Martins Creek Quarry Project

Dear Sir/Madam,
I believe the changes to the mine will lead to too many trucks passing through the area where I live. ie Moore Rd Bolwarra Hts, just off Tocal Rd. The road is very narrow and very dangerous. I have grandchildren that have to cross the road on their way home from school to my place and this is an extremely dangerous situation. So I put you on notice.
Yours sincerely
Helen Dunn

To whom it may concern:
I would like to formally object to the Martins Creek Quarry Project (SSD-6612) amended development application, outlining some of the reasons why I think the application should be denied, and the extraction and transport targets should be set at the 1991 consent limits.
• NSW infrastructure projects will not be impacted if this expansion does not go ahead. There are enough quarries in this area and the state to supply requirements. This expansion is an exercise in raping a resource for the profit of a company and persons who have neither a connection to the area, nor will be impacted by a decision in its favour.
• The road-network on the proposed route is barely sufficient for the traffic using it now, and the proposed number of truck movements into this mix will exacerbate traffic bottlenecks and delays that are currently experienced, and compromise road safety along that route, including major wear and tear on the road pavement.
• Dust from transported material cannot be fully eliminated by wetting prior to transport and use of covered trailers. Effects from this dust range from lung irritation complaints to carcinogenic depending on the product. Dust from empty returns is also considerable. The number of truck movements proposed will greatly affect air quality along the route.
• The use of the rail corridor to transport quarry product raises the same dust and noise issues with the added issue of the wagons not being covered.
I have lived in Paterson for over 30 years and have experienced the negative impacts of the Daracon operation when they were operating illegally from 2012.
In my experience some of the ways the proposed number of truck movements in this application will adversely affect residents of Paterson and surrounds are:
• Road safety risks, including – School bus stops; school children and pedestrians crossing the roads; parking up and exiting parked vehicles; poor visibility and narrow road at Tuckers Park S-bend and intersection; inability to safely access Maitland road; 90 degree corner at the post office poses a risk to all road users when being used by haul trucks & dog-trailers in the proposed numbers; deterioration and damage to road pavement. When Daracon was operating illegally through Paterson village, the main road was constantly in a dangerous state of repair and therefore it stands to reason that this will be so if the proposed number of truck movements through Paterson village are allowed.
• Health safety risks, including – Air quality issues resulting from dust and diesel emissions from trucks and dust pollution from uncovered train carriage movements on the other side of the village.
• Increased traffic noise and vibration from a constant throughput of loaded trucks and dogs and empty returns
• Crippling effects on local businesses due to access and parking issues and loss of weekday tourism
• Destruction of the rural amenity and social interaction within the village
• Loss of real estate values in the area, especially along the proposed route, due to an unsustainable number of truck movements over the proposed 25 year period
The proposal to extract 1.1 million tons of product per year from Martins Creek Quarry will necessarily entail a huge increase in blasting and the corresponding increase in health risks associated with the mineral dust produced by the blasting and increased noise pollution. This is especially so for the people of Martins Creek, but also, depending on a number of unpredictable and uncontrollable variables, a very large surrounding area. In addition, the clearing of the proposed 21 hectares will leave a scar that, for all intents and purposes, will be good for nothing and beyond rehabilitation.
To reiterate, this application, if successful, will only benefit a small number of people who will not be impacted by the operations and who have no connection to the area, while it will greatly adversely affect the physical, mental and financial health of a great many people in the area and along the proposed route.
This quarry expansion is not necessary.

Please refer to my letter which I attach.

I live in a small community that is directly impacted by the truck movements from the Martin’s Creek Quarry. Having 280 truck movements through our small village severely impacts our quality of life and has serious consequences with regards to the quality of our roads. Our roads are no built for 40 truck movements per hour. There are a range of issues with the increased truck movements including deteriorating road quality, the width of the local roads is not suitable for that many truck movements and there is no safe place for pedestrian to cross anywhere in the town.
The quarry should be allowed to operate as I understand the ballast is required for the railway and other uses but the increased truck movements is unreasonable. We live in this area to maintain a peaceful lifestyle which just isn’t possible with that amount of truck movements.

We are local residents of an area within 8kms of Martins Creek and have lived in the area for approximately 10 years.
We love the peace and tranquility of the area especially experienced over the last 2 years since Daracon trucks have not been travelling on the roads. My husband and I feel very strongly that our lives will be impacted if this proposal to expand Martin Creek goes ahead. The trucks will cause excessive damage to the roads on which they will travel, which are the same roads my husband and I travel to work and back, not to mention the traffic delays caused with the amount of trucks on the roads. I had to replace my windscreen due to oncoming trucks and also following trucks on my way to work last time they were on the roads. We also know that real estate values in and around the areas of Martins Creek will drop due to excessive trucks coming and going from the quarry, and feel that if we were to choose to sell our property within the next few years, that the value would be greatly impacted. Last time the blasting occurred, my dog ran away due to the loud noise. I feel that the blasting will affect and frighten domestic animals as I previously experienced. As a keen cyclist, it will be much more dangerous on the roads with lots of extra trucks impacting my enjoyment of my chosen leisure sport. I was also never approached or asked by anyone how this proposal would impact our lives. The tranquil township of Paterson will be ruined with the amount of trucks passing through, just like it was before when Daracon trucks were driving through the village. Lots of families congregate in Tucker Park including my family, and the thought of 40 trucks an hour travelling past the park will be noisy and devastating to the community. The peacefulness of attending my Art Class in Paterson will impact my creativity and state of wellbeing from the noisy trucks continually passing by. I love animals and feel very sad that native vegetation would be removed and animal habitats destroyed if this proposal went ahead. PLEASE STOP THIS PROPOSAL TO EXPAND MARTINS CREEK QUARRY AND CONSIDER THE LIVES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED.

Dear Sir/ Madam

I object to this quarry on several grounds -
Firstly, the association of which I am a member, Wildlife in Need of Care, has had to respond to Koala rescue callouts in the local area, so I know that the proposed quarry expansion is on Koala habitat – some of the last remaining. The area from Paterson through to the Barrington Tops is also habitat of the endangered Eastern Quoll. Habitat replanting will be insufficient, as it takes decades to establish and these animals don’t have that long.
Aside from these, the habitat of many other birds and animals will be destroyed through land clearing and blasting, vibration and industrial noise. The proposed expansion will also release more runoff of dangerous materials into our river systems.

In the historic tourist town of Paterson, quality of life will be severely affected by the huge increase in truck movements. I do all of my shopping in the town, with the post office, grocer, butcher, chemist and doctors, frequently having to cross an already busy road.

The release of dust from the trucks will put carcinogenic silica into the air for me to breathe, while diminishing my quality of life through noise, reduction in local amenities and loss of business for my community. They can cover their loads and hose them down, but it will be insufficient on a hot day, and empty trucks release more dust and are noisier. It is not safe, just as it wasn’t safe during the peak of operations a couple of years ago. I cannot trust a company that operated illegally to look after my concerns and those of my community. These trucks have already chipped my windscreen twice on Dungog road, which cost me two half days off work, plus the expense of repairs.

Further down the road in Maitland, the compound in traffic, dust, and noise where Brandy Hill haulage route meets Martins Creek in Bolwarra will be worse. Martin’s Creek is not near any major access roads, and Daracon have not committed to using the rail, having said in the past that it is unfeasible. Umwelt have not consulted me, but these are my concerns and why I do not want this expansion.

My wife and I live at 23 Tocal Rd Bolwarra Heights in the narrow section of Tocal Rd between the intersection of Maitland Vale Rd and Paterson Rd. We moved there 17 years ago due to the attractive green (well vegetated large blocks) and quiet/peaceful setting of this area. Last year we sold our house on Tocal Rd, one major reason being we couldn't plan to stay there as the Quarry expansion and trucks will probably start again, and now it looks like it is.
History, Tocal Rd: The section of Tocal Rd my wife and I live on is now classed as a ‘main road’ as it is a primary access road to towns such as Paterson/Vacy/Dungog, but originally it was built as a very minor gravel road to access the small localities such as Maitland Vale and Lambs Valley. The larger towns of Paterson, Gresford, Vacy, Dungog etc was then accessed via Paterson Rd (Tocal Rd was not a through Rd). In later years housing subdivisions and other progress altered Tocal Rd forever and made it the main thoroughfare to the towns of Paterson/Gresford/Vacy/Dungog as well as Maitland Vale and Lambs Valley.... and of course the Martins Creek Rock Quarry. Unfortunately though, this 1 km section of road was never widened or made suitable for the high volume of traffic it sees now, it is barely 8 mtrs wide, gutter to gutter, with no possible parking in either direction and exposing pedestrian pathways either side EXTREMELY close to the 60km/h traffic passing.
History, Martins Creek Quarry: This rock quarry was originally managed by ‘Rail Corp’ to supply hard rock for their rail ballasting requirements, the site includes a rail siding with access to the main nth rail line and the vast majority of the quarry’s product originally left the site by means of rail transport, output was some 300,000 T/Year. Around 2006(?) Daracon purchased the quarry and since then the vast majority of quarry product leaves the site by trucks.... not surprising though as Daracon is a major civil company that utilises trucks and heavy plant/machinery to carry out their contracted work.
What Changed: Prior to 2014 the amount of traffic was high on Tocal Rd, but manageable in the opinion of myself and other residents here, but in 2014 serious concerns developed for road/pedestrian safety along with increased road noise and congestion caused by a major increase of quarry truck traffic on Tocal Rd. This increase in quarry trucks movements was a result of Daracon’s Martin Creek quarry supplying large quantities of hard rock for the Hexham Rail Depot upgrade project. The quarry increased output from 300,000TPA to an estimated 1 million TPA for the duration of the project. This increase was way outside their DA approved output capacity and was not approved. Unfortunately continued complaints from residents in all affected communities to the EPA, Dracon, Maitland Council, Dungog Council and State Government had no effect on the situation. Having lived through the nightmare of the extremely high volume of truck movements on our road, I STRONGLY OBJECT to Daracon’s recent application to expand the quarry even further and with its extend the hours of operation and increase number of trucks on our local roads.
I feel sorry for the local residents that will have to put up with the extra trucks if and when they start again, and I dont trust Daracon in the future due to repeated past illegal performance breaking the rule and doing what ever they want.
Regards Paul O'Donohue

I personally think that by re-opening the Martina creek quarry would not be a good idea. Besides the obvious fact of you will have a lot of locals in towns you will be disturbing angry. I am a local in Paterson, I have lived here my whole life and so has my sister, dad and other family and friends. Not only would the locals not be happy because of the obvious damage that have been made to people’s houses because of the quarry and trucks peoples cars are getting damaged as well. People in Paterson, martins creek, bolwarra and other places never agreed or wanted a littler amount of trucks so why would any of us want more now ? Having 40 trucks an hour as well as other traffic going through town. How are people like myself meant to even drive out of our streets ? People in little towns such as Paterson don’t want that because at the end of the day if we can’t get out of our streets it becomes dangerous and that’s how people get hurt and then we will have to get a set of lights. And as a small towns we don’t want that we want to stay rural. Not only that but the roads from the quarry to at least Maitland are not good enough for the trucks there’s so many pot holes as is and not only that but daracon does not pay a cent towards our road and not only is that not fair it’s also rude considering majority of the damage is from the trucks coming from the quarry. And yet us locals have to just deal with horrible roads because they want to drive all these trucks through but not pay a cent for them. How is that fair to us ? You also have to consider the safety of people’s kids and older loved ones how are they supposed to even cross the roads ? There isn’t a single pedestrian crossing in town and unless the quarry is going to lessen trucks, lessen blast, fix the road, put pedestrian crossings in nobody will want the re-open the quarry.
Other than all of this how are we meant to trust that there’s only going to be 40 trucks an hour when on multiple occasions we have been lied to and there have been more trucks going through town than we were told. Not only that but in multiple occasions there were trucks waiting up near tocal waiting to go through town at the right time. There would be a line up, so once again more then what we were told for even just one minute.
I work at the cafe in Paterson and with 40 truckgojng through town an hour, how are we meant to get any kind of customer in ? How are we meant to run as a business ? People aren’t going to want to sit out the front and listen to trucks drive through town. So we as a business are going to go down because people aren’t going to want to come in and listen to trucks drive by. As a business we are not being thought of and as locals we are not being thought of.
I understand that the quarry is creating jobs for people and I love that because I understand what it’s like to be unemployed but if you have to destroy a community by doing that I’m sorry but I’ll never support it and if someone does it’s wrong. We are a little community and at all costs we will stand together with this.

As residents living in the relevant area we are particularly concerned about the proposed volume and frequency of road transportation by quarry trucks. Apart from the obvious negative affects associated with such an increase, traffic noise etc, at a time when governments are meant to be focusing on reducing carbon emissions, the use of the already available rail transport should be the only acceptable means, but again within reasonable frequency. Most residents within the region have chosen to live in this region for the benefits associated with rural living not an industrial setting.

Truck movement is of significant concern.

The volume of trucks and the impact they will have to the road surfaces.

In addition to this, the noise and dust created by these trucks rumbling through our community.

Having children who are often waiting at bus stops on major roads, such at Paterson Rd, the presence of the trucks is a major cause for concern.

Intersections such as the Hunterglenn & Paterson Rd & also where Paterson Rd & Tocal Rd merge are already a danger to residents and are in need of urgent upgrades. Adding a large volume of heavy vehicle traffic is a recipe for disaster.

I feel that the amount of truck movement is excessive for the inadequate road that are on the route

I object

I strongly object to the proposed Martins Creek Quarry Project. I object on the grounds that this project will result in heavy vehicles (trucks) frequently travelling through the town of Paterson. The proposal includes plans to amend the road/footpath within the town and to accommodate the turning circle of the large vehicles, therefore my submission opposes any plan for any vehicles to travel through the town of Paterson. There are alternative roads from the Dungog side of Martins Creek which could be a more viable option and the rail line is a feasible option to utilise which would not have an adverse impact on the town of Pateron and the local community.

My key points are:
- Paterson is a very quiet and small town. Heavy trucks travelling through the town will adversely impact the atmosphere of the town
- Paterson attracts many visitors due to the historical significance and tranquility of the town which would be impacted by trucks travelling through and impact local tourism and hence local businesses that support tourism and visitors
- There are many local cyclists (some of whom are older people) who use the roads in and around Paterson. The trucks will pose a risk to lives not only to cyclists but also to pedestrians
- Trucks will adversely impact the roads in the region
- Trucks and the expansion of the quarry will impact the local environment including air pollution
- The trucks travelling through the town will (and already is) resulting in stress for local residence who deeply care for their town. This project if approved would negatively change the town of Paterson for many years
Thank you

I wish to formally list my objection to the proposed Martins Creek Quarry Proposal. The proposal seeks approval for up to 280 truck movements per day along rural, semi rural and residential roads, through a number of small villages, heritage precincts, and local communities. The impact upon local amenity will be catastrophic if this proposal is approved. The increased trucks will cause significant damage to local roads, which are single lane rural roads, not constructed to handle the proposed number of truck movements. Local wildlife is already under threat from increased land development - the approval of this proposal will only further lead to the death and destruction of local wildlife. Over development of land in the Bolwarra area has already seen the destruction of trees and treasured wildlife in the area.

Of great concern is the movement of trucks through populated areas, the risk to children, community and the environment. Increased traffic through the rural communities of Bolwarra and Lorn has already led to significant traffic issues. This will only be compounded by heavy load trucks. The risk to the safety of children is of serious concern. There are a number of schools, childcare centres and infant schools on the proposed haulage route. The use of heavy laden trucks through these areas will significantly increase the risk of a fatality in these areas. Noise pollution will eminate across the valley from truck operating and braking, destroying the peace and character of the valley. When asked about this aspect the CEO of Daracon suggested residents simply relocate! This is not a satisfactory solution and only demonstrates the lack of consideration or care for the local community by the company.

Haulage trucks have no place in residential communities.

I STRONGLY OPPOSE THIS PROJECT

Further to my previous submission I would like to add some relevant points after having attended the public meeting at Tocal College on the 24th June.

I live along Glenburn Road Paterson. I am in the village of Paterson every day - either to collect mail, shop at the local IGA or butcher, buy fuel, newspapers, coffee etc or for socialising. This has been my way for 40 years - I use every service in the village on a regular basis.

Traffic through the village is increasing due to the fact Paterson is a tourist gateway especially during school holidays. The number of caravans, motor cycles, tradespeople and cyclists etc has increased substantially. Adding the proposed 40 trucks a day will make this historic village extremely dangerous and unpleasant.

Along with many cyclists, the group I ride with on week days at least twice a week , can number up to 8 or more. We cycle in and around Paterson and Woodville and through Martins Creek - this will become extremely hazardous even though we ride single file, responsibly.

My additional concerns - along with the many, many concerns in my previous submission are

1 - I have never been consulted personally by Daracon regarding these new proposals
2 - With Daracon’s unapproved use of the quarry for so long, how can anyone trust what it will do?
3 - There is a blatant environmental disregard for the residents , buildings and businesses of Paterson and surrounding areas. To allow a beautiful historic village to be ruined like this is beyond comprehension.
4 - Other operating quarries throughout the state have gone out of their way to work responsibly , creating safe and alternative routes for haulage. This should be the way with Daracon.

I object to the expansion of the Martin’s creek quarry on the basis that there is currently no suitable option to transport the rock/gravel without considerable risk to the community. Considering there is a train line running directly to the quarry it is unacceptable to expect the community to put up with over 200 trucks per day when the obvious solution is to transport by rail!

I travel these roads providing an itinerant service to the local schools through this area. The roads are often dangerous as it is and this will increase this. I am concerned about the impact to property values should this project go ahead. I am concerned about the impact to the local flora and fauna should this go ahead. I am concerned about the dust, noise and destruction to lifestyle most of us have chosen, paid for and work hard at maintaining.

I have great concerns about the extra traffic and congestion it would cause. Trying to get out of the estate already can be a challenge. Extra continuous traffic will be a strain on the local roads

I object to the Martins Creek Quarry Project for financial, health, and environmental reasons.

In November 2019 my husband and I bought a property adjacent to Martins Creek Road about 3.1km from the Quarry site. The property is a natural water course for the surrounding hills and has 4 dams that spill through the middle of the block, with the water flowing eventually to the Paterson River.

The property currently has abundant native wildlife including numerous birds [including migratory species that we are seeing at specific times of each year], animals [including bandicoots, echidnas, goannas, snakes and transient wallabies]. The property also has abundant native flora species that have appeared during the recent 12 months following rain, including trigger orchids and many I don't know, but would like to get to know over the coming years.

We are currently in the process of building a house and moving to this community. We are now shocked that there are plans for a Quarry Project involving possible truck movements up to 40 per hour. If driving through Paterson is not possible, we believe the only alternate route will be a new Martins Creek Road with trucks going right past our property. We are appalled at the rate of movements proposed and believe the accompanying dust and noise will be unhealthy for ourselves and our wellbeing and for our community. We also believe there is every likelihood that wildlife on our property will become diminished.

We are concerned about the likely drop in water quality for ourselves from the dust, and also water quality of the dams that currently provide food and water for the wildlife. Will there be any water testing done as part of this project to manage the quality of water flowing into the Paterson River and consequently into the Hunter River?

Lastly, because of the above mentioned, we think there is likely to be a significant devaluation of our property if this project goes ahead. This is despite our efforts to repair and restore this land, that has been derelict for so long, to a thriving ecosystem and sanctuary.

Road is busy enough without adding a semi every minute.