by the local residents

Well my/our lifestyle has been severely affected by the noise of the sand trucks rumbling along cabbage tree road

So much so that sleep is almost impossible during what is deemed the "night time" period between 11pm and 7am

Recently I decided to check the times the trucks were travelling and the noise output from those trucks

I purchased a "digit each micro sound meter" model Qmaster-1591 with a frequency range of 31.5hz-8khz with an accuracy of +- 3.5 db

Some examples are as follows (I have a log of data)
Lets just do the "night time" 11 pm to 7 am

Most nights there are twenty odd movements with the very disturbing issue the noise levels ranging from 81.2 db to 87.1sb

According to information contained within documents such as work cover- EPA-department of environment-department of environment climate change and water road noise policy-poeo act 1997--noise act 1996 etc these levels are totally unsuitable and should not be tolerated

These measurements were taken at the building line of my neighbour's residence

With a view to the permissible operating hours of the quarry it would seem that these trucks in the early am are operating outside of those operating hours

It is noticeable that noise measurements taken for the approval were taken in an area where the trucks are at low speed therefore emitting less noise

I call on the department of planning to order the undertaking of a noise assessment along cabbage tree road before any decision is taken with this amendment

Also I call on the relevant authority to assess the legality of these trucks operating in the "night period"

If that level of noise was coming from a neighbour, the relevant authority would move in and demand it be reduced or ceased

I know it has nothing to do with the current application before you but with the possibility of two more mines coming on line therefore hundreds of extra truck movements I beg you to have some empathy for us residents along cabbage tree road where a vast majority if not all of these trucks will travel, at least give us our "night time"

Perhaps if this application and others are approved I request suitable noise reduction measures be installed at my residence
by the proprieters/granting authorities

The other great fear i/we have is the proven health risks associated with the constant exposure to diesel fuel and ask that this issue be addressed in your assessment

I drive trucks for my work. I am worried about the stopping times of trucks entering the roundabout at Pauls Corner. The roundabout is confusing and trucks entering at 80km have a harder time stopping when they are confused by the driver's on the roundabout's intended direction. an increase in truck numbers will increase the risk.
My wife and child use this roundabout regularly, often up to 5 times a day. I am concerned for their safety with an increase in truck numbers.
The speed limit along Nelson bay Rd entering the roundabout needs to be reduced to 60km/hr before somebody is killed.

I object to the increase in sand truck and dog movements from 12 to 48 per day on Nelson Bay Road by Mackas Sand. Firstly, there is an alternative route that can be used that brings their trucks onto Lavis lane which would reduce truck movements on Nelson Bay Road from Paul's Corner to Lavis Lane. Secondly, I believe that the local ratepayers paid about $500,000 for their Council to facilitate this arrangement some years ago and it should therefore be resurrected.

I am puzzled by the need for 48 movements as Robert MacKenzie told a group of concerned residents several weeks ago that the increase in movements was only required to allow for the odd occasion that the current limit needed to be exceeded by a small number of movements.

One explanation of this enigma is that Mackas Sand wish to increase their movement limit to reduce the number of movements that other sand companies can obtain in the future.

I have two objections to this proposal.
1. Nelson Bay Rad is busy and narrow. Increased truck entry and exit from a side road increases the risk to all road users, damages the existing road surface at resident's cost, and increases environmental damage in the area.
2. It seems particularly unreasonable to ask for such a large increase after such a short time from the original decision. It would appear to be a deliberate misleading in the original application that should not be rewarded and should not be allowed as a precedent for further increased claims again in the near future.

This application makes a simple sounding request.
The planners have allowed Mackas Sand to build a road to truck sand against strong community opposition. It takes sand through the biodiversity and over aboriginal relics through the rural amenity and onto the busy narrow main road for about 6km longer than the shortest route down Lavis Lane (that it turns out Mackas could have used all the time if Macka wanted to). Mackas should now be able to apply to just treble what they got away with to avoid inconveniencing Mackas and their customers, shouldn't he?
The application does not have to discuss anything but hours and number of trucks instead of looking at the complexity of the issue.
The planners should focus on
1.Safety of travellers on and crossing Nelson Bay Rd our main artery.
2.The biodiversity under threat by trucks travelling across the paddocks.
3.The Aboriginal relics lost
4.The rural amenity destroyed for all.. the neighbours, the drivers down Nelson Bay Rd.
5.The precedents being set by a `leader' of Port Stephens in developing sand mines when and where he wants which certainly has sparked a few imitators.
New residents or visitors to Port Stephens must peer at the industrialisation of a rural road in his new development and wonder what is happening. Of course there is no heavy truck sign that might explain it. There should be several of these.
It would have been much better if he had had to use choice 1 Lavis Lane which is partly tarred and could have been sealed.
Perhaps the purpose of this application is more to do with seeking competitive advantage against the other proposed sand mines than convenience. Then again whose convenience matters here? Mackas or thousands of residents and road users.
I ask the planners not to increase the number of trucks.
Don't make my trip to Newcastle more difficult. Last week I had 2 double boggies in front of me, 2 behind my little car and one on the right at Medowie Rd intersection. The application would give me 6 in front, 6 behind and 2 at Medowie Rd- a nightmare!

I recently attended a public meeting at Wiiliamtown in relation to a proposal from Maccas Sands.I found this website particularly difficult to navigate and I was unable to open the application to see the details.
For these reasons alone I believe the Minister for Planning should institute a public hearing at which the full details and community impact of the proposal is exposed to transparent scrutiny.
At the Williamtown meeting a representative of the applicant had the opportunity to address the meeting at length and answered questions at length.
However his information was contradictory and failed to give a clear picture of the consequences.On the one hand he said the company had not yet achieved the full capacity of the licence to mine sand,and yet he said the approval would not increase the number of trucks on the road.
I must state from my own experience that the presence of the sand trucks on the highway can be quite frightening. the company representative said that the current loading requirements cause delays to the drivers who become agitated and angry .It is possible that this mental state observed and reported by the company causes the intimidatory behaviour sometimes observed on the highway.
It is only through a transparent public inquiry that the community can be assured that the full details and impacts of this application can be exposed.The person representing the Department outlined the extraordinary workload that he and his colleagues face in dealing with such applications.This work burden may reflect upon the thoroughness of consideration of the application.
I would normally attach my name to such a submission.However when this application was first raised there is evidence of damage to the personal property of some who publicly displayed their opposition.I do not wish to be exposed to the same risk.

As a resident of Port Stephens and a regular user of Nelson Bay Road, I object to this application for modification of conditions relating to heavy vehicle movement limits.

The modification is unnecessary given the applicants existing approvals for two access points, and given that there are other ways of managing truck loading such as a booking system.

Increasing the allowable number of heavy vehicle movements per hour would increase the safety risk posed by sand trucks leaving and entering a dangerous single lane stretch of Nelson Bay Road. This stretch of road, and the Pauls Corner roundabout used by the sand trucks, are already heavily trafficked, particularly at peak hours and in the holiday season, and there are many residents, including schoolchildren and the elderly, who would be put at increased risk.

The applicant has asserted publicly that they do not intend to increase the overall number of truck movements. If they are genuine about this, they should be able to accept an overall cap on the number of movements per day - and this is the only basis on which they should be allowed any more flexibility in terms of hourly limits. The cap should not be greater than the existing daily movements allowed under the existing conditions.

As a frequent driver along this stretch of road the thought of any more trucks is frightening. It's already a busy enough road without the need for additional heavy vehicles. I have been close on a number of occasions to collision with both cars & trucks as many of them do not slow down at either roundabout. With Salt Ash Public School on this road the thought of children being injured or worse is terrifying. Isn't 12 trucks an hour enough already?

Having been witness to a number of near collisions with b-doubles being used to transport sand for this business I ask for a proper assessment to be done by Roads and Maritime Services in addition to that done by a private contractor for the development. Bruce Mackenzie rejected the option of paying to use a private road which would have kept trucks off Nelson Bay Rd between Salt Ash and the Cabbage Tree rd roundabout in blatant disregard of the safety of residents who will now have to contend with a b-double every minute and a quarter on this road when entering or exiting their properties when the trucks could have entered the road at Lavis Lane.

Putting an access road on a blind bend with such frequent truck movements is insanity, fatalities will be bound to increase. The original permit called for a warning sign of trucks entering - this sign was only recently erected, after many months of non-compliance.

Blatant disregard has also been displayed for neighbours with the cleaning of trucks on the access road, vast clouds of sand dust apparent on frequent occasions dispersing over neighbouring properties and increasing the risk of silicosis for drivers (in breach of OH & S) and neighbours. Increasing the number of trucks on this access road also increases the amount of sand dust being carried by the almost constant winds into neighbouring homes.

A baseline figure needs to be ascertained of residents lung function status and ongoing monitoring performed, silicosis is a dangerous disease and sand dust is often seen emanating from the vehicles on the road as well.

There also needs to be monitoring of speeds achieved by these trucks seeing as so many of them, especially when empty are achieving speeds in excess of 15kph over the 80kph limit. Obviously police presence would be ineffective due to the use of CB radios, there needs to be a less noticeable form of monitoring for the safety of other road users. It is a case of when (not if) people are killed by speeding b-doubles on this road. The access road has been placed (against council advice) on a bend popularly known as 'cowshit corner' by locals and is upon a stretch of road considered to be so dangerous that traffic control is required for slashing alongside it. To be doubling the number of movements using this ill advised access is definitely not in the interest of residents or road users.

My objection to this application is based on concerns for the safety of road users. The majority of the road between the sand mine and Williamtown is single lane each way with minimal shoulders. The number of vehicles using Nelson Bay Road continues to increase and allowing for more large trucks is making the road increasingly more dangerous to travel on. In addition increasing numbers of large trucks is impacting on the road surface. Surely there should be no further increases in truck movements on this stretch of road until the road is made dual lane both ways such as happened between Anna Bay and Bobs Farm. If the mine owners claim that there will be no further increase in movements, can the approval be modified to support a maximum number of movements per day rather than 48 per hour as it currently proposes. For our safety, please do not allow this application to be approved.

I strongly oppose any increased sand mining activity-- the trucks existing already pose a hazard to those of us travelling on Nelson Bay Rd. On my return from Newcastle last Tues, one of these trucks took 2 lanes to navigate the round-about, as it approached the round- about without decreasing speed. I was forced to break in order to miss the back end of the truck which had travelled into the rt hand lane while the front end occupied the left hand lane.There would be increased road repairs due to the heavy loads.
I also would request an investigation into possible conflict of interest in terms of the proposal & the relation to the Mayor.

As a local Williamtown resident, I am deeply concerned about the possibility of more trucks on our local roads. These have the potential to have negative impacts not only on residents close to the access road but also residents on our road as it is the main thoroughfare through to the pacific highway. The risks to local schools and other densely populated residential areas on Nelson Bay Road is also a concern not only of the trucks as a large vehicle but also diesel pollutants, fugitive dust from the sand and increased damage to our roads via heavy vehicle traffic. Which is ultimately the cost of which the rate payers have the bear. I feel that the cumulative affects of developments and truck movement need to be considered for the area, the community and the environment need to be strongly considered when assessing such develops or amendments. Thank you for your consideration

I strongly object to any increased activity at Mackas Sand Project. Existing truck movements already impact on traffic flow and safety on Nelson Bay Rd which is the only road access to the Tomaree Peninsular.
Increased truck traffic will significantly increase the risk traffic disruptions and traffic accidents. It needs to be recognized that large numbers of tourists travel this road and don't expect to encounter high levels of industrial traffic in a tourist area such as we have here. This could be enough to deter visitors making return visits.
It should also be noted that as this is only a 2 lane road any accidents occurring could close our only access road for several hours. Please reject this application.

I object to this Modification to Maccas sand truck movements.
I live on Cabbage Tree Road and have problems leaving my property and returning into my property due to the amount of truck movements that take place now. I am also very concerned about increased truck movements when school buses are stopping on this road morning and afternoon with school children alighting and crossing the road. This is not a 3 lanes highway it is a single road each way. The company has stated they are not increasing the amount of sand they are moving so why the modification this is a company that can't count truck movements in and out of their yard until caught then they plead we didn't know and the Dept of planning accepts this, so this company can't count their truck movements but wants to increase them,this has to be a major concern to any normal thinking person. As a rate payer of Port Stephens this proposal impacts on my quality of life due to noise and the impact on me and my family's safety on Cabbage Tree road.The Environmental Assessment has not been conducted on Cabbage Tree Road and therefore no noise monitoring has been done regarding engine or compression braking which happens and the company has a responsibility all the way down the supply chain not just at the entrance to the sand mine. We have an expanding airport at Williamtown with more visitors to the area and Cabbage Tree Road is the main road to Nelson Bay carrying more tourists every year. When Turning into my driveway with a big truck bearing down on you and not slowing down is very scary and extremely dangerous so how will it be when the movements are increased 200% it will be a fatality waiting to happen who in the Dept of planning will take responsibility for deaths on Cabbage Tree road it can't be all care no responsibility. As for the movements of trucks at 5am this is extreamly unreasonable with family's and young children on Cabbage Tree Road once again this impacts on quality of life if trucks were to drive through a suburban street in the volumes this company is talking about the police would be called we are not second rate citizens just because we live in a rural area
Jacqueline Vial