Martins Creek Quarry Project

I oppose the Martins Creek Quarry Expansion.

I wish to emphasise that I am making this submission as a local resident who would be directly impacted in terms of my health and quality of life if the current development application is approved.

Having had previous lived experience of heavy quarry-related traffic along the Tocal Road near my residence during the period of the quarry’s unlawful operations outside of the original consent, I dread a return to the noise and loss of amenity that would ensue if the proposed haulage plans associated with the Martins Creek Quarry Expansion application are approved.

The proposed principal haulage route essentially represents a commandeering of community roads for a commercial purpose by a private company.

I oppose the proposed expansion on the basis of the considerable degradation of quality of life that will result from 40 truck movements per hour along our local roads. We currently enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle on a lot situated about 150m from the Tocal Road. With the increased development of Bolwarra Heights and Hunterglen, we have already noticed a significant increase in noise and traffic just from light traffic and existing heavy vehicle traffic. This will be amplified many times over if truck movements from Martins Creek Quarry increase to 40 per hour (20 laden and 20 returning).

What the quarry is proposing is essentially commandeering of community roads for a major commercial use in order to meet the economic targets of a private business. It is important to note that other transport options are available to the quarry (i.e. rail) that might increase their costs slightly but avoid the significant impacts on local residents. If the expansion proposal is approved in its current form our quality of life will be adversely impacted in terms of:
• Noise – both laden and unladed trucks will be very noisy. The Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights runs along a geographical ridge, and noise will carry greatly to surrounding areas. We chose to live in Bolwarra Heights for the semi-rural amenity of quiet living: trucks rumbling past every 90 seconds greatly impacts this amenity.
• Traffic:
o Flow and delays – as noted, there has already been an increase in light vehicle traffic as a result of local development. This has added to the traffic problems identified in the Martins Creek Quarry Traffic and Access Assessment of 2016 (Author: Sean Morgan; Client: Buttai Gravel Pty Ltd; Issue: Ver05/10082016; Reference: P0254 available at getContent (nsw.gov.au)) which notes that the queue on approach to the Pitnacree Road/Melbourne Street intersection at East Maitland can be up to 336m long and the queue on approach to the Melbourne Street/New England Highway intersection can exceed 600m. Forty truck movements per hour in the morning peak (and 30 per hour in the afternoon peak) will exacerbate an already problematic traffic situation at these intersections. It is also important to factor in that, in addition to the Martins Creek Quarry vehicles, the Brandy Hill Quarry intends to send 25% of its trucks transporting 1.5 million tonnes per annum along the same route.
It is also worth noting that Martins Creek Quarry Traffic and Access Assessment of 2016 (page 15) identified that quarry haulage vehicles were routinely exceeding speed limits on Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights (63 km/h in a 60km/h zone) and on Flat Road (87 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). The proposal for a “Driver Code of Conduct” as a voluntary and unenforceable undertaking is likely to be completely ineffectual in changing the behaviour of contractors focussed on meeting or exceeding performance targets.
o Safety – Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights and Paterson Road at Bolwarra are residential areas with driveways entering directly into the roads; additionally there are school children walking the roads to and from bus stops each day. Noting that the 40 truck movements per hour from Martins Creek Quarry will be in addition to those from Brandy Hill Quarry after the intersection of Paterson and Tocal Roads, this will approximate a heavy truck every minute! On residential roads. This is unacceptable.
o Costs – the roads which Buttai Gravel/Daracon propose to take over as a haulage route are maintained by Dungog and Maitland councils and paid for by rate payers. The roads were not designed to take heavy haulage and are likely to sustain damage to be paid for by ratepayers. I stress, however, that for me, the health, traffic and safety risks posed by this development application are my chief concern.
• Pollution – diesel particulate matter (DPM) is known to be associated with long term health effects including worsening of asthma and allergies and increasing the risk of heart and lung disease, including lung cancer (ref: safe work Australia; Cancer Council of Australia). The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation study by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in 2014-2015 estimated that 10% of fine particle pollutants arose from vehicular emissions; notably this had an additive effect with the 15% estimated to arise from wood smoke (Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study | NSW Environment, Energy and Science). Hence, an increase in heavy vehicle traffic is likely to have a significant adverse impact on air quality and subsequently the health of local residents.

• Effect on Paterson village – as a frequent visitor to Paterson I am also deeply concerned that what would amount to a constant flow of trucks through this historic village would destroy its charm, adversely impacting on residents, the pleasure of local visitors and the attraction to tourists from further afield who contribute to the economic sustainability of the location; they do not just visit on weekends.

Martins Creek Quarry could use the rail network to transport their products; it may be understandable that they wish to use the road network to reduce their costs, but this should not be approved when the cost is reduced quality of life for me, my family and so many other residents in impacted areas. Please do not approve the Martins Creek Quarry Amended Development Application.

Finally, I believe that impacts on the residents of Martins Creek should also be taken into consideration. It is clear that the proposed considerable increase in the scope and size of operations at the quarry will have a very major adverse impact on residents closest to the quarry, and one they could not have anticipated. This is another reason I oppose the expansion.

I have not made a reportable political donation

I strongly object to the expansion of Daracon's gravel mine operation at Martin's Creek. My family are new to Paterson and chose this area because of the stunning wildlife, the peaceful environment and strong community. The communities concerns about traffic, road degradation, noise, dust, habitat destruction and sustainability are REAL. These issues are not a "maybe". These issues will DEFINITELY BE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE MINE'S EXPANSION. Any attempt to downplay these issues are a manipulation and a tactic long used by companies wanting to ensure their dividends pay nicely.

It's 2021 and communities are tired of fighting off money hungry, political manuevering, back pocketing companies like Daracon from destroying our environment and quality of life. The upper Hunter Valley has been all but decimated by mining, an industry that is in decline in EVERY OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRY. We don't need more gravel. We don't need more mining or heavy industry. We want our children to have a future; a home that is safe and not constantly under threat from a short sighted capitalist agenda.
Read the room Daracon. Be satisfied with what you have already reaped from the valley.
NO QUARRY EXPANSION!

The forecast number of trucks required along the proposed route is unacceptable. It will have a negative impact on area and surrounds

See Attachment

The disruption to our village and the damage to our cars. The damage and danger that will be caused on and to our roads. Which are already damaged and makes driving on them treacherous. Air quality in our peaceful pristine environment will be significantly altered not to mention the impact on our local wildlife.

Think about the local community and school children being put in danger travelling to and from school everyday. How are we supposed to exit hunter glen drive with even more traffic coming along Paterson road?

Refer to attached letter.

My partner and I live along a section of Tocal Road that will be severely affected by the increased truck movements proposed in this Project. At present it is often difficult to cross the road safely, and is it is alarming walking along the footpath when confronted with traffic coming head on so very close to the actual footpath. The distance from the white line at the side of the road to the actual foot path is 1.25metres opposite and along from our property. It is only 800mm from the side white line to the top of the gutter. These are accurate measurements. There is a school bus stop bay and the road then narrows again on either side of it. School children use this footpath and locals walk along this section of road all the time. This section of road is curved not straight such that at times the traffic is heading directly at pedestrians. A truck heading straight at a person is unsafe and terrifying no matter what the speed. It does not feel safe now and adding more trucking movements along this section of road, as per this Martins Creek Quarry Project is madness. It will make the road almost impossible for pedestrians to cross and increase the likelihood of anyone using the footpath being hit by vehicles that are travelling just 1.25 metres from them. This section of road, although a main road, runs through a quiet residential community and was never designed as a trucking thoroughfare. This Development Proposal should not go ahead.

This project will have a negative impact on the community and transport. I live in the Hunter Glenn Estate and there is only 2 roads to exit this rapidly expanding estate, if the Quarry was to proceed the impact from the amount of trucks passing through via Paterson Road, Bolwarra Heights will cause a major traffic congestion issue, as well as increase safety risks on this road and connecting roads. Paterson Road is the only route children have to access Bolwarra Public School, as children walking or riding bikes to school now can only access the school via this road, as other access points have been closed, the addition of trucks passing through this road increasing will cause a may safety issue. The amount of traffic trying to leave the estate for school and work during business hours is already congested and there is at least a 15 minute wait to enter onto Paterson Road, with near misses daily, the addition to trucks on the transport path with cause further congestion.

I oppose the Martins Creek Quarry Expansion.
I am making this submission as a local resident who would be directly impacted in terms of my health and quality of life if the current development application is approved.
I have experienced the impact of heavy quarry-related traffic along the Tocal Road near my residence during the period of the quarry’s unlawful operations outside of the original consent, I dread a return to the noise and loss of amenity that would ensue if the proposed haulage plans associated with the Martins Creek Quarry Expansion application are approved.
The proposed principal haulage route essentially represents a commandeering of community roads for a commercial purpose by a private company.
I oppose the proposed expansion based on the considerable degradation of quality of life that will result from 40 truck movements per hour along our local roads. We currently enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle on a lot situated about 150m from the Tocal Road. With the increased development of Bolwarra Heights and Hunterglen, we have already noticed a significant increase in noise and traffic just from light traffic and existing heavy vehicle traffic. This will be amplified many times over if truck movements from Martins Creek Quarry increase to 40 per hour (20 laden and 20 returning).
What the quarry is proposing is essentially commandeering community roads for a major commercial use in order to meet the economic targets of a private business. It is important to note that other transport options are available to the quarry (i.e. rail) that might increase their costs slightly but avoid the significant impacts on local residents. If the expansion proposal is approved in its current form, our quality of life and access to quiet enjoyment will be severely disrupted in terms of:
• Noise – both laden and unladed trucks will be very noisy. The Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights runs along a geographical ridge, and noise will carry unhindered to surrounding areas. We chose to live in Bolwarra Heights for the semi-rural amenity of quiet living: trucks rumbling past every 90 seconds greatly impacts this amenity.
• Traffic:
o Flow and delays – as noted, there has already been an increase in light vehicle traffic as a result of local development. This has added to the traffic problems identified in the Martins Creek Quarry Traffic and Access Assessment of 2016 (Author: Sean Morgan; Client: Buttai Gravel Pty Ltd; Issue: Ver05/10082016; Reference: P0254 available at getContent (nsw.gov.au)) which notes that the queue on approach to the Pitnacree Road/Melbourne Street intersection at East Maitland can be up to 336m long and the queue on approach to the Melbourne Street/New England Highway intersection can exceed 600m. Forty truck movements per hour in the morning peak (and 30 per hour in the afternoon peak) will exacerbate an already problematic traffic situation at these intersections. It is also important to factor in that, in addition to the Martins Creek Quarry vehicles, the Brandy Hill Quarry intends to send 25% of its trucks transporting 1.5 million tonnes per annum along the same route.
 It is also worth noting that Martins Creek Quarry Traffic and Access Assessment of 2016 (page 15) identified that quarry haulage vehicles were routinely exceeding speed limits on Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights (63 km/h in a 60km/h zone) and on Flat Road (87 km/h in an 80 km/h zone). The proposal for a “Driver Code of Conduct” as a voluntary and unenforceable undertaking is likely to be completely ineffectual in changing the behaviour of contractors focussed on meeting or exceeding performance targets.
o Safety – Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights and Paterson Road at Bolwarra are residential areas with driveways entering directly into the roads. Local residents walk and exercise along these roads as well as school children walking to and from bus stops each day, the danger posed to residents including children as a result of the increase in heavy truck movements displays a blatant disregard for the health and safety of residents and the community in general. Noting that the 40 truck movements per hour from Martins Creek Quarry will be in addition to those from Brandy Hill Quarry after the intersection of Paterson and Tocal Roads, this will approximate a heavy truck every minute! On residential roads. This is unacceptable.
o Costs – the roads which Buttai Gravel/Daracon propose to take over as a haulage route are maintained by Dungog and Maitland councils and paid for by rate payers. The roads were not designed to be heavy haulage routes and are likely to sustain damage to be paid for by ratepayers. I stress, however, that for me, the health, traffic and safety risks posed by this development application are my chief concern.
• Pollution – diesel particulate matter (DPM) is known to be associated with long term health effects including worsening of asthma and allergies and increasing the risk of heart and lung disease, including lung cancer (ref: safe work Australia; Cancer Council of Australia). The Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation study by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in 2014-2015 estimated that 10% of fine particle pollutants arose from vehicular emissions; notably this had an additive effect with the 15% estimated to arise from wood smoke (Lower Hunter Particle Characterisation Study | NSW Environment, Energy and Science). Hence, an increase in heavy vehicle traffic is likely to have a significant adverse impact on air quality and subsequently the health of local residents.
• Effect on Paterson village – as a frequent visitor to Paterson I am also deeply concerned that what would amount to a constant flow of trucks through this historic village would destroy its charm, adversely impacting on residents, the pleasure of local visitors and the attraction to tourists from further afield who contribute to the economic sustainability of the location; they do not just visit on weekends.
Martins Creek Quarry could use the existing rail network to transport their products; it may be understandable that they wish to use the road network to reduce their costs, but this should not be approved when the cost is reduced quality of life for me, my family and so many other residents in impacted areas. Please do not approve the Martins Creek Quarry Amended Development Application.
Finally, I believe that impacts on the residents of Martins Creek should also be taken into consideration. It is clear that the proposed considerable increase in the scope and size of operations at the quarry will have a major adverse impact on residents closest to the quarry, and one they could not have anticipated. This is another reason I oppose the expansion.

My objection is based on real lived experiences with Daracon and their previous illegal operations of 2014.In that window of operation we all experienced varied degrees of physical and mental health issues created by Daracons excessive and illegal quarry operations.
Physical Impacts- My grandson and daughter both experienced varied levels of breathing difficulties from the continued bombardment of our atmosphere of dust and diesel
fumes all of which contain carcinogenic qualities. Since the illegal operations have ceased my grandson has come off his asthma puffer and my daughters health has improved.
Mental Impacts - Quarry extractions at this capacity produce continued excessive noise and vibration levels continuously.
1. Internal and external truck movements.
2. Continued and repetative rock hammer noise over a 10 hour period
3. Excessive noise and vibration caused by blasting levels required to operate at this illegal rate.
4. The worry of long term affects on your children and grandchildren from the dust and fumes created by this excessive level of mining.
Social Impacts. - This quarry was originally designed to operate as a railway ballast operation with most of the extractions to be transported by rail. There are good reasons for that. The road infrastructure was not designed to cater for these insane truck number of movements Daracon are applying for. The historic village of Paterson is virtually at transport capacity now with with the increased levels of residential subdivisions and the ever increasing tourist traffic that comes with this road and township being a national tourist route to the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops.Paterson doesnt even have a pedestrian crossing, so school children,tourists and locals currently cross these roads at their own risk. How much more dangerous will this become with an extra 280 truck movements a day. Along with the destruction of all our road systems from Daracons inability to enforce all trucks stay on a designated route of travel. All because Daracon doesnt wish to pay an extra $1.00 per tonne to tranport their product by rail.
Environmental Impacts. Runoff water from the quarry after rain, running into our creeks and rivers appears to be coloured and silt laden. Bird and wild life has increased expedentually through this area since Daracon was told to cease their illegal operations. Like the canary down the mines, a good indicator of how our environment and atmosphere have improved.
I dont believe Daracon are genuine in claiming they wish to work harmoniously with the community, they are here to make as much money as they can with as little outlay as possible. If they were genuine we would see them attempting to make some improvements, such as noise walls, more runoff pits and maybe an investment in suppression blasting. Nothing like it has happened and nor do i think it will. Their attitude to the people of the Paterson Valley was spelt out by their C.E.O at a previous meeting at the community hall in Paterson, Daracon are here now if you dont like it you can move.

Martins Creek Quarry Project – Objection

To: From:
Director
Resource Assessments
Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning Industry and Environment

Subject: Martins Creek Quarry Project , Application Number SSD- 6612

Dear Sir/ Madam;
I wish to object to the proposed expansion of the Martins Creek Quarry due to the negative impact it will have on me, my family and people in Bolwarra.
My main concerns involve the significant increase in truck movements on Paterson and Tocal Roads.
• Increased traffic congestion
There has been a significant increase in population and traffic in the Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights, Largs and Maitland Vale areas in recent years.
It is estimated that extra truck movements will occur every 90 seconds due to empty trucks travelling out to quarries at both Martins Creek and Brandy Hill and loaded trucks returning significantly increasing congestion and delays at intersections of Paterson and Tocal Roads and Paterson and Hunterglen Rd, Victoria Rd, Canna St, Bolwarra Rd and Maitland Vale Road. Residents living on Paterson Road will also have increased problems entering and leaving their properties. There are already delays especially at drop off and pickup times for Bolwarra Public School, Tilleys Day Care, and Mother Goose Day Care.

Travel to and from East Maitland via Melbourne street will also be impacted.

• Increased risk of accidents
Increased truck movements will increase the danger and risk of accidents especially with loaded trucks travelling down hill on Paterson Road. I have had issues in past with impatient trucks passing on the left (no lane marked) when I have been waiting to turn into Bolwarra Road.
Pedestrians especially children will face increased danger when crossing Paterson Road.

• Increased noise
Noise from empty trucks early in the morning has been so bad families have had to sell and move in the past, negatively impacting property values. Noise issues have increased significantly in the Bolwarra area since the roundabout was constructed at intersection of Flat Road and Paterson Road. Noisy trucks stopping and starting at the roundabout will be unbearable especially early in the morning.


If this development goes ahead major roadworks including traffic lights and roundabouts will be needed on Paterson Road to address the above issues. Restrictions on travel times (eg 7am start similar to building work start time) especially for empty trucks in the morning will be needed.

I have made no political donations in the past two years.

I'm writing this objection to the current proposal lodges by Daracon for the expansion of Martins Creek quarry operations. I live in close proximity to the quarry and whilst I normally work nearly an hour away during normal business hours, am mainly working form home now. Even in normal circumstances where I'd be traveling to work weekdays, I strongly object to weekend operations beyond loading of trucks/trains on Saturday AM. Weekends should be able to be enjoyed without contending with noise from quarry operations or heavy vehicle traffic. I also object to the proposed extension of operating hours on weekdays, the arrangements in place now have resulted in a much more peaceful existence for those of us living very close to the quarry site and those living near the main traffic routes for the heavy vehicles transporting the quarry product. I do realise that the quarry is currently operating well below the limits of the current conditions of the consent in place and that some increase in noise and traffic would be expected even if this new proposal did not proceed. It is a commercial decision for the quarry operator to vary extraction and sales volumes of which the community has no control over. On the community benefit. Quarry products are obviously used in concrete, road works, riverbank and ocean shore stabilisation (among other things) so there is some broader benefit. However, and to my main point here, there are already two large hard rock quarries very near to the Martins Creek quarry, at Brandy Hill and East Seaham. I haven't heard any evidence of there being a shortage of quarry products locally so I wonder where this demand is coming from that is behind this expansion proposal? The only obvious point of difference between the above mentioned quarries and the one in this proposal is the distinct advantage of the main Northern railway passing through Martins Creek. Heavy vehicle traffic along Dungog Road, Gresford Road and then onto Tocal Road is a major issue when those volumes are high. The roads are not major arterial roads built to a standard for constant heavy traffic volumes OR size/weight. For commercial reasons most transport operators will use a truck and trailer heavy combinations so that should be assumed to be the the standard "per vehicle movement". Have a good look at the current options for road haulage from the quarry to end-use sites - they are poor. The suitability of the traffic routes has been brought up in previous assessment rounds but here we are again and all but one of the most concerning issues remain. Gostwyck bridge - single lane; King St Paterson - Rail level crossing, 90 degree bend and narrow; Maitland Road Paterson - narrow and winding. Eliminating the rail level crossing in Martins Creek for quarry access is the only mitigation I'm aware of from the last proposal. So there are three major road issues still to work on in my view. Or, leave the existing road haulage limits in place and move to rail based haulage and therefore exploit the advantage over the other local quarries! Once again, the operator would have commercial reasons for not wanting to do this and this is the only leverage the community has because once there is a large proportion of product moved by road, the actual tonnages can creep up over time (hence the long operating period I suppose) and deliver increasing profit margins - that's how big business rolls.

I believe this amended development application will cause unacceptable traffic movements and generate excessive noise, road congestion, safety risks and general reduced quality of amenity in the area we live. It will adversely affect many residents along the route, especially in the narrow, winding streets of Paterson, Bolwarra Heights, Lorn and East Maitland. All these areas become gridlocked throughout the day now due to the lack of infrastructure, which is, as a result of several new housing subdivisions in the area. The movement of more trucks will also impact heavily on the quality of the roads.
Daracon have shown nothing but contempt for the community and appear to have a huge sense of entitlement and lack of social conscience. They have breached their conditions of operation many times in the past, resulting in public distrust. Who will monitor these new regulations? No-one did during their unlawful operations from 2007 to 2019. Complaints fell on deaf ears!
No coal mine wanting to transport this amount of product by truck through small residential streets to the Newcastle Port would be given approval to do so. It would be seen as totally unacceptable. Almost all coal is transported to the port via the rail network.
The increased risk to the many school children, particularly around mornings and afternoons who either walk, ride bikes or catch buses would be increased enormously.
If unfortunately, this expansion is approved, the conditions listed below should apply:
1) A speed limit of 50kmp for all trucks travelling through the residential areas should be imposed.
2) Hours of truck haulage should be reduced to between 7.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
3) Rail transport should be the main transport mechanism for the quarry. The movement of the product to a central handling facility in an industrial area and then onto trucks would be much more acceptable. Surely this would be a much safer and better solution for all concerned.
This proposal is in every respect adverse to the safety of children, well-being, health and quality of the many residents and communities affected by this application for expansion.

I'm a very frequent visitor to Bolwarra Heights as my son lives there. My wife and I often stay there for extended period of time and we like to visit nearby historical villages of Paterson, Lorn, East Maitland and Morpeth. We visited our family many times during Daracon's illegal operations and from a tourist's point of view, it was not enjoyable at all. The truck traffic on Tocal Rd was hazardous, we felt unsafe driving on country roads between speeding trucks. We could no longer enjoy visits to Paterson as the trucks, noise and dust spoiled the experience. We couldn't sleep as the trucks rattled in front of the house long before sunrise. Walking the dogs along Tocal Rd was neither safe or relaxing. The current application SSD-6612 with its proposed traffic and extraction limits would destroy these beautiful townships, they would no longer appeal to tourists like myself. This application should be rejected as it would be disastrous not only for local residents, but also for tourists, cyclists, hoteliers and small business operators.

Please see attachment

Please see attachment

I wish to object to the SSD-6612.

We moved to Paterson in 2017, aware of the quarry nearby at Martins Creek and knew the conditions of the DA approval for operation of the quarry, but failed to ask the locals what Daracon was actually doing. Apparently they were operating way outside of their DA approval at that time.

We live in Paterson, a quiet, relaxed historic village on the tourist route to Barrington Tops, where locals know each other and stop on the footpath in front of the shops to chat. It is a very busy area before and after school with parents dropping off and picking up children from the school bus and taking to dance classes in the historic School of Arts hall, or art classes at the gallery, or whatever is on that day. On any day of the week you may see cycling clubs resting a while, drinking coffee on the footpath, enjoying the sunshine. Visitors take the “Historical Walk” around town to learn about Australia’s history from 1837. You’ll see church groups running working bees in the church hall and tai chi sessions being held in the park. Residents in the village can walk around the town and get everything done, no need to get in a car and go “to town”.

But it wasn’t always like this. Back in 2017 every morning we would hear the far-off rattle of the empty truck dog trailers (louder than the loaded ones). They would clatter as they approached the village and then BANG! when they hit every pothole along Maitland Rd on the approach to Paterson. We would lie in bed listening, tensing as the sound got closer, my husband cursing with his first words of the day. Arguments about living here would start before we had even risen. Trucks came through constantly, often three or four tailgating through Paterson (I have personally taken photos of this). There was no stopping and chatting on the street with locals – no-one could hear you, and the dust and fumes made it objectionable. I would stand in the kitchen of my 115-year-old home (The Old Rectory - number 4 on the historical walk of Paterson) with the sun blocked out by the constant trucks passing my window and the whole house vibrating from the passing trucks.

In 2019 Dungog Shire Council took Daracon to court to make them stop their illegal operations which they did, un-penalised. The trucks finally came at the approved pace and peace became the norm. It wasn’t long and Daracon starting preparing their SSDA. Every time we received communication from Daracon or Unwelt the feelings of panic started. I felt sick every time I saw an email or letter delivered, knowing that Daracon has planned to send 40 noisy trucks per hour through our small town, shedding silica dust and diesel particulates as they pass 3 metres from The Rectory.

And now here we are again, except the consequences are worse this time, fighting to have this historical village and life-style saved from one company’s ambition to make millions of dollars. Mr Mingay of Daracon announced to residents that if he lived in Paterson and his trucks were driving through, he would move. I don’t have that choice. We would need a mortgage to buy another property elsewhere, and at our age we don’t have that option available to us anymore and will be unable to buy another house. And who would buy in Paterson, knowing that the trucks are coming? Our property will devalue as soon as the Daracon trucks start driving through. We moved here to retire in a close-knit community never imagining that the narrow streets of Paterson lined with historic buildings would become a major haulage route for a private company. A company that spends no money locally and but who will discourage visitors from staying a while.

Our local Rotary Club, of which I am a member, has plans with Dungog Shire Council, to upgrade the riverside park at the site of the historic Kings Wharf metres from the proposed haulage route as part of Rotary’s Centenary celebrations. There will be no point in upgrading this park, with a truck passing by every 90 seconds, and for many pedestrians, access to the park would require sharing the narrow road over the railway crossing with the trucks. Tucker Park (the most utilised park in the Dungog Shire) has a new barbeque and play area funded by a grant by the NSW Government. This is 20m from this haulage route and will become a most unpleasant area with trucks constantly driving past.

Allowing this 25-year Development Application to go ahead will have a devastating impact on Paterson residents’ day-to-day life and eventually lose the community atmosphere to become a social and cultural ghost town.

After discussion and research, I feel that Daracon can lift their standards and produce a quality application that positively addresses social, cultural, and environmental issues instead of their own selfish desire for wealth. Other options are available to Daracon which have been demonstrated by other quarries such as improved rail facilities or dedicated by-pass roads. Don’t dismiss concerns by residents of Paterson – we should be valued as much as any other population in NSW and not treated with total disregard by Daracon.

I strongly object to the proposed increased in the Martins Creek Quarry Project and refer to my letter below
REJECTION OF AMENDED SUBMISSION FROM DARACON
APPLICATION NUMBER SSD-6612
To Whom It May Concern,
I wish to object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed expansion of Martins Creek quarry.
I live in Duns Creek on the Paterson rd, and own a business property and residental property on the main street of King street in the village of Paterson and have been directly impacted by the terrible congestion, dust, road damage and safety issues that occurred when Daracon were operating illegally between 2012 and 2019.
My experience of up to 60 truck movements a day was incredible noise and dust through the village of Paterson, and noise and heavy road damage particularly along the Paterson rd, Duns Creek rd and Butterwick roads that I live along and travel daily to work. Their large load trucks also pose a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists in the area, in tight corners of the town of Paterson, across the Paterson road bridge, and in the corners of the Paterson road/Duns Creek road/Butterwick road dog leg, they take up far more than their lane, leaving little room for other traffic , cyclists or pedestrians, and their weight travelling at speed along these roads means they are often unable to slow down or give room for other road users safety, let alone wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas that may be crossing in their path.
As a business owner in Paterson, and a resident of the local area, I have experienced the complete disregard this company has shown over the years to any conditions imposed on its operation. The company has seen fit to spend millions of dollars on defending the indefensible – even up to the Supreme Court – and yet Daracon will not properly engage with the residents, nor properly address their concerns. There are so many world-class “gold standard” quarries in operation within NSW that residents’ concerns could be addressed, and yet Daracon seems bent on expansion at the lowest possible cost and with no regard for the residents along the haul roads.
Some of my added concerns for this new proposal include:
• Property devaluation - I cannot believe that Earnst and Young have written there will be "no" appreciable effect on depreciation of house prices, when I know my home will be directly affected by increased operations along the road corridor used, and my investment properties/business are directly alongside both the road and rail corridor.
• Daracon's application has little by way of monitoring and timelines for action and ensuring compliance. EPA cannot be relied upon to enforce any imposed conditions. Why are Linfox trucks monitored by satellite, and Daracon trucks don't "have" to be?
• Daracon have said they have consulted "widely" with the community. Umwelt (lawyers for Daracon) only had to consult residents within a 4km radius of the quarry, so no-one has been consulted along proposed haul routes.
FINALLY, Daracon have shown scant regard for conditions of operation imposed by regulators (initially Dungog council) and are prepared to operate outside these conditions. They have shown in the past that they will only abide by conditions if they are forced to by law, and even then, are prepared to appeal conditions they don't like.
I am extremely concerned that even if an approval goes ahead from Dept of Planning WITH CONDITIONS IMPOSED, then Daracon will quickly apply for amendments which do not require an extra application and community will have even less opportunity to have its say
I would like to be kept up to date with the results of this application.
Yours in Concern
Diana Thorvaldson

I have lived in Bolwarra for 16 years and over this time have noticed the increase in traffic, in particular trucks.
These trucks are very noisy and often use engine/exhaust brakes which are not in any way required in this area.
The roads are in constant disrepair.
There are narrow sections of road between the quarry and Maitland and meeting these trucks at times can be quite a harrowing experience as the trucks seem to drive aggressively.
If you are trying to get out of any street onto Paterson Road you can wait up to 30 minutes or more and with the increase in trucks it will become virtually impossible to exit. Of particular note is Bolwarra Road to Paterson Road, as Bolwarra Road has the local primary school and this intersection becomes a complete bottleneck, adding to this the trucks hurtling along without regard to the traffic congestion.
There has also been a large increase of the number of dead animals on the side of the road.
Increasing the quarry itself is a major environment catastrophe with animals losing much needed bush areas.
I read many of the support letters and all seem to not live in the local area, nor even the Maitland area and are therefore not thinking of anything apart from themselves.
Also, the support letters talk about job security as why this should be approved, these people have jobs there already and I have not seen anywhere where they are at risk of losing jobs if the expansion does not get approved.
At sometime we have to start to think of the environment and people's safety over making a quick dollar.