Monaro Rock Quarry Project

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a local resident of the Royalla area to express my strong opposition to the quarry development. I live near the site and am deeply concerned about how this project will affect the health, safety, and quality of life for my family and community.
My main concerns include:
• Dust and air pollution from blasting and truck movements, which pose a risk to respiratory health, particularly for children and older residents.
• Noise pollution from quarry operations, which will disrupt the peace and quiet that makes Royalla such a valued rural community.
• Traffic and road safety, as quarry trucks will significantly increase heavy vehicle movements on local roads, putting residents, cyclists, and school children at risk.
• Environmental impacts, including the destruction of native bushland and potential harm to local wildlife and water catchments.
This development would permanently change the rural character of Royalla. Many people moved here because of its peaceful environment, and the quarry would undermine the reasons many families choose to live in this community.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to reject the Royalla Quarry proposal. The long-term costs to residents, the environment, and community wellbeing far outweigh any potential short-term benefits.
Thank you for your time.

I object to this project. The ACT and surrounds already has multiple quarries servicing the region and we dont need another one. There are many logical reasons not to go ahead with this project.
1. Silica dust exposure - linked to lung cancer, kidney disease, silicosis which is irreversable/incurable. Silica dust is a very real risk to everyone living in the area of this proposed quarry and the ACT southern suburbs. Many whom already experience respiratory issues which would be exacerbated by the silica dust made by this quarry. This includes my 5 year old son, and I would never want him to experience any of the issues caused by silica dust.
2. Increased trucks on the highway, which would increase the risk of accidents on an already high accident area.
3. A nearby quarry can negatively effect the resale value of homes in the area because of air bourne particulates, additional traffic, dust, vibrations and noise.

Please see attached

I strongly object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project. I have many concerns with the proposed project, particularly the impact on the local wildlife, such as the pygmy possum, blue tongue lizard, legless lizard, grass parrot and other birdlife. I also have serious concerns about the grassland earless dragon (tympanocryptis pinsuicolla) as the area of the proposed quarry is their typical habitat. I don't believe a proper assessment or environmental study has been completed by the Monaro Rock Quarry Project to understand the impacts on the local wildlife, in particular, those wildlife I have listed above. I also am extremely concerned about the increase in traffic (by at least a 1000%) and the detrimental affect the heavy vehicles will have on the local roads, including Monaro Station Road, the Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road - these roads have not been designed or built to handle the amount of heavy vehicles that will travel on these roads daily if the Project goes ahead. This has been evidenced recently when the new estate of 13 blocks (Royalla Estate) built at the end of the Monaro Station Road, when just a slight increase in traffic and heavy vehicles destroyed large parts of Monaro Station Road. When I purchased land on Monaro Station Road, it was to enjoy the rural lifestyle, including peace and quiet, no loud traffic or industrial noises. If the Project goes ahead there will be constant loud noise and traffic 6 days per week - from 5am to 6pm - this does not align with the intended purpose of the Royalla rural lifestyle. I am also concerned that if the Project goes ahead, it will have a significant negative impact on the housing market in the area, particularly reducing the value of my own home.
Christopher OToole, local resident

My home is heritage listed built about 1923, my house does not have guttering or tanks which cannot be installed because of the heritage listing. I will explain further how the major project will negatively impact my situation. I have lived here for 45 years; my sole source of drinking water has been the creek running through my land. I pump this water to an uphill tank and it is gravity fed to my house. My livestock - now horses, previously sheep - also rely on this water as does my garden.

The quarry proponents state in their information sheet that the Project Need (Aug 2025) would be 'designated and operated in a manner considerate of the impacts of local residents and that it is in the wider community interests" because it would supply aggregate for construction and infrastructure projects in the ACT and QBN-Palerang region. They claim the quarry could provide up to 1 million tonnes of material annually for 35 years, meeting around "30-35% of local demand." While I understand the argument for supply, these assertions do not address the risks to local residents like me, whose health and livelihood depend directly on clean water which will be compromised by silica deposits in the water supply. The quarry has indicated the water from the operations of the quarry will be released into Guises Creek which is my sole water source. This raises grave concerns about water quality and the impact to my health. For me, this is not a hypothetical risk - it directly threatens the safety of my drinking water, the wellbeing of my animals and the continued habitability of my heritage listed home.

The quarry documents also emphasise 'local benefits' and 'economic value' to the region, but it fails to recognise that such benefits cannot come at the cost of human health and wellbeing or the destruction of established rural properties. In my case there is no alternative water source available due to the heritage restrictions.

Formal Objection to Proposed Hardrock Quarry and industrial Site at Royalla NSW

Objection Lodged by: Mrs Sandra Bennett, 38 Redbox Place Royalla NSW 2620

To: NSW Environment and Planning Minister

I strongly object to this development of this project on the following grounds;

1. Destruction of Rural Ambience

I have lived in Royalla for 21 years and moved here to raise my family and enjoy the quiet and unspoilt rural farming community. I am shocked and disappointed to learn that this proposed development is even being considered. This will destroy the rural peacefulness and ambience of Royalla, and I do not wish to see this large scale industrial site approved in any capacity.

2. Zoning Conflict

I understand the current zoning for the site is RU2 and C2. The proposed industrial development is clearly prohibited under these zoning categories. These zoning categories are put in place to protect out native flora and fauna and should not be disregarded. As a former teacher, I know the significance of environmental conservation in the curriculum and to the next generation. We need to be good role models and act appropriately to protect our local native species of both plants and animals before it is ruined.

3. Environmental Impact

This development is nothing short of a complete environmental disaster and would destroy critically endangered Boxgum grassy woodland and directly negatively impact wildlife currently on the proposed site. On this basis alone the industrial development should not proceed.

Wider environmental impacts also include dangerous and unacceptable air pollution from silica dust, noise from blasting and equipment operations six days a week.

In addition, this will result in a massive increase in truck movements of over 500, plus per day, onto either the Monaro highway or Old Cooma Rd, both of which are unacceptable and unwarranted. This stretch of highway in front of Royalla has already seen multiple fatalities and dozens of serious car and truck accidents over the past 20 years alone. This development will only cause an increase in these accidents and place Royalla residents at direct risk of accidents when entering and exiting the Monaro Highway. Two of my grandchildren live on the property with us and I fear the increased traffic burden will increase their risk of injury or worse, twice daily as they are driven to and from school in Calwell. Not to mention the hazardous risk on the rest of our family every time we use the highway, which is daily.

I understand the traffic studies were deliberately conducted at times of low traffic flow, during covid lockdown and school holidays, rendering the traffic impact assessment studies misleading and inaccurate. You only need to travel at any time during snow season to see the high traffic use (kilometers of bumper to bumper traffic travelling north and south) on the highway which was not included in this traffic study.

4. Existing Quarry

Royalla residence already suffer from an existing Quarry at Williamsdale, impinging directly on our southern Boundary which is only 2.5 km from our home. We already experience blasting noise, dust, daily voltage dips causing breaker trips and unsightly dirt overburden dirt piles visible from our home. We don't want any more unsightly, noisy and dusty quarries near our home.

5. Direct Health impact

I already struggle with respiratory breathing problems due to the early onset of Parkinsons disease. This concern is high on my list as more dust will only cause me more difficulty with breathing. Toxins are well documented as causes and effects in Parkinsons disease. By living in this rural environment, I have done my best to eliminate as many toxins entering my body as possible. Our home is in a highly elevated part of Royall which experiences high winds from all directions every day. Silica dust particles will be carried in the air, settling on our roof and washing into our water tanks every time it rains. As part of my neurology physiotherapy, I walk four to five km each day around Royalla, and I am very concerned about the effects the silica dust in the air will have on my ability to breathe. I already use an asthma prevention inhaler, which is not always effective and can often cough to a point where I cannot breathe. I worry that the silica dust from the quarry will make the management of this even more difficult.

6. Increased Stress

Life is hard enough without facing the increased stress of this proposed development. Not only am I stressed about my own health, I worry that the constant exposure to silica dust to my grandchildren at home and school, will have an adverse effect on their health in the future.

7. Quarry Capacity Justification

Existing quarries at Williamsdale, Mugga Lane and Queanbeyan (Old Cooma Road) quarries are operating well below capacity. The area simply doesn’t need another Quarry. Any suggestion that this quarry is economically significant to NSW is ludicrous. The future health burden on doctors and hospitals alone would cancel out any possible economic gains.


Regards

Sandra Bennett

To whom it may concern.
I like state my objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry. I am not against quarries, I work in a University Civil Engineering Laboratory making and testing aggregates, concrete and road pavement materials, I understand we need quarries for construction purposes.
My main issues with the quarry are location, traffic and road access, biodiversity of the area, and the number of quarries in the area.
Location:
On three sides the quarry is close to housing, the ACT suburb of Theodore to the west, Royalla to the south and Fernleigh estate to the east. If the quarry had been there before the housing, there could be no argument. We purchase our block 20 years ago knowing there would be development, expecting more rural residential blocks or even a suburb being developed nearby not a full-scale industrial venture. Why build a quarry when there are thousands of residents living within a 5km radius subjecting them to the risk of dust, noise and pollution risk.
I note the weather station used for the weather observations is at Issabella Plain in the ACT. Issabell Plains is appropriately 200m lower that Royalla. This means, at Royalla the temperature is normally a few degrees cooler and the winds stronger than Issabella Plains. This difference will affect dust and noise travel.

Traffic and Access roads:
We don't know where the main access road will be. Monaro Rock are proposing constructing a 4,5km road to join the Monaro Highway. This proposal requires approval from the ACT Government under different submission, if this in not granted what road are they going to use?

a) Monaro Highway intersection approved: The 4.5km access road would be constructed. The road would be cut into the side of enchanted hill, travel 600m dropping vertically close to 70m down Tuggeranong Creek Gully before climbing back up the gully and joining the Monaro Highway. This road with the cuts into the side of the hill and the steep descent will cause erosion and runoff affecting Tuggeranong Creek.
Heavy ladened trucks would have to cross two to three lanes of traffic on a major highway with limited sight distance in one direction. In 2024 there were at least three major accidents at the intersection of Monaro Highway and the Old Cooma Road, 14th June, 17th August, and 24th of September. this intersection has good sight distance in both directions.

b) Monaro Station Rd: attached are pictures of the damaged to this road caused by less that 20 trucks a day over a two-week period when the roads in the new subdivision, Royalla Reserve, were constructed. By looking at Google maps, satellite, the different areas of the road which were damaged during this time can be seen by the different colour of the spray seal. What damaged would 500 trucks a day cause? Also, who would purchase a hose in this street when a truck is driving past every couple of minutes. The houses in this area would be worthless.

c) Construct another road joining the Old Cooma rd: constructing a road from the quarry to the Old Cooma Road would have to pass houses due to the number of rural residential block in the area, as above with 500 trucks passing a day every house nearby would be worthless.

I note that the traffic surveys are four and a half years old and were taken during a time when travel was affected by the covid pandemic. Also there have been developments along the Old Cooma Road and the Monaro Highway which has increased the traffic in the area. For instance, the suburb of Googong has grown and therefore the number of people travelling along the Old Cooma Road and the Monaro Highway has increased. A new road survey should be undertaking.

Biodiversity:
The proposed area of the contains some critically endangered woodlands, flowers and animals. There is only 5% of Box Gum Woodlands left and while the reports states that the area to be quarried is only 0.09% of the remaining total do we keep subtracting small amounts until there is nothing left? 5 % is a depressingly low figure.

The statement below is from the NSW Government Local Land Services website, I believe it sums up why a quarry should not be allowed to progress on this site.

"Box Gum Grassy Woodland (BGGW) is an endangered vegetation type throughout NSW, and is critically endangered across eastern Australia.

Box gum grassy woodlands support more than 400 plant species with the highest diversity present in the grasses and forbs. The woodlands are primary habitat for a range of native fauna, including woodland birds such as the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot.

Box gum grassy woodland was once widespread across Southern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. These woodlands have been extensively cleared for agriculture with remnant vegetation frequently in poor to moderate condition. Only about 5% of BGGW remains. Most remnants are found in private property".

Number of Quarries in the region.
There are already four quarries in the region Boral Hall, Boral Mugga Way, Holchim Old Cooma road, and Heidelberg Williamsdale. These quarries still have years to run and at least one Holchim Old Cooma road, which is allowed to extract 1.5million tpa (though table 2.3 on page 2.7 of the Enviromental report states 1.2mtpa) is only forecast to extract 675000 tones this year after a similar figure last year, page 15 of the Cooma Road Quarry 2024 Annual Review. This means that there is not the demand for material as stated in the proposal.

Conclusion

I live on the Monaro station Rd which is slated to be an access road for "light traffic for staff and service vehicles". This means what was a quiet rural residential road has become an industry service road with traffic starting around 430am.

The project can't tell us what the major access road will be, if the ACT Government does not approve the Monaro Highway access where will the major access road be. The submission shows a road joining the Old Cooma Road, this road must pass near houses. Who would buy a house where up to 500 trucks pass by daily. The house prices must be affected.

When this project was first raised, it was just a quarry extracting 750tpa, now after community consultation it has grown into an industrial complex with a quarry extracting 1milion tpa, a concrete and asphalt batching plants, recycled concrete will be transported here to be crushed. The companies involved already have these facilities in operation in industrial estates.

The social impact statement states
"Cumulative impacts were assessed as moderate but manageable, with the Project contributing
marginally to existing burdens. Given the resilience of the Royalla community and the absence
of any significant vulnerable cohorts, no irreversible or unacceptable social impacts were
anticipated, provided that mitigation measures were properly implemented and monitored".

How can anyone say that with the issues raised above there would be on irreversible or unacceptable social impacts? We have worked hard to build a house and to think that it worth maybe devalued by this project is heart breaking.

Silca dust and diesel particular matter are two major contributors to respiratory. the NSW Government websites below detail the issue. The location of the quarry and the number of trucks that could pass near house will affect the health of residents, another social impact
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/customer-service/publications-and-reports/silica-dashboard
https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-06/diesel-particulate-matter-exhaust.pdf

These are the reason that I object to the approval of this proposal.

The traffic will be horrendous with to many trucks. There are all ready multiple quarry’s in the area.
The dust and silica issue is of great concern. I’m a tradie and know first hand how many lives are affected by silica dust in the trade industry. I also know that they have said that they can contain silica with water. Which leads to next problem if drought or Bore water is to be use so the. locals will be short on water under ground tables.
It also only takes one truck driver to forget to do the water truck or not Secure a load properly. Ie human error which could have catastrophic effect on the locals in the area.
We moved to the country for Clean country living for our kids to grow and experience country life. The rules of our houses will be covered in dust, which then we will be drinking

I have significant concerns about the long term impacts on my families health, the local environment and local infrastructure. Please see attachment

I write to formally object to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla on the basis of significant and unacceptable environmental, social, and health impacts. While I recognise the need for construction materials, this project poses long-term risks that outweigh any short-term economic benefit.

1. Increased Truck Traffic

The quarry will substantially increase heavy vehicle movements along local roads that are not designed for sustained high-volume quarry traffic. This will:
• Create road safety risks for residents, school buses, cyclists, and general traffic.
• Accelerate road surface damage and require ongoing taxpayer-funded maintenance.
• Increase greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from diesel exhaust.

The Royalla and surrounding region already experiences congestion and rural road stress. Adding quarry trucks—potentially hundreds per day—will only amplify the risk of accidents and reduce community safety.

2. Dust Impacts (Including Silica Dust)

Quarrying generates fine particulate matter, including crystalline silica dust, which is a known carcinogen. Even at low concentrations, long-term exposure poses serious health risks including silicosis, chronic lung disease, and cancer. Residents in the immediate and downwind areas will be subjected to continuous dust fallout, which no mitigation system can fully eliminate.

The region’s winds will carry dust over residential areas, small farms, and natural habitats. This represents an unacceptable health hazard, particularly for children, elderly residents, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

3. Noise Impacts

The ongoing operation of blasting, crushing, loading, and truck movements will generate a persistent noise burden for local communities. Unlike temporary construction works, this project would impose industrial-level noise over decades.

Noise pollution degrades quality of life, disrupts sleep, and has documented links to increased stress, cardiovascular issues, and mental health impacts. The tranquil rural character of Royalla will be irreversibly altered.

4. Impacts on Flora and Fauna

The project footprint will clear and disturb habitat used by native species, some of which may be threatened or vulnerable. Quarrying fragments ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and contributes to cumulative environmental degradation in the region.

The disturbance from blasting, vehicle activity, and light pollution will displace local wildlife. Once habitats are destroyed, they cannot be easily restored.

5. Long-Term, Irreversible Change

Unlike other developments, quarry operations scar the land permanently. Even after rehabilitation, the altered landscape rarely supports the same ecological or social values. Residents have chosen Royalla for its rural amenity, and this project threatens to replace that with industrial-scale extraction and disruption.

Conclusion

The Monaro Rock Quarry represents a significant and avoidable risk to public health, community amenity, road safety, and the natural environment. The proposal fails to demonstrate that the benefits justify the cumulative and long-lasting impacts on local residents and ecosystems.

For these reasons, I strongly object to the project and urge the Department of Planning to refuse approval.

I object to the proposed Monaro Rock Industrial Site proposal on the following grounds:
Human health impact of silica dust. The quarry extraction processes, rock crushing and concrete production, are likely to generate silica dust. This dust will become airborne and be spread across the surrounding area. With many houses in the area collecting rainwater for drinking, the dust that is deposited on roofs will be introduced into the tanks and then consumed by the residents. Dust suppression at the industrial site may restrict the immediate dispersal of the silica, but the dampened dust will dry out and be picked up at a later stage by the region’s strong winds and distributed onto roofs and into the household water supplies. The health impacts of silica dust are extreme and local suppression is unlikely to satisfactorily mitigate the spread of the dust and negate the risks to human health. The other control measures identified in the EIS are all self-regulated, with ‘an assumed air quality monitoring program’: there is little to no assurance that the operator will apply these measures or have any responsibility for third party users of the site being compliant.
Effect on the local aquifer. The volume of water to be used by the quarry will have a significant impact on the aquifer that serves the local communities that draw bore water for agriculture, animal care, gardening and some household uses. Water management restrictions in the local council development plan have sustained a large number of rural residential properties for over 20 years, but there are periods where bores or natural ponds have all but run dry owing to drought or climatic effect. The massive increase in water being drawn from the aquifer will jeopardise access of residents with legitimate water rights and have negative impact on established and future land use.
Increased heavy vehicles. The Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road corridors are increasingly used by commuters from residential developments to the south and east of the proposed quarry. The introduction of extra heavy vehicle movements will have safety implications that are statistically going to occur purely on a volume basis. These two roads are already under frequent maintenance given they were not originally built for the volumes and weights they currently endure, let alone the enormous increase in vehicle weights and frequency that quarry operations would bring – extracted material out as well as incoming material for recycling and asphalt production. The traffic surveys conducted for the EIS are also flawed by using data from a period in 2021 that the report already identified as statistically significant less traffic owing to travel restrictions through the COVID-19 pandemic. Equally, the traffic monitoring station at Bredbo is well beyond and unrepresentative of the populations travelling into and out of Canberra from established and new developments at Williamsdale and Michelago. The overall negative impact of the increased heavy vehicle traffic will be of greater damage to roads that are already in poor condition from higher commuter volumes as well as extensive road safety hazards brought about by heavy vehicles travelling at speed or crossing into traffic at low speed. The additional heavy vehicles on the roads will also contribute to a significant increase in road-kill. The Monaro Highway is already a corridor of cadavers, with psycho-social consequences from constant witnessing of mangled wildlife.
Impact on the local flora and fauna. The physical extent of the proposed development will destroy acres of vegetation and displace significant numbers of animal species. Urban encroachment and human pressures, expanding feral animal populations, combined with extreme bushfire events, are already impacting the available habitat for native species. The quarry and its associated activities will eradicate a specific parcel of native land and further reduce the overall habitat that is conducive to harbouring endemic flora and fauna. There is also an element of questionable probity in the BDAR as the report authors thank employees of the external reviewer for their contributions and assistance in compiling the report. This does not give faith to the integrity of the operator or the wider EIS process, as identified by negative community sentiment in the SIA.
Social impact on residents and communities. The SIA states: “Taking both the technical data and community sentiment into account, as well as the greenfield nature of the Project and the resulting sensitivity, it was determined that residents in the LSA would be likely to experience cumulative impacts from the Project with moderate magnitude resulting in an impact significance rating of high.” The researcher contends that essentially ‘people will get used to the quarry over time’, but also concedes that: “While this assessment was based on the best available data and expert technical studies, there remain inherent uncertainties in forecasting the scale and nature of social impacts.” This conclusion pays lip-service to the depth of sentiment in the community as to the negative effects of the proposed industrial estate. The disruption to communities on either side of the site will be significant given the expansive industrial activities intended. The increased heavy vehicle traffic will be a particularly visible and practical imposition on local communities. The SIA identifies that the proposal is already divisive: whether it progresses or not, it will continue to impact social cohesion by introducing new issues between factions who each want amenity on their terms. Very few locals will gain economically from the quarry yet everyone will pay for it by some measure.
I also contend that there was very narrow and constrained community consultation during the development of the EIS and in the short window for comment. A community forum with the applicant and their representatives is needed to further establish the merits of the proposal and gain commitments to the health, sustainability, ecological and safety issues that form the basis of my concerns and objections.

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to submit my strong opposition to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Industrial site. This proposed development will have huge negative consequences for the local community of which I am a resident. It would also negatively impact the environment, and infrastructure.
Following are some of my concerns of the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Industrial site.

Air Pollution:
The quarry will introduce high levels of dust pollution to the surrounding area. This will impact the quality of life for residents. Dust emissions from the quarry would affect:
Air quality, leading to respiratory problems for my family who have auto immune diseases.
Contamination of house roof, from which our drinking water is collected.
Contamination of our vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
Contamination of our pastures which our livestock rely on.
Contamination will also negatively impacts the native flora and fauna.

Water use:
As the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Industrial site has no water supply so it will require to overuse of the underground water table which will change and damage the water table in the region.
Water run off will create environmental hazard for the native flora and fauna.

TrafficDanger:
As a First Responder with Fire and Rescue, I clearly know how dangerous the Monaro Highway and surrounding roads are and the large number of fatalities on the Monaro highway and road in the region. The significant increase in truck traffic on the Monaro Highway and local roads will increase existing traffic congestion and pose an increased danger to motorists. The roads in this area are not designed to accommodate the increased number of vehicle movements associated with quarry operations, which will lead to an increase risk of accidents.

Property Values:
The construction of the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Industrial site close to residential areas will lower the quality of life for local residents. The potential noise, dust, and traffic will make the area less desirable to live in, reducing property values. The financial and psychological toll of this outcome will lead to increased stress and health issues for families.

Proposed Location:
With other Quarry's in the region, another quarry is not required to supply materials. This is not a suitable location for a quarry development. The proposed location is close to existing residents and is not acceptable.

Thank you

See attachment

Submission to Oppose the Proposed Monaro Rock Quarry
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to formally oppose the development of the Monaro Rock Quarry for the following key reasons:
1. Environmental Impact
The proposed quarry site is located in an ecologically sensitive area that could suffer irreversible environmental damage. This region is home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are at risk of being endangered. The operation of the quarry would significantly degrade the quality of surrounding ecosystems.

Air and Water Pollution: Dust generated by quarrying operations, along with chemicals and runoff from the site, could contaminate both the air and water sources in the area. This would impact the health of the community, and the quality of life for those living nearby. The use of up to 42.4 million litres bore water, which is required for dust suppression and concrete and asphalt production, by the quarry will also deplete the underground water supply to all living in the area.

Habitat Destruction: The clearing of land to establish the quarry could displace species that rely on the area for food, shelter, and migration paths. This could lead to a loss in biodiversity, disrupting the balance of the local ecosystem.


2. Impact on Local Communities
The development of the quarry threatens to alter the character of the surrounding communities. The increased industrial activity, noise pollution, and traffic congestion will harm the quality of life for residents.
Noise and Vibration: The blasting, machinery, and other operations associated with the quarry would generate noise and vibrations, which would affect both human health and the well-being of all animals. These disturbances could lead to long-term stress on individuals, particularly for families with young children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions.


Traffic and Safety Concerns: The influx of heavy trucks and machinery, up to 500 trucks per day, required to transport materials from the quarry would significantly increase road traffic, posing safety risks and disrupting daily life for local residents. This increased traffic flow could also result in more frequent accidents and an overall deterioration in road conditions. The Monaro Highway is already a high risk road, especially during the snow season.


Property Values: The presence of a quarry will decrease property values in the surrounding areas, affecting homeowners. This loss in value will make it difficult for local families to maintain their homes and sell their property.



3. Health Risks for Immunocompromised and Vulnerable Individuals
The proposed Monaro Rock Quarry poses a serious public health risk, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and others with pre-existing medical conditions. These members of our community are especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants, and the introduction of large-scale quarry operations could significantly compromise their health and safety.
Airborne Particulates: Quarry operations produce fine particulate matter from blasting, crushing, and transportation of rock. These particles can be inhaled into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering severe respiratory issues. For immunocompromised people — including those undergoing cancer treatment, living with autoimmune diseases, organ transplant recipients, and others — this exposure can lead to chronic inflammation, infections, or hospitalization.


Increased Respiratory and Cardiovascular Risk: Quarry-related air pollution has been linked to exacerbated asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular issues — all of which pose a heightened danger to vulnerable individuals. The stress of chronic exposure to airborne pollutants can lower immune system effectiveness, leading to more frequent and severe illnesses.


Lack of Escape: Unlike healthy people who may tolerate or adapt to increased dust and pollution, immunocompromised people often do not have the option to safely remain in affected areas. This could force them to relocate, resulting in economic and emotional hardship.
Including vulnerable populations in planning and risk assessments is a legal and moral obligation. Proceeding with this quarry without adequately protecting the health of immunocompromised individuals would be a violation of public health responsibilities.

4. Community Opinion
With approximately 49000 people living within 10klm of the proposed site, and with the projected number around 69000 in the next 10 years, it is essential to recognise the voices of the community who have expressed opposition to this proposal. Local residents, businesses, and environmental advocates have raised significant concerns about the quarry’s potential effects. Ignoring the concerns of the people who live and work in the region would harm our community.

Conclusion
Given the significant environmental risks, adverse impacts on local communities, and the potential for long-term economic harm, I urge the relevant authorities to reject the proposal for the Monaro Rock Quarry. The preservation of our environment and community well-being, must take precedence over short-term industrial interests.
Thank you for considering this submission.

Dear Planning Authority,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed quarry development due to its severe and unacceptable impacts on the environment, public health, and local community.

The project poses an immediate threat to the environment. It will destroy 22.44 hectares of critically endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland—a vital habitat for over 30 species of flora and fauna. The quarry would also extract up to 42.4 million litres of groundwater annually, reducing flows in local watercourses that lead to Tuggeranong and risking widespread pollution from equipment washing and concrete recycling. The groundwater in this region is already depleted with individual property based bores already limitied/not allowed so why is this type of water use even being considered.

The quarry will significantly harm our community, especially through increased traffic and congestion. The project is projected to generate up to 500 heavy vehicle movements per day, creating a major safety hazard on the Monaro Highway and other local roads. This influx of heavy vehicles will cause significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak season like the winter ski season, when traffic volumes on the Monaro Highway are already at their highest.

The community also risks suffering from respirable silica dust, which poses known and serious health risks, not to mention the persistent odours from hot mix asphalt production. Blasting will cause noise and vibrations, and the project's high energy demands could lead to brownouts damaging household appliances. This industrial operation is completely inappropriate for a residential area with 49,000 people living within 10 km, a population projected to grow to 69,000.

Finally, the project is economically and culturally unjustified. On-site surveys have found culturally significant Indigenous artifacts, including ring and scar trees, which would be destroyed by the development. Furthermore, there is no economic need for a new quarry, as four existing quarries within 30 km have the capacity to meet demand for over 100 years. Why is another one even being considered?

In conclusion, this proposal is a direct threat to our environment, health, and cultural heritage, with no clear economic justification. I urge you to reject this development.

I object based on the following:
The negative air quality, noise, odour effect on the current 49,000 population (expected to grow to 69000 over the next 10 years) in the close proximity to the proposed facility.

The high concern around safety for local residents with the rapid increase of truck volume into and out of the facility and onto the local roads that are already breaking down and under maintaned.

The existing flow of local traffic already see signifcant bottlenecks regularly occuring due to snow traffic. The proposed significant traffic increase is expected to create gridlock at certain times.

The massive financial cost increase in road upgrades and maintenance over the life of this facility will impose an unreasonable financial burden on local ratepayer with little or no benefit to them.

I'm writing to highly object to the proposal of the Monaro Rock Quarry. I have grown up here in Royalla, this is my home. The peace, quiet and enjoyment of living in the country as a young adult will be removed if we let this quarry go ahead. I am highly concerned about the heavy vehicles and increased traffic that will occur and I feel this is a huge safety concern not to mention the impact it will have on our environment, water quality and health. I live close to the proposed site and I really feel the impact on our lifestyle, health and environment really needs to be considered. This quarry should NOT be allowed to go ahead here in Royalla. There will be so many communities affected by this, it is pure greed and should not be considered at all! I drive on Old Cooma Rd and Monaro Hwy on a daily bases, we deal with holiday traffic regularly, not to mention the snow traffic. Adding an extra 500 trucks a day will be catastrophic! Please take all our concerns into consideration, this quarry is not even needed!!

I would like to express my deep concern at the proposal for the Monaro Rock Quarry in my local suburb of Royalla. My concerns relate to the process that has been followed which provides little confidence that all appropriate factors have been or will be considered. In addition, the potential health implications facing the 49,000 households and 17 schools located within the likely area of hazard from the quarry should in itself preclude any further consideration of the proposal. Traffic implications on the Monaro Highway leading into Canberra are also of major concerns. This stretch of road is already considered to pose heightened safety concerns. To add the volume of heavy vehicle traffic generated by the quarry will exacerbate what is already recognised as a dangerous section of roadway. I am hopeful that proper consideration of these concerns along with those being voiced by so many residents who stand to be adversely impacted will result in cancelation of the quarry proposal. Should the proposal be progressed further be assured I will be submitting a comprehensive expression of concerns at whatever level of authority is deemed appropriate to ensure that the quarry proposal is appropriately refused.
R.F. Luke AM
Air Commodore RAAF (Retired)

The proposed Monaro Rock quarry near Royalla concerns me greatly.
As a recent resident of this area, I moved here for the rural and peaceful lifestyle.

My main concern with the new quarry is that an area listed as Ru2 or C2 Protected land could be utilised for a rock quarry, concrete and asphalt production. I am disappointed that even preliminary assessments and drilling has occurred on protected land within the Queanbeyan-Palerang Council. As a teacher of environmental sciences for many years, I am aware of the damaging and negative impacts that will result from this quarry.

My second concern is the long-term health impacts from silica dust landing on the rooftops of residences. Given the rural nature of Royalla, our primary source of water is collected from our rooftops. Other health concerns include a documented increase in a number of cancers in areas close by quarries in Australia.

My third concern is the effect on traffic on the Monaro Highway and the associated increased risks of accidents.
I am also concerned that this projected has been deemed a State Significant Project, which means that consideration has been taken out of the hands of our local council. It seems that the financial gain from this project will go to two companies, and not necessarily be significantly beneficial to NSW at all. I imagine most of the rock extracted from the quarry will be used in places like the Molonglo Valley. This rock could be sourced from existing quarries in NSW with additional transport costs associated. This seems a better idea than a new build quarry in the middle of tens of thousands of residents.

I live in Royalla Country estate.
My objections to the proposed new Monaro Rock Quarry is as follows
1 -Transportation, The movement of up to 500 Heavy truck movement per day, six days per week on a country road.(Old Cooma road)
This road is used every day by motor cars and a lot of heavy vehicles, adding more movements of heavy vehicles weighing up to 50.5 tonnes and 20 meters in length. I can see a recipe for accidents to happen. Putting trucks with these lengths and weights on a road never designed for this type of truck movements
Old Cooma road is a narrow road and has tight turns, Crossing over a unused railway line before entering a very busy Monaro highway .(A lot of passenger vehicles use this Highway every day} This intersection has been known to have accidents and a lot of close calls.
Also as a rate payer in the Queanbeyan Palerang council area will I be required through rate increases to pay for the extra damage done to Old Cooma road.
2- Environment
Where I live in Royalla, my houses is also already covered in dust from an operating Quarry in Willimsdale. I can hear the rock crushing plant operating and the blasting of rock. So approving another Rock quarry so close to one already operating will put my property in the middle of extra exposure to more dust and noise
I'm also concerned about the destruction of the hill known as Enchanted hill, this hill to covered in Flora and fauna that is unique to this area.
A another concern is the amount of electricity and water to operate such a large Quarry, Groundwater will not be sufficient to even to try to keep dust down. This will also affect the water table in the area.
3- Economics
This quarry will only benefit two wealthy family's with minimal economic benefit to Queanbeyan community.
We already have Four Quarries in a 30km radius of this proposed quarry, That have a life span of at least 100years.
4- Social
This proposed quarry will affect up to 49,000 people and more in the future.
So I believe the monetary benefit of the few, should not outweigh the benefit of the majority.
Finally I moved to a country estate for my mental and physical wellbeing.
I already suffer though the dust and noise and extra traffic from one operating quarry near me . I don't support approval for another one so close to an operating quarry in a region that is already well serviced by quarries.