Monaro Rock Quarry Project

Major Projects Team
NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

I am writing to you on behalf of members of the Queanbeyan Landcare Group in relation to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807).
Queanbeyan Landcare Group has been in existence for over 35 years, to conduct environmental improvement projects and activities within the broader Queanbeyan region, aimed primarily at restoring and enhancing the ecological resources of the region and in doing so, directly involving the community. Queanbeyan currently has over 80 members and activities are conducted cooperatively with Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council and the Molonglo Conservation Group.
Queanbeyan Landcare wishes to state up front that it has had dealings with the nearby Holcim Quarry (previously Readymix) over a long period.
We are aware that there is lot of interest in this project because of potential impacts on lifestyle and health of nearby residents of rural residential developments and also potential impacts on biodiversity. Also, the project is less than 10 kilometers from a major and growing population in the eastern Tuggeranong suburbs in the ACT.
As we understand, the principal rationale for the project is to maintain supplies of hard rock for 30 years to fill the anticipated shortfall from the four other suppliers in the Canberra Region. The explanatory statements for this and the graphs are lacking in confirmation of the accuracy of extrapolations of demand and supply. Currently there is anecdotal evidence of a general slackening in demand for hard rock. A final EIS must address this shortcoming, utilising an independent assessment of the future of this important local industry, to include the ability of other quarries in the region to meet future demand.
It is disappointing that the project is now taking on a greater range of activities including batching concrete and hot mix asphalt production, adding to environmental and human impacts, including persistent odours and enhanced opportunities for pollution.
Sand: The proposed production of manufactured sand is concerning, given that there is an enormous supply of sand in the Murrumbidgee River west of Canberra, which over white settlement, floods have filled in the many huge and valuable aquatic refugia along the river. This sand can be extracted at times of low flow, in time restoring lost aquatic biodiversity.
Biodiversity: Much of the vegetation of the subject land is high conservation box woodland. We are concerned about the clearance of 22 hectares of the endangered Box Gum Grassy Woodland ecosystem, containing well over 200 species of flora and fauna, yet there has not yet been a referral under the Commonwealths EPBC legislation. A further 55 hectares of native vegetation will disappear, and with it, loss of distinctive landscape features. A final EIS must incorporate the outcome of a referral, and made public.
The EIS also requires a commitment that the native vegetation in the unaffected areas will be managed sustainably, requiring control of invasive weeds, treatment of erosion and judicious management of wildfire risk. This standard is undertaken by the nearby Holcim Quarry.
Dust: The EIS recognises that dust will be a major management issue – Dust carried on the wind can directly impact on residents in many ways. For this reason, no access roads should be gravel. Health risks from respirable silica dust has now become a major health issue.
Water Supply: It would seem that the planning for water contains uncertainties because of the massive quantity of water required for dust suppression, over 40 million litres for dust suppression and the production of concrete and asphalt production. Water will also be required for washing trucks and equipment. Relying on groundwater is notoriously uncertain because of the nature of the region’s fractured bedrock. The EIS needs to explain how shortfalls will be addressed.
The reduction of water in local ephemeral creeks flowing east and west needs to be adequately recognised in the EIS.
Blasting – We note that the issue of noise, vibrations and dust from blasting and heavy trucks has been addressed. It will be important to satisfy nearby residents that these levels of standards can be achieved. We note that visual and acoustic shielding will be implemented, further impacting on the landscape of Enchanted Hill.
Wildfire Risk: A Fire Management Plan must be developed, involving the RFA and the community, because of the enhanced risk of outbreaks from varied industrial activities.
Truck movements: The EIS states a maximum of 200 vehicles per day. There are other estimates coming forth, of movements far in excess of this with the inclusion of other activities. A definite, licenced limit on daily truck movements is the only way to manage noise and traffic issues to acceptable levels. Consideration should be given to restricting truck movements to and from the site at peak times, such as when children are travelling to and from school. This practice occurs at the Dargues Mine at Majors Creek.
Indigenous Artifacts: We are satisfied that indigenous objects and areas of archaeological deposits would be protected.
Section 355 Committee contribution: The proposed contribution of 12 cents per tonne of product, to benefit the community via section 355 Committees, we estimate to be an amount to $276,000 in the first year, is welcome compensation for project impacts.
Energy source: In line with Australia’s climate change strategies and commitments, a renewable energy source at the site would help to compensate for industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Upon completion of the project, such a facility could revert to the local community to support a decentralised power network.
End of Life of the Project: As part of end-of-life Plan, the potential for transition of the site for other renewable energy, eg pump hydro should be addressed.

Yours sincerely
Ian Johnnson
Chairperson
24 September 2025

Quarry is too close to existing homes. Will bring little to the community except 500 trucks per day travelling up and down an already congested road, excessive blast noise at all hours of the day and increased health risks by introducing silica dust to the air.

Please see my Submission attachment below, I strongly object to this Project.

This is in an area surrounded by houses. New housing development has just been built. The noise from the quarry and trucks is not appropriate for the area. Also the dust may carry across to the Tuggeranong Valley, which could possibly sit in the air, affecting hundreds if people. It is also close to Melrose Nature Reserve, which has a large variety of precious flora and fauna. I don’t think this is an appropriate development for Royalla

I object to the proposal on the following bases:
1. Incomplete engagement / consultation
I own a property neighbouring the proposed development. At no stage have I received any correspondence or contact from the proponent or any party acting for the proponent. No letters, no emails, no phone calls. I have two residences within 500m of the site, both of which will be heavily impacted, even on the proponent's modest reports on dust, noise and visuals. To find out about this consultation process a matter of days before it closes, with thousands of pages of reports to review, is inadequate and unjust.
2. Impacts on residents
It appears that much of the EIS focusses on the impact of the project on residents in Royalla and surrounds. As the closest party to the blast site, I can find no mention of any assessment on the impacts to the residences on my property. The assessment is therefore incomplete and inadequate.
3. Social and Economic Impact
The Canberra-Bombala railway line is a very short distance (some 200m) from the project site, the Melrose Nature Park is approximately 650m from the site and the Tuggeranong Pines is a just over one kilometre away. Each of these are significant recreational areas for the local community, with the latter holding state sporting events. A significant quarry in close proximity to these recreational areas compromises their utility and there is no mention in the EIS of the resulting social and economic impacts.
4. Housing
The state of NSW is wrestling with what is arguably the biggest housing crisis in its history. The NSW State Government has recognised the inadequacies of various regional plans and housing strategies that underpin the supply of housing in NSW. An assessment of this project against existing and dated plans and strategies is not sufficient. The extremely close proximity of this project to existing residences in Canberra and Queanbeyan-Palerang demands a detailed assessment of the future housing needs in this area, and a cross-border plan for dealing with future housing needs. The site is geographically centred between the high-density communities of Jerrabomberra/South Jerrabomberra, Googong, and Tuggeranong. It is inconceivable that the area that includes and surrounds the site will not be suitable for future residential development. At a time when the State's housing supply is in crisis, future housing supply should not be compromised.
5. Watercourses
The project is located at the headwaters of Monks Creek and Dunns Creek, both of which ultimately flow to the Murrumbidgee River. There has been significant public and private investment in improving water quality in the immediate area of Monks and Dunns creeks, for the benefit of the entire catchment. While there will likely be sediment traps on the site, the terrain and proximity of the extraction site to its property boundary means that sediment runoff will be inevitable, and this will compromise water quality in the catchment. This issue has not been adequately addressed in the EIS.
6. Noise and dust intrusion
As mentioned in section 2 (above) there are noise and dust impacts to my property, but the extraction of 1m tonnes of hard rock aggregates each year, and the more than 5000 blastholes that facilitate this extraction, will have a devastating impact on large numbers of residents, especially those in the Tuggeranong Valley. As residents of the ACT, the NSW Major Projects consultation process has not adequately engaged the community around Tuggeranong. The process is unfamiliar and the consultation has not reached the Tuggeranong Canberra community. Good planning outcomes do not stop at state borders and there are critical cross-border issues raised by this project, not least of which are the environmental ones.

Given the lack of notification and direct engagement with me as a heavily impacted neighbour, I request additional time to engage professional advice to assist my further consideration of this matter.

Please see our submission outlined in the attached PDF document

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally lodge my strongest possible objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project, located near Royalla, NSW.

As a neighbour to this proposed industrial development, my family’s health, well-being, and property will be severely and permanently damaged. My specific objections, grounded in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), are as follows:

1. Impact on Health (Air Quality and Dust)
My primary concern is for the health of my wife, who has a serious autoimmune condition. Her health is severely compromised by airborne pollutants. The constant, unavoidable dust (including crystalline silica) generated by this quarry poses a direct and unacceptable risk to her health. The EIS mitigation measures are speculative and will fail to prevent dust from being carried on the prevailing winds into our home, endangering her well-being and violating our right to a safe living environment.

2. Loss of Rural Ambiance and Visual Impact
We chose to live in Royalla for its peace, quiet, and pristine rural character. The quarry will industrialise our landscape, replacing the natural bushland with a massive, unsightly scar that can be seen directly from my elevated property. The constant noise from heavy machinery, processing plants, and blasting will shatter the tranquillity we value. This visual and noise pollution will irrevocably destroy the rural ambiance and amenity of our community, negatively impacting property values and our quality of life.

3. Biodiversity Loss
The project will destroy significant areas of Critically Endangered Box-Gum Woodland. This represents an irreversible loss of habitat for threatened species and a fragmentation of crucial wildlife corridors. The proposed biodiversity offsets are an inadequate trade-off for the permanent destruction of a mature, functioning ecosystem.

4. Traffic and Road Safety
The introduction of hundreds of daily heavy vehicle movements onto the Monaro Highway is a recipe for disaster. This high-speed road is already dangerous, and the increased truck traffic will severely heighten the risk of accidents for residents, commuters, and emergency services. The intersections in the area are not designed for this volume and type of traffic.

5. Water Security and Pollution Risk
The project poses a grave threat to our groundwater. The dewatering process may reduce the water table, impacting residential bores like mine. The risk of contamination from fuel, chemicals, and sediment run-off into our aquifers and waterways is constant and cannot be entirely mitigated, threatening our water security.

6. Indigenous Cultural Heritage
The area is known to contain significant Aboriginal artefacts. The scale of earthmoving involved in a quarry presents an extreme and irreversible risk of destroying these priceless cultural heritage sites.

7. Electricity Demand
The project’s substantial energy demand places an unnecessary burden on the local grid for no community benefit, contradicting NSW's goals for sustainable energy use.

Conclusion
The Monaro Rock Quarry is an incompatible industrial project that prioritises private profit over public health, environmental protection, and community well-being. The impacts on my family’s health, the local environment, and the rural character of Royalla are profound, unacceptable, and cannot be mitigated.

I urge the Department to reject this application outright to protect the health of vulnerable residents and the unique values of the Royalla community.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Willing

To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project in Royalla, NSW. As a resident of this community, I am deeply concerned about the irreversible environmental, health, and social impacts this development would impose on our region.
Adding 500 truck per day to the roads which are already dangerous, in snow traffic session, is crazy and irresponsible. It will result in additional fatalities and potential members of our community getting killed.
Families bought properties in Royalla due to the quiet rural lifestyle building, an industrial quarry like this, in the centre of Royalla will destroy this.
The high winds at Royalla are well known and no amount of containment will prevent the deadly silica dust polluting our houses and nearby Condor and Thedore posing serious health issues to all residents.
“Enough is Enough” we already have two quarries near Royalla with the Williamsdale Road and Old Cooma Road quarries. Both existing quarries apparently have years of capacity left. We don’t need another one and this new proposal is just a profiteering exercise by Monaro Rock.
Despite claims of community engagement, the overwhelming sentiment among residents is opposition. No amount of mitigation or compromise can make this project acceptable.
Conclusion
The Monaro Rock Quarry Project is incompatible with the values, health, and future of Royalla and its surrounding communities. It puts the lives of residents at serious risk and I urge decision-makers to reject this proposal and prioritise the wellbeing of residents over industrial expansion.
Sincerely,
Pat Dredge
Resident
Royalla, NSW

Very concerned about the silica dust. My husband has been diagnosed with silicosis due to silica dust and has had to protect himself from all exposure to silica, and if our home which is his private sanctuary is to now be exposed to silica what is he meant to do.

I absolutely support this project.
Sterilisation of a regionally significant resource by local residents is not in the interests of the broader community good.
Resources such as this are few and far between, they cannot be manufactured and are reliant on the earths geology.
The EIS has been prepared by industry recognised and competent persons and approval should be given in accordance with the EIS findings.
Other quarries such as Cooma Road are nearing the end of their operational life as a quarry and need to be replaced with alternate resources.
The approval of this quarry is important to maintaining supply of quality quarry products into the local and broader markets.

I object to the Monaro Rock quarry being started and constructed in the Royalla area.
Since I Live near by I and my family will have several impacts to our lives . I will state these below.

The silica dust is a great concern to my family and I and our beautiful animals and pets . I work in the construction industry and they have identify silica dust is linked to long term respiratory illnesses. Its the new asbestos!! To work in the construction industry now you need to complete a licensed silica course and must obey by these conditions and laws. You can not cut dry stone or concrete as it causes dust and if you do cut stone or concrete it must be wet and vacuumed up and you must wear protective clothing and proper dust masks. The quarry will use large equipment to mine this material which will cause large amounts of dust which will then on windy days can be blown 4-8kms away( or further depending on the wind speed) onto residential property's in Royalla, Canberra and surrounding areas where adults ,kids and animals will be outside breathing in this dangerous dust and could cause long term respiratory illnesses over time. At least on a construction they have safe work policies in place and everyone have to wear PPE and masks . The silica dust will also be blown onto house roofs and sheds which is used to catch water which is used for drinking water and washing clothes etc. Contaminated water can lead to more illnesses too. Silica dust can also be washed into dams which livestock and animals drink which is another concern!

The extra traffic the quarry will make is another concern with all the extra trucks on the road. Old Cooma road and the Monaro hwy is busy enough now let alone another 100-200 trucks travelling to and from the quarry. I have kids at home and travelling on this road daily to and from work and i will feel for their safety with these large trucks on the road working long hours ( 5am-6pm). The round about at Johnstone drive will become a lot more busier and dangerous .Also in winter these roads becomes much busier because of the ski traffic going to the snow.

I am also worried about the ground water ( water table) .The quarry will use a lot of water out of the water table which could affect a lot of the surrounding properties water source . A lot of the properties need this water for their animals, gardens etc . This means when the water table drops some people will run out at quicker than normal because of their use .

The blasting does worry me too. if this causes shock waves through the ground ( rock seams etc) will this cause my house and surrounding houses to move and crack? Also this cause a lot of dust floating around for people to breathe in. How will the surrounding animals and pets cope with this noise too. The noise from fire works scare animals and cause some to run through fences etc and get injured. The blasting could cause the same things .

Cheers Paul Thomas

To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project in Royalla, NSW. As a resident of this community, I am deeply concerned about the irreversible environmental, health, and social impacts this development would impose on our region.
We moved to Royalla in February 2006 – nearly 20 years ago – and call it Paradise Hill. We say “we’re coming up Paradise Hill” as we drive that last stretch up the Monaro Highway heading home after a day at work. We chose this lifestyle – and do not choose to have it changed permanently by industrial development.
My primary concern is the traffic – this stretch of the Monaro Highway is already dangerous. In winter it is particularly dangerous, but year around entering the highway into traffic moving at 100kms per hour makes it dangerous - I can't imagine how bad it will be with the reported 200 to 500 vehicles per day – adding that traffic to the Monaro Highway is surely asking for more road fatalities.
My other concerns are:
Proximity to Residential Homes
The proposed quarry site borders residential properties, with some homes located within 100 metres of the project boundary. This is unprecedented and unacceptable. Quarries are typically situated in remote areas, not embedded within established communities. The intrusion of industrial activity into our peaceful estate threatens our quality of life and property values.
Air Quality and Silica Dust Risks
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acknowledges the potential release of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust—a known health hazard linked to silicosis and other respiratory diseases. Despite assurances that emissions will remain below legal limits, residents already report dust accumulation from nearby quarries. The cumulative effect of another quarry could pose serious long-term health risks.
Lack of Community Support
Despite claims of community engagement, the overwhelming sentiment among residents is opposition. No amount of mitigation or compromise can make this project acceptable.
Conclusion
The Monaro Rock Quarry Project is incompatible with the values, health, and future of Royalla and its surrounding communities. I urge decision-makers to reject this proposal and prioritise the wellbeing of residents over industrial expansion.
Sincerely,
Resident
Royalla, NSW

As a local in the Tuggeranong Valley for over 30 years, this quarry going ahead will not only congest and make poor air quality even worse, but silicosis is a very real possibility. To have this in this location is dreadfully under considered.
We have beautifully quiet neighbourhoods in Tuggeranong and sound pollution from explosions would take away from something so beautifully Canberra and something so special to Tuggeranong.

I note that the proposal is on land which appears to contain remnant Box Gum Grassy Woodland, as well as the Endangered herb Leucochrysum albicans subsp Tricolor. Even excluding the impact this project will have on neighbouring housing, from an ecological standpoint, this development is irresponsible.

NSW Planning – Objection to Monaro rock Quarry - Royalla

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of the Monaro Rock Quarry Highway - Royalla, which I understand is currently under consideration by the NSW Planning Panel.

This objection is based on the following significant concerns:
Traffic Volume and Road Safety
The proposal indicates that up to 500 trucks per day will be operating in and out of the quarry. This volume is excessive and poses a serious risk to public safety. The existing roads in the area are already damaged and not designed to accommodate such heavy and frequent traffic. The highway has not been upgraded to support this level of industrial use, and the increased truck movements will likely result in:
- Massive increases: Higher accident rates, death rates to locals and anyone travelling on the roads.
- Increased wear and tear on public infrastructure
- Greater risk to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riding and local drivers, and residents

Pollution and Environmental Impact
The quarry operations will contribute significantly to air and noise pollution, affecting the health and wellbeing of nearby residents and wildlife. Dust from the quarry and truck movements will degrade air quality, while constant noise from machinery and traffic will disrupt Air Pollution and Dust

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) confirms that the quarry will generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS)—a hazardous dust linked to long-term health issues.
Despite claims that dust levels will remain below legal limits, residents are already experiencing dust from nearby quarries. Locals report homes covered in dust and fear worsening conditions.
The quarry will extract rhyodacite ignimbrite, a silica-rich material, increasing the risk of airborne pollutants.
Silica dust is linked to long-term respiratory illnesses, and recent changes to NSW industry standards have made its control a priority. We therefore do NOT want this risk to be near residential communities.

Threat to Enchanted Hill Wildlife and endangered species
The proposed site is adjacent to Enchanted Hill, a known habitat for native wildlife. The quarry threatens to destroy this delicate ecosystem, displacing species and damaging biodiversity. Once lost, this natural refuge cannot be restored.

Planning and Infrastructure Deficiencies
There is no evidence that the necessary infrastructure upgrades have been planned or funded to support this development. The lack of foresight in traffic management, environmental protection, and community consultation is deeply concerning. The Monaro Highway is one lane and does not have the capabilities to safely carry 500 trucks per day. All Royalla and surrounding Residents did not consent to this development.

Request for Reconsideration
In light of these issues, I respectfully request that the NSW Planning Panel:
Reject the current proposal- for the Monaro Quarry Highway - Royalla
Conduct a full environmental impact assessment
Engage with local residents and stakeholders - to explore alternative solutions that do not compromise public safety or environmental integrity.
Look for a remote location away from any developments.

This objection is made in accordance with Section 4.15(e) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), which requires consideration of the public interest.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Kind regards

Katie Tsiagalis
Emanuel Tsiagalis
Xavier Tsiagalis
Anthony Tsiagalis
Oliver Tsiagalis

Dear Taimus,
​My name is Andrew, and I am a concerned resident of Tralee. I am writing to strongly oppose the planned quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete recycling facility in Royalla. This development poses an unacceptable threat to the well-being of our community, and the limited public consultation period has not allowed for proper consideration of the significant risks involved.
​Key Concerns
​Impact on Air Quality and Health: The proposed facility will generate substantial amounts of fine dust, including crystalline silica, which is a known carcinogen. Our region already experiences poor air quality from bushfires and winter wood smoke, contributing to high rates of respiratory illnesses. Adding this new source of pollutants will severely impact the health of all residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
​Threat to Water Security: The operation of a large-scale quarry could contaminate our groundwater and disrupt crucial water flow. With increasing drought and water scarcity, it is irresponsible to risk the long-term integrity of our drinking water catchment.
​Increased Traffic and Road Safety Issues: The Monaro Highway is already a dangerous and heavily used road. A constant stream of heavy trucks will only worsen congestion, increase the risk of accidents, and cause further wear and tear on our road infrastructure.
​Environmental and Bushfire Risks: Clearing natural bushland for this project will destroy vital wildlife habitats. The industrial activities and heavy machinery required for the quarry also present a heightened risk of fire ignition in an area that is already highly susceptible to bushfires.
​Limited Public Benefit: The promised jobs and access to materials do not outweigh the potential for widespread and long-lasting harm. The financial gains of this project will primarily benefit the operators, not the local community, which will bear all the costs.
​Proximity to Residential Areas: The site is located dangerously close to our homes and local schools. This places countless families and their children directly in the path of the negative impacts from noise, traffic, and air pollution.
​Decline in Property Value: This development will negatively affect the value of our homes. The health and safety risks associated with the quarry will make the area less desirable for families, leaving residents who have invested in this community with a significant financial burden.
​Call to Action
​I urge you to take a stand for your constituents and take the following actions:
​Oppose this development: Use your position to formally object to the project.
​Request an independent review: Advocate for an independent assessment of the project's health, environmental, and safety impacts.
​Extend the submission period: Push for a longer public consultation period to allow the community to provide meaningful feedback.
​This is a critical moment for our community. The future health and safety of our families and children are at stake. It is our duty to protect them from irreversible harm. Please do not let future generations look back and say we failed them.
​I trust that you will make the right decision for your constituents.
​Sincerely,
​Andrew
Tralee
0447385507

I brought my property in 2007, it has a north westerly aspect, part of my planning back then took in the possibility that when I looked towards the northwest that there may be a suburb built on the land, that’s progress. Never at any stage did I think that a company would come along in the future and in the first instance propose a Major Rock Quarry a a major project, only now to see that initial proposal develop onto a concrete recycling centre, concrete mix and producer of ashpalt.

I live within 3000 metres in direct line of sight of the proposed industrial area. The wind comes out of the northwest constantly, it never ceases, it a rare day that it is still. The wind flow patterns used, have no basis at my location in Royalla, from my lived experience. Dust carried on the wind is constant, I cannot open north facing windows due to the amount of wind blown contaminates that enter my house on any given day. This will definitely have an impact on my health if I am unable to go outside and use my land as intended for living in a natural rural setting.
As well my meagre bore water supply I have no doubt, will be affected by the amount of water required for dust suppression and other operations at this site. Are the water tables separate?

I was against the first proposal, and I have not changed my position, there are as I understand it; current local quarry’s operating in the immediate area. Are they operating at full capacity.
I
The health and welfare of my household living within Royalla will be affected if this allowed to proceed, the immediate environment of existing plant and wildlife will be endangered further.

Quarrying rock by itself is a very dirty business.

Can mitigation, be it by water or other means stop silica dust and other wind blown chemicals used in the blasting process stop these contaminants from entering the living environment. The use of an already short supply of natural water for those living in Royalla and surrounding areas who all rely on tank and bore water for domestic use, will be further depleted by the vast amount needed to for the proposed industrial site, not to mention possible contamination by water runoff into the natural environment.

The hazard of having up to 500 trucks daily on the local roads transporting the rock, recycling of concrete, supplying mixed concrete and asphalt will certainly affect my family in Royalla, and the constant worry about the safety of family members travelling on these local roads. The harm to wildlife will only increase with that number of trucks using roads.

The quarry and additional works should not be allowed to proceed.

I am writing to express my profound concern and strong objection to the proposed Monoro Rock quarry. While we understand the need for development, this specific project poses significant and unacceptable risks to our community's health, safety, and quality of life.

My primary objections are as follows:

1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Traffic Safety: Our local roads and infrastructure are already operating at or near capacity. Introducing an estimated 500 additional truck movements per day into this already busy area would lead to severe traffic congestion, increased accident rates, and excessive wear and tear on roads not designed for such a heavy industrial load. The safety of residents, including children, cyclists, and pedestrians, would be severely compromised.
2. Public Health and Environmental Impact: The constant flow of heavy trucks will significantly degrade our air quality through diesel emissions and dust. This poses a direct health risk to residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Furthermore, the associated noise pollution from idling engines, braking, and loud exhaust systems would shatter the peace and quiet of our residential area, negatively impacting our daily lives and well-being.
3. Preservation of Community Character: This project is fundamentally incompatible with a residential zone. It would industrialize our community, lower property values, and detrimentally alter the character of the neighborhood we have invested in and call home.

We urge you to consider the well-being of the current residents. The potential economic benefits of this quarry do not outweigh the severe negative impacts it would have on our community's health, safety, and long-term prosperity.

We strongly recommend the rejection of this proposal and encourage the exploration of alternative, more suitable locations that are not adjacent to residential communities.

Sincerely,

I object to the development of the Monaro Rock Quarry. My objection is based on three key reasons- the increased heavy vehicle traffic on Old Cooma Road, the huge amount of water extraction the quarry will take from our local aquifer and the dust risk with silica dust contaminating our property.
1. Increased heavy vehicle traffic: since we moved into our small farm in 2009 on Old Cooma Road the road traffic has increased ten fold due to the development of Googong. Due to the 100km/h speed limit the risk of entering the road from our driveway has increased with regular near misses with vehicles speeding and poor behaviour of town drivers on country roads. This risk will increase with the addition of up to 500 heavy trucks per day on Old Cooma Road.
2. The extraction of water from the aquifer. It is planned that the quarry will extract up to 42.5 million litres of water per year from ground water to conduct its operations at the site. This is likely to have a detrimental effect on the groundwater in the Royalla. My small farm relies on bore water for stock water for my Cattle Stud operation- I do not have any farm dams to replace this water.
3. Dust from the quarry: The quarry is 2km North West from my small farm, and the predominate wind direction comes from the North West. This dust will include silica dust due to the type of quarry- with dust possibly harming the health of my family and stock as this dust will contaminate our rain water system (our only drinking water for my family), our pasture will be contaminated and our stock water troughs.
As there are already three other hard rock quarries within 30KM of this proposed quarry, which are all being under capacity- there in NO need for this site to be developed.

I strongly oppose the development of the proposed quarry near the Monaro Highway for the following reasons:

• Tuggeranong Valley already suffers from poor air quality, as smoke, dust, and other pollutants become trapped in the valley rather than dispersing.
• The project’s own documentation acknowledges that silica dust becomes airborne. This is a serious health hazard that can worsen asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory conditions.
• There is well-documented correlation between silica dust exposure and silicosis, COPD, and lung cancer. Allowing a quarry in this location would put thousands of residents at direct risk. I watched my father die of a very painful cruel aggressive lung cancer. My mother has COPD and lives in Richardson.
The Tuggeranong Valley is a densely populated area. A quarry of this scale does not align with the health, safety, or wellbeing of the community.
• Introducing a large-scale industrial operation in close proximity to residential areas will damage local ecosystems, reduce livability, and undermine the long-term sustainability of the region.
Not to mention the schools located in such a close radius! Including catholic schools family’s pay thousands out of pocket for a better education not for a disease caused by this pass!

This project poses serious health, safety, and environmental risks to Tuggeranong Valley residents. The increased pollution, traffic, and noise will negatively affect the community, while the acknowledged health dangers of silica dust are unacceptable.

I urge the planning authority to reject this quarry proposal in the interests of protecting public health, road safety, and community wellbeing.