Monaro Rock Quarry Project

I object to the proposal of a new quarry in Royalla.

I am a resident of Royalla and I vehemently oppose the new quarry; it is contradictory to government policy and will have a critical impact on my life and that of my family.

In a time of climate change with the need for responsible environmental management, the development of a quarry adjacent to an urban area is non sensical and misaligned.

Having been a resident since 2016, we did so to be able to live in a country setting with clean air and away from the impacts of the city. This would also include a quarry that will impact the noise, traffic, water sources and air quality. If I knew a quarry would be considered for the area back when we were looking to buy out here I would never have decided to live in Royalla.

Almost every property in this region is built with energy conservation and water management in mind. Houses and sheds have solar panels and properties manage homes and live stock with water tanks, dams and bores as part of a semi rural living strategy. The area was designed without town water provision and as such relies totally on rainwater for survival. The volume of water proposed to be used by the quarry will definitely impact the local water quality and quantity. Whether it be groundwater or rainwater, the quarry will reduce the amount and quality of water available for local residents to use and live off.

In line with the Governments policy on renewable energy, almost every property has solar panels to maximise the energy from the sun and reduce the burden on the electrical system; not increase it like the quarry will do. The quarry will impact the efficiency of solar collection and the quality of water with the dust settling on solar panels, rooftops and getting into water tanks.

The impact on traffic is a key concern. I have witnessed several road accidents along the Monaro highway and have been affected by several accidents where lives have been lost. With the number of truck movements and the volume of trucks on the highway and crossing the highway, it is only a matter of time until more accidents occur. As the father of kids that are about to begin their driving life, I am scared by the fact that there will be so much more heavy vehicle traffic on roads that are already dangerous due to their poor state of repair and the number of vehicles that currently use them.

I completely understand the need for mining, but not near residential areas where the impacts are so great. If I purchased a house/property near a quarry, then I would be doing so with full awareness of the impacts. However, I purchased here in Royalla because there was no quarry, none planned and there should not be one in the vicinity of people and properties. The benefits (if any) to the community are far outweighed by the negatives. There is a lack of consideration for the cumulative effects on the community impacted by the quarry. Where issues are identified, it requires the developer to deliver a wide range of mitigations that are broad in scope with questionable achievability. What if it does not or cannot meet a mitigation requirement?? The community does not want the quarry in the proposed location - the region has other locations more suited without the impacts to community and the environment.

I am concerned about the cumulative impacts of the proposed quarry. The scoping report highlights cumulative impacts of other quarries but is silent on cumulative community impacts. What is the cost to the local community in property values? Water quality? Noise pollution? Air quality? Road crashes? Hours of operation and testing (which can be done outside of operation)? The lack of focus on the community demonstrates a clear lack of consideration for anything except money. There is a complete lack of corporate social responsibility in the submission for the quarry and it should not be considered further. The fact that, in my view, issues are raised and cannot or will not be properly mitigated and managed clearly demonstrates that those proposing a quarry do not care for the impacts on the community and that a quarry should not be developed in the proposed location.

I love where I live and I would not live here if I knew a quarry was to be built nearby. There are other areas, with less impacts to a community that could be used. The misalignment of the proposal and government environmental, climate and energy policies is stark. Please do not approve the proposed quarry in Royalla.

Hi.
I oppose the Monaro rock quarry as my understanding is this land was reserved as an environmental conservation protected area and both the natural flora and fauna should be left alone to thrive in their natural habitats, undisturbed or killed by a quarry digging it up. I moved to Royalla to enjoy the natural wildlife. The animals in particular wombats and echidnas which can be seen around this area. By destroying this conservation area you are showing that monetary gain is more important than safeguarding our natural treasures (in animals and plants). I find it very disturbing that a land can be deemed naturally important and in need of safeguarding and yet this decision can be overturned for monetary gain for a private company.

I also have concerns about safety on the Monaro Highway with the massive increase of trucks (200-500 per day) entering and exiting the highway every day. This is dangerous with the slowing down for trucks at an already dangerous intersection. I have lived in Royalla for a few years and have seen numerous accidents in this intersection already. Introducing hundreds of trucks a day will only cause more accidents and damage to the roads condition.
Thank you for reading my concerns.
Yours Sincerely,
Karina Luke

I live in the Australian Capital Territory in a suburb in close proximity to the proposed development. I have survived radical cancer surgery and treatment for an asbestos related cancer. This was caused by the polluted environment that I either lived in, was educated in or worked in. Silica dust has been proven to cause disastrous health outcomes for the public. The health risks for people living near this development are too high to allow the development to go ahead. Silica dust which will be produced during the processes used in quarries has been proven to cause significant negative impacts on human health. Having my own personal experience of the ongoing health problems caused by environmental pollution is enough to make me feel strongly about reducing public health risks in the future. We should be learning lessons from the past. Please consider the significant negative outcomes for public health when making planning decisions for the quarry.

My husband and I purchased our property before it was officially listed, after the land owner personally took us on a tour of the land that would become our family's sanctuary. We were drawn to the tranquillity, native wildlife and natural beauty and chose this location with the intention of building our forever home. A peaceful haven to raise our 4 children & 8 grandchildren. This has become the heart of our family, with many milestones celebrated here, including our daughter's wedding, host family gatherings & care for our grandchildren. The proposed quarry threatens to shatter this family lifestyle.
We are concerned about the noise, dust pollution and shock blasting which will affect our everyday life but also the physical and emotional wellbeing of our family, particularly our grandchildren some of which have major physical allergies to dust. If the quarry proceeds the social and emotional toll on our family and ability to enjoy our home will be irreversible.

I question the necessity of having another quarry so close the the other quarries in the region which supply the region and have a capacity to meet demand over an estimated 30 year lifespan of the proposal.

The proposed quarry so close to our home will lead to a significant decline in air quality. At present we enjoy clean air, free from industrial pollutants the proposal threatens to change this dramatically. Quarrying generates large quantities of dust, fine particulate matter and diesel emissions from heavy machinery and transport vehicles, the pollutants won't remain confined to the quarry site. They will be carried by wind into nearby homes, settle on roofs, gutters and eventually into our rain water tanks that we rely on for all our water needs. Of particular concern is the production of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RSA). It is known to remain airborne for extended periods and can travel significant distances, silica dust poses unique risks because it is so fine that it can penetrate deep into the lungs. The cumulative effect of quarry dust, diesel emissions and fumes represents a decline in the air quality that we depend on for a safe and basic healthy living environment.

The health impacts of this proposal cannot be understated, exposure to the pollutants produced by the quarry can have serious consequences. RCS is a toxic airborne pollutant that can lead to a range of long-term & irreversible health conditions. EG Silicosis, Lung Cancer, Bronchitis and Exacerbated Asthma. Daily low- level exposure over time is just as harmful as occupational exposure. A greater concern for me is the impact this will have on our grandchildren that suffer from dust allergies and respiratory sensitivities. They are regularly cared for at our home but I worry that may no longer be possible if the air is compromised by dust and fumes. The increased levels could trigger these allergies and sensitivities putting their health at risk and ultimately stop some family members visiting, significantly disrupting our family connection and life.

Currently we enjoy a tranquil environment with no issues related to noise pollution, The proposed 12 hours a day, 6 days a week operating times will bring prolonged disruptive noise from large capacity, high powered crushing plant, blasting, heavy machinery and a steady flow of haulage trucks. As my husband and I are retired we are home a majority of that time we will have no reprieve from the noise and limit our regular family gatherings.

It has been mentioned the proposed quarry may have secured an agreement with a private leaseholder to construct an access road linking the quarry site to the Monaro Highway, this route intersects a section of highway notorious for serious accidents and high speed traffic. It is unclear whether the ACT Govt. would support the creation of a new heavy vehicle entry point at such a dangerous location, given the risk to public safety. The only alternative is Old Cooma Road, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) also appears reluctant to permit this route due to the anticipated damage from increased heavy vehicle traffic which would result in substantial maintenance costs to ratepayers. More importantly Old Cooma Road is not designed to accommodate high volumes of heavy haulage trucks, the increase onto this narrow rural road could create a serious and constant road safety hazard.

From my research and understanding of biodiversity the quarry proposal could be in conflict with specific zoning classifications in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022 (QPRLEP 2022) Under the plan, land zoned C2 Environmental Conservation is subject to objectives that include.
"To protect, manage and restore areas of high ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic values.
To prevent development that could destroy, damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on those values.
To protect threatened species and rivers, creeks and gully ecosystems within Queanbeyan.
To Identify and protect escarpment areas that enhance the visual amenity of Queanbeyan and possess special aesthetic or conservational value.
To protect water quality by preventing inappropriate development within catchment areas."
In my opinion, these objectives are designed to limit or exclude industrial activities that would generate habitat destruction, noise, dust, traffic and ecological harm. The quarry will do clearing, cause ongoing disturbance, noise and pollution that would affect flora, fauna and the ecosystem of the area which is what the objective of C2 are in place to prevent.
In my understanding, RU2 Rural Landscape zoning has expectations of maintaining the landscape's character and protecting environmental values. Under RU2 development must be consistent with rural landscape objectives including preserving scenic quality, biodiversity and limiting adverse impacts.
QPRLEP 2022 stated aims include " To keep and protect important natural habitat and biodiversity.
To protect water quality, aquifers and waterways"
I am concerned the proposed quarry could lead to fragmentation of habitat, impact waterways with dust and sediment runoff, is a risk to possible threatened species and loss of native vegetation.

As I write this I am looking out onto our property, the winds are 30k today which is pretty normal out here, the thought that I may not be able to go outside 6 days out of 7 for fear of inhaling silica dust is frightening. When and eventually if our children and grandchildren come to visit we will have to sit inside which is saddening. I fear the effect on the mental health of my husband and myself of prolonged noise and limitations on our lifestyle through no doing of our own.
Thank you for considering my submission, the proposed quarry if allow to go ahead, will negatively affect the lives of many residents in the immediate area and nearby ACT homes and businesses also.

To Whom it May Concern
I am writing to formally oppose the development of the Monaro Rock Quarry due to the significant health risks it poses to local residents, workers, and the surrounding environment. After reviewing the proposed quarry operations and associated risks, I have serious concerns regarding the following health issues, which warrant urgent attention.
1. Air Quality and Respiratory Health

One of the primary concerns with the operation of the Monaro Rock Quarry is the impact on air quality. Quarrying activities such as blasting, drilling, and transportation of materials produce significant amounts of particulate matter, including dust and fine particles, which are known to contribute to respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to airborne dust can exacerbate or lead to chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions would be especially at risk.

The dust generated by such operations could easily spread to surrounding residential areas, posing a direct health threat to the local community. Without a comprehensive air quality management plan that includes robust dust control measures, there is a strong possibility of health deterioration in the affected population.

2. Noise Pollution and Its Impact on Mental Health

The construction and operational phases of the quarry will result in elevated noise levels due to blasting, machinery operation, and transportation activities. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise has been shown to have a detrimental effect on mental health, increasing stress levels, anxiety, and even contributing to sleep disturbances. Research also suggests that prolonged noise exposure can lead to cardiovascular problems, particularly for those living in close proximity to the source of noise.

In addition to its physical effects, constant noise pollution disrupts the general well-being of the community and diminishes the quality of life for local residents, especially those who rely on a peaceful environment for health and recreation.

Conclusion
Considering the significant health risks associated with the Monaro Rock Quarry, including air and noise pollution, water contamination, and increased traffic accidents, I strongly oppose the project. I urge the relevant authorities to prioritize the health and well-being of the local community by reconsidering the approval of this development.

I request that an independent, thorough health impact assessment be conducted, considering both immediate and long-term effects on the population. Additionally, I encourage the adoption of alternative methods or locations for mining operations that will not put public health at risk.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I write to formally oppose the proposed Monaro Rock quarry development at Royalla. While the supply of construction materials is important for regional growth, the location, scale, and impacts of this project pose unacceptable risks to community safety, health, and infrastructure.

1. Road Safety and Capacity
The proposed quarry would significantly increase the number of heavy vehicle movements along Old Cooma Road. Current estimates indicate that quarry operations could generate hundreds of additional truck trips per day. Old Cooma Road is not designed to handle this volume of heavy traffic.

The road is narrow, contains sharp bends, and has limited overtaking opportunities. Shoulders are often absent or inadequate, meaning there is little margin for error in the event of breakdowns or evasive manoeuvres. The interaction of quarry trucks with commuter, school, and agricultural traffic will create a dangerous mix of vehicle types with very different operating characteristics.

Old Cooma Road is already recognised by local residents as hazardous. Increased heavy vehicle traffic will exacerbate risks of collisions, particularly head-on and rear-end incidents on bends and at intersections. It will also reduce travel time reliability and compromise access for emergency services. No amount of signage or minor road upgrades can mitigate the fundamental design limitations of this road.

2. Public Health Impacts – Silica Dust
Quarrying operations are associated with the generation of respirable crystalline silica dust. Inhalation of silica dust is a well-documented occupational and public health hazard. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Prevailing winds in the Royalla area mean it is unrealistic to assume dust emissions will remain contained within the quarry boundary. Nearby residential areas, schools, and recreational spaces are at risk of exposure. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly susceptible to harm. Given recent national attention on the health impacts of silica exposure, permitting a quarry of this nature in close proximity to residential communities would be negligent.

3. Community Amenity and Environmental Impact
Royalla and its surrounds are valued for their semi-rural amenity. Residents have chosen this area for its quiet character, open space, and relatively low levels of industrial activity. The operation of a major quarry will introduce continuous noise, vibration, dust, and traffic, permanently altering the character of the community.

Heavy vehicle movements will contribute to noise pollution along Old Cooma Road and surrounding areas. This will impact not only residents but also local wildlife. The cumulative environmental burden, combined with safety and health risks, far outweighs any economic benefits claimed by the proponent.

4. Infrastructure Burden
The increased truck traffic will accelerate wear and tear on Old Cooma Road and adjoining routes. Local councils and taxpayers will bear the costs of premature maintenance and upgrades to infrastructure that was never designed for sustained heavy vehicle use. This constitutes an inequitable transfer of costs from a private operator to the public.

Conclusion
In summary, the proposed Monaro Rock quarry is fundamentally incompatible with the Royalla area and its existing infrastructure. The increased truck traffic on Old Cooma Road presents unacceptable road safety risks. The generation and dispersal of silica dust pose serious long-term health hazards to the community. The quarry will erode the semi-rural amenity and place an unsustainable burden on public infrastructure.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the relevant authorities to reject the proposal in the interests of public safety, community health, and environmental protection.

To whom it may concern,
I object to the Monaro rock quarry being done due to my point that follow,
Quarry operations generate fine particulate dust (silica dust) that can travel long distances through wind. Inhalation of this dust is known to cause respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and long-term lung damage. There are serious concerns about the health and safety of those living downwind of the site, especially vulnerable populations. Adequate mitigation measures are often unreliable and difficult to enforce over time, particularly in remote or rural areas.
And secondly,
The operation of a quarry will inevitably produce excessive and continuous noise from blasting, crushing, truck movements, and heavy machinery. This level of industrial noise is incompatible with the rural character of the Monaro region and poses a significant disruption to the quiet lifestyle currently enjoyed by residents. Prolonged exposure to such noise levels can also have long-term psychological and physiological effects, particularly on children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
As these are only two of many of my concerns as a resident with health conditions I hope that it does not take place.
Thank you.

I object to the project as I am very concerned about the impact to our community regarding the negative health aspects of the dust produced by the quarry. I also have three young adult drivers in my family and am concerned about the safety impact of the 500 extra heavy vehicles on our local roads daily. This project absolutely should not be approved in our local area.

Please see my attached submission for the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry.

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.

To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to lodge my formal objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla. While I acknowledge the need for construction materials, the long-term environmental, social, and health risks of this project far outweigh any short-term economic gains.

1. Traffic and Road Safety
The quarry will significantly increase heavy vehicle movements on local roads that are not designed for sustained quarry traffic. This will:
• Create safety risks for residents, school buses, cyclists, and general traffic.
• Accelerate road damage, placing an additional maintenance burden on taxpayers.
• Increase greenhouse gas emissions and diesel-related air pollution.

Royalla and surrounding areas already face congestion and road stress. The introduction of potentially hundreds of quarry trucks daily will compound safety risks and erode community amenity.

2. Dust and Air Quality (Including Silica Dust)
Quarrying produces fine dust particles, including crystalline silica, a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure increases the risk of silicosis, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer. Even with mitigation, dust cannot be completely contained.

Prevailing winds will carry dust across homes, small farms, and natural habitats. This presents an unacceptable health hazard, especially for children, older residents, and people with respiratory conditions.

3. Noise Pollution
Blasting, crushing, loading, and truck movements will generate persistent industrial noise over decades. Unlike temporary construction works, this would be a long-term intrusion. Noise pollution is known to disturb sleep, elevate stress, and negatively affect cardiovascular and mental health. It will irreversibly disrupt Royalla’s quiet rural character.

4. Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts
The project footprint will clear and fragment native habitat, threatening biodiversity and displacing wildlife. Disturbances from blasting, vehicles, and light pollution will further degrade the local environment. Once lost, these habitats cannot be fully restored.

5. Irreversible Land Degradation
Quarrying permanently alters landscapes. Even with rehabilitation, former quarry sites rarely regain their ecological or social value. Residents have chosen Royalla for its rural amenity; this project would impose an industrial operation that fundamentally changes the area’s character.

Conclusion
The proposed Monaro Rock Quarry poses unacceptable risks to public health, road safety, community wellbeing, and the natural environment. The cumulative and permanent impacts are not justified by the claimed benefits.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Department of Planning to refuse approval of this proposal.

We strongly object to this project proceeding.
The project will adversely impact the region for the next 30-50 years. The project adversely impacts road safety, biodiversity, environmental water quality and important downstream areas, business costs, resident health and quality of life for not only us but also across the region. Compounded by existing quarries around the region and the increased pollution produced, the impacts are unacceptable.

My home is approximately 3 kilometres from the site of the proposed quarry, as the crow flies. I have lived here for over twenty years. I live here with my wife, one son and two grandchildren. My other children and grandchildren visit frequently. I share the concerns of my neighbours that the proposed quarry and other associated industrial processes will impact our health and quality of life. I have read about cancer clusters around comparable quarries in Australia.

My most pressing concern is the potential effect on our health and that of our community. I have read about the effects of respirable crystalline silica and, in particular, how long particles may remain airborne. I have also read the risk assessment and the proposed mitigation strategies for the Royalla Quarry. In my view, the proposal underestimates the risk and the mitigation strategies, even if closely adhered to (which they almost never are), will not assist homes in Royalla and surrounds. The proposal has modelled meteorological conditions in Isabella Plains in the ACT. In my 20 years experience in Royalla, and a further 20 years in Tuggeranong before that, Royalla is much windier and i would expect RCS to be carried much further than the proposal suggests. The proposal's claims require close scrutiny for that reason alone. Royalla (and similar communities nearby) are peculiarly vulnerable to RCS because we all rely on tank water. There are no measures (and no viable measures are suggested in the proposal) that would protect our water supply from RCS blowing onto our roofs, and into our dams, springs and ground water. Based on my reading, the quarry will put the community's health at significant risk.

I am also concerned about noise and odours and use of groundwater associated with the three distinct heavy industrial processes proposed for the site.

I am also concerned about the effect of additional heavy vehicle traffic on the Monaro Highway and associated roads. I note that the traffic modelling for the proposal appears to have been based on 2021 data, at a time when traffic was especially light due to COVID travel restrictions.

The risks to our community are out of all proportion to the stated economic benefits to NSW, which as described in the proposal are modest, at best.

To allow this process would be an intolerable breach of faith by the NSW government to people who live in this community.

To the NSW Department of Planning,
I am writing to formally object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807) in Royalla.
The Environmental Impact Statement fails to adequately address the significant risks this quarry poses to our community. The proposed 200 daily truck movements on the Monaro Highway will create unacceptable traffic hazards. Furthermore, the long-term health impacts of airborne silica dust on local residents and children are a major concern. The project's disruption to groundwater resources and sensitive ecosystems, including the habitat of the pink-tailed legless lizard, is simply not worth the cost. This project is a detriment to our environment, our safety, and our community's well-being. I urge you to reject this application.

I have attached a Word file - Submission to NSW Planning re MONARO ROCK QUARRY.docx

I formally object to the proposed quarry. I formally request that this proposal be reviewed by the NSW Independent Planning Commissioner. Please see attached objection.

I am concerned that my family, community and environment will be impacted by the proposed quarry. As a resident of Theodore, and a former environmental consultant; my family and I object to the proposed quarry for the following reasons to which I believe are to be true:
1) High risk of silica and other airborne contaminants: Appendix C Human Health Risks Assessment concludes that dust will prevented from leaving the site based on assumptions of adherence to simple dust management strategies dot pointed in the report. I believe this is based on some sort of trust that the operators will adhere to these dust management strategies every day, all day for the life of the project. I contacted Monaro Rock Quarry via email published on their proposal website for any questions. I asked if there will be new processing equipment used with dust suppression built in and not the use of old second hand equipment. To my knowledge I have had no response. I have concerns if this project can be undertaken in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner. What type of compliance enforcement will there be imposed if any? I also have concerns that the NSW EPA may not be able to of enforce adequate compliance to any environmental obligations imposed on the operator as the EPA typically focus on light handed education not robust enforcement.
2) No air quality monitoring program presented for review: In the conclusion of Appendix C Human Health Risks Assessment it states 'It is assumed that an air quality monitoring program would be part of the air quality management' Assumed? A proposed monitoring program should be an obligation and not to have a proposed monitoring plan for review I believe should be a reason to refuse this project.
3) Atmospheric Inversions already having high levels of pollution: The Tuggeranong valley and Canberra region is known to have atmospheric inversions that trap pollutions low to the ground. There is was an ACT enquiry into smoke risk from home fire smoke trapped in these layers with environmental risks raised by the Conservation Council outlined in (https://conservationcouncil.org.au/blog/2025/09/04/wood-heater-phase-out/). I could not find in the EIS if there was any study of the dynamics’s of these inversion layers. However, the conclusion of Appendix C Human Health Risks Assessment in Paragraph 4 acknowledges existing pollution as a factor. However, I believe adding to existing pollution risk is unacceptable and suggesting that existing pollution is higher than what would be introduced by the quarry deliberately downplays the increased accumulative risk added by the quarry.
4) There is no need for a new quarry in the region: There are multiple other quarries in the region with no supply reason or economic case for the new quarry, especially considering the significant environmental and safety risks that the quarry in my belief could potentially expose workers, surrounding residents and environment to. I have searched the internet and can't find if this company runs other quarries elsewhere and what their record is. Therefore I have concerns that the company may not have prior experience operating a quarry and ability to manage associated environmental and safety risks.
5) Quarry location on the border of ACT and NSW: The proposed location on the border is a juristically problematic issue. I have concerns on how the NSW and ACT EPAs and Work Safe organisation's will manage compliance, breaches, complaints, incidents etc. regarding the quarry operations and activities offsite and what will the mechanism for ACT residents to raise concerns, complaints etc.
6) Blasting near residential areas: Having blasting within 3km of long established suburbs of Canberra is unacceptable, not only from a noise prospective but the from dust (including potential silica risk) from blasting. I could not find in the conclusion of the Appendix C Human Health Risks Assessment how dust from the blasts will be managed.
7) Infrastructure not suitable: In my option the roads in Canberra and Queanbeyan council areas are completely unsuitable for increased truck movements. The intersection with Monaro highway and Johnson Drive, Theodore ACT I believe is completely unsuitable for increased truck and dog combos. The ACT Government in my option is incapable of improving this intersection which is already dangerous from over use, lack of maintenance, at capacity by regular traffic and not easy for navigation by any truck types.

Your consideration of my objection would be greatly appreciated.

I object in the strongest possible terms to this proposed quarry and associated rock crushing, concrete recycling and hot asphalt manufacture.
In 2003 we purchased our block (zoned rural residential), designed and built our home and landscape. We are south east and in close proximity to the proposed project.
Issues of major concern are: social and economic; health and wellbeing; traffic; and biodiversity impacts.

Social and economic Impacts. The lifestyle we have built will no doubt be significantly affected by noise, dust, and vibrations. Of great concern is the use of water by the project. We share a bore (we are not permitted a dam) with two other neighbours. We have spent around $9,000 in updating and maintaining the bore. We rely on the water for horses, gardens and firefighting. Having no, or significantly reduced, access to the bore water would no doubt lead to unsustainable living conditions. These impacts can only produce a great risk of decreased house and property values. In other words, impacts on our economic future.

Health and wellbeing impacts. I am gravely concerned about the health risks of silica dust, noise, vibrations, and odour which would be produced as part of the project. The proposed site is too close.

Traffic. At present, anecdotally, the Monaro Highway already reaches full carrying capacity especially with the large increase in traffic in the snow season. The addition of a significant number of heavy vehicles daily as proposed, could create a 'black spot" in road usage and potential accidents.

Biodiversity. The potential loss of habitat, of which there are over 300 species of flora and fauna at this site , appears to contradict the NSW Government's commitment to strengthen prescriptions in the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code.

I strongly oppose the Monaro Quarry project. This development poses serious health risks, increases noise pollution, and will create significant traffic congestion in our community. Many residents—including children, families, and the elderly—live nearby and will be directly impacted. Our community deserves a safe, healthy, and peaceful environment, not one compromised by industrial activity.

Personally I have health problems and the added amount of dust, potentially silica dust is concerning. Please find another hill to dig up, somewhere where it not going to have such an impact on us all.