Monaro Rock Quarry Project

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed quarry development in Tuggeranong. This project poses significant risks to the health, safety, environment, and wellbeing of our community.

Human Health Impacts

Exposure to silica and ultra-fine dust particles poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.

Dust and air pollution will reduce overall air quality for nearby residents.


Noise and Community Impacts

I have children with autism who are highly sensitive to loud and unpredictable noises. Noise from trucks, rock crushing, concrete recycling, and blasting would cause them significant distress, impacting their mental health and daily quality of life.

Blasting activities may also pose risks to nearby homes and properties through vibration and structural impacts.


Environmental and Ecological Impacts

The project threatens waterways in Tuggeranong through quarry runoff, which could harm aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

It endangers critically important habitats, including Box Gum Grassy Woodland — a threatened ecological community.

Local wildlife and biodiversity will be displaced and disrupted.


Amenity and Lifestyle

Increased truck traffic on local roads will create safety hazards and congestion.

Property values and overall liveability for residents will decline due to proximity to an industrial quarry.

For these reasons, I urge the Department to reject the Monaro Rock Quarry Project. The long-term costs to health, safety, environment, and community far outweigh any short-term economic benefits.

I object to the Quarry being built in Royalla. I fear for the health of myself and my Family, as we moved here 15 years ago to have a healthier lifestyle to be able to breath in fresh air and have peace and quiet knowing that our water was also safe to drink. I fear for the large trucks that will be travelling on our highway which is not built for the amount of traffic that is currently on our roads let alone 500 more trucks a day. Our wildlife should not be disturbed full stop, but this will also impact motor vehicle accidents on our roads and i fear for the safety of my children travelling on the roads. For the health and safety of the all the communities and suburbs around the areas affected by the quarry. Please stop the quarry.

The proposed quarry is less than 5kms from my home. The sound of any blasting and dust will potentially reach my home and affect my family and many of my neighbours. The quarry will also increase the heavy vehicle traffic along the Monaro highway. I have witnessed several serious accidents caused by heavy vehicles along this road. Myself and other residents will be put at risk due to these heavy vehicles on our daily commute. The sound from the heavy vehicles will also affect our suburb. Theodore is in a small valley that traps a lot of sound from the Monaro highway this will add a lot of new sound pollution. In my opinion there are already several other quarry’s in the area. It seems excessive to add another while the others are operational. Australia is a plentiful vast country, why would it even be a consideration to place a quarry near residential areas.

The proposed quarry is less than 5kms from my home. The sound of any blasting and dust will potentially reach my home and affect my family and many of my neighbours. The quarry will also increase the heavy vehicle traffic along the Monaro highway. I have witnessed several serious accidents caused by heavy vehicles along this road. Myself and other residents will be put at risk due to these heavy vehicles on our daily commute. The sound from the heavy vehicles will also affect our suburb. Theodore is in a small valley that traps a lot of sound from the Monaro highway this will add a lot of new sound pollution. In my opinion there are already several other quarry’s in the area. It seems excessive to add another while the others are operational. I’ve seen several of Monaro mix trucks on my commute already and witnessed several near miss accidents with these truck and dogs over the years.

I reject the project under the basis of disruption, pollution and safety!

I have lived in Theodore, A.C.T for over 19 years. I have concerns about the Quarry being built and run in the location that has been selected due to the silica dust that will reach Theodore, and the large amount of additional trucks that will be used along the Monaro Hwy daily, crashes are already a problem on the Monaro Hwy and I'm concerned that the increase in Trucks will further exacerbate the problem. I also have concerns about material from the Quarry running in to the Tuggeranong Creek, which then eventually leads to Tuggeranong Lake which already has problems with Algae and other things. Thankyou for your time.

I object to the project due to the increased heavy vehicles on our roads, the environmental impacts and health implications due to silica dust.

I am writing to register my formal objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry in Royalla. As a resident of Banks with family in Calwell, Theodore and Michelago, and as someone with existing heart and lung health problems, I am gravely concerned about the documented risks this project poses to community health and road safety.
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​My most significant concern is the health impact of airborne dust, specifically Respirable Crystalline Silica, which will be generated by the quarry.

​The project's own Environmental Impact Statement acknowledges that "respirable crystalline silica may be generated during those activities." While it claims the impacts will be "negligible," this provides little comfort. Community groups have highlighted that silica dust can travel up to 16 km and remain in the air for up to 12 days, especially in windy conditions. This places Tuggeranong suburbs, including the school my children attend in Calwell, well within the potential fallout zone.

​A factsheet from Monaro Rock itself confirms that exposure to RCS can cause silicosis, a permanent and debilitating lung disease, as well as being linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. For my family, with my pre-existing conditions and my elderly in-laws' vulnerability, this is not a theoretical risk. It is a direct threat to our health and quality of life. The opposition group notes there are 18 schools within 17km of the proposed site, putting thousands of children at risk.

​I am also deeply concerned about the traffic impact on the Monaro Highway. This road, particularly the stretch from Johnson Drive, is already inadequate and frequently congested. If the trucks will not be using the highway, this generates more issues, as local roads around Royalla are not designed for such heavy traffic.

​The proposal documents state the project will generate up to 500 heavy vehicle movements per day. This volume of truck traffic on a highway that is already unfit for purpose is unacceptable. The community group "No New Quarry" has rightly pointed out that this will require a major new intersection to be built, but the safety and flow of the highway will be irrevocably compromised.

​Adding this level of heavy vehicle traffic will lead to:

​- Increased accident risk for commuters, school buses, and local residents.
- ​Severe congestion, extending travel times and impacting daily life for thousands of Canberrans and their neighbors in NSW. ​
- Accelerated deterioration of the road surface, leading to higher maintenance costs and more hazardous driving conditions.

​The existing infrastructure cannot safely absorb this dramatic increase in heavy vehicle movements. To approve this quarry without a prior, comprehensive upgrade of the Monaro Highway would be a negligent disregard for public safety.

​The evidence presented in the project's own documentation and by community advocates clearly shows that the Monaro Rock Quarry poses an unacceptable risk to the health of my family and the safety of our community. The potential for irreversible lung damage from silica dust and the certainty of dangerous traffic conditions on the Monaro Highway far outweigh any purported benefits of this quarry.

​I strongly urge you to prioritize the health and safety of your constituents and reject this proposal.

Please do not let this quarry go ahead. It is far too close to residential areas, will greatly disrupt people, traffic and wildlife. There are significant health risks for those of us living so close to the intended site, including poor air quality and silica dust. The roads are already busy and not equipped for hundreds of additional trucks per day. No quarry should be permitted so close to existing residential areas, a site much further away should be identified to minimise the impact on people and the environment. Please do not approve this project.

I object to this due to noise and dust

I do not want the quarry as the roads around Royalla are already busy, dangerous and not suited for the extra traffic and trucks that the quarry will bring. Our bore water table will also be jeopardised.

As a long-term resident of Theodore, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed quarry development planned approximately 3km from our community.

This project raises serious concerns for the health, safety, and wellbeing of local families. Many residents, including children and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, already face challenges due to poor air quality exacerbated by woodfire smoke in winter. Introducing quarry dust into this environment would significantly worsen these conditions and pose unacceptable health risks.

The proposed site is alarmingly close to public spaces, including sporting ovals that host regular regional events. The impact of airborne particles on young athletes and spectators must be considered. The health of our community should not be compromised for commercial gain.

Noise pollution is another major concern. The sound of trucks from the Monaro Highway is already noticeable; the addition of heavy quarry traffic will be constant and disruptive. Residents deserve peace in their homes, not the relentless noise of industrial operations.

Property values in the area are also at risk. Many of us have lived here for decades, investing in our homes and contributing to the community. The prospect of declining property values due to the quarry is deeply unfair and unjustified.

The environmental impact of this project cannot be overstated. The damage to local ecosystems will be irreversible, and the proximity to residential areas is simply inappropriate. The lack of transparent consultation and limited public awareness about the project is deeply concerning.

Traffic congestion on the Monaro Highway will worsen, affecting both local and interstate commuters. Longer travel times mean less time with family and more stress for working individuals.

This project is not essential. What is essential is protecting the health, homes, and quality of life of the people who live here. We chose this area for its natural beauty and community spirit, not to have it disrupted by industrial development.

I urge decision-makers to listen to the voices of those who will be directly affected. The risks are too high, the benefits too narrow, and the consequences too lasting.

This quarry must not proceed in its proposed location.

I write to strongly oppose the proposed Monaro rock quarry development near Theodore, ACT—approximately 3km from my home, where I’ve lived for over 20 years.

This project poses serious risks to the health, wellbeing, and lifestyle of local residents. My family, including members with asthma, already contend with compromised air quality due to woodfire smoke. Introducing quarry dust into this environment would significantly worsen conditions, with potential long-term health consequences like exposure to silica which is linked to cancer.

The proximity of the quarry to community spaces, including sporting ovals regularly used by children and regional events raises further concerns. The impact of airborne particulates on young lungs and active individuals cannot be ignored. Beyond health, the noise pollution from heavy machinery and increased truck traffic will disrupt daily life. I already hear vehicles from the Monaro Highway; the addition of hundreds of quarry trucks will be relentless and invasive.

There is also a financial impact. Property values in the area are likely to decline, unfairly penalising long-term residents who have invested in and contributed to this community. We should not bear the cost of diminished asset value for a project that offers no direct benefit to us.

The environmental consequences are equally troubling. The irreversible damage to local ecosystems, combined with the lack of meaningful consultation and public awareness, reflects a disregard for the community’s voice.

Traffic congestion on the Monaro Highway (already a busy route) will worsen, affecting both local and interstate commuters. Longer travel times mean less time with family and more stress for working residents.

I urge decision-makers to reconsider this proposal. The community deserves to be heard. We chose to live in Theodore for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, not to have it disrupted for commercial gain. This quarry is not a necessity. Protecting the health, homes, and quality of life of long-standing residents is.

Governments are entrusted to act in the public interest. Projects that threaten communities must be scrutinised, and the voices of those affected must be prioritised.

Our homes are not collateral damage. The risks are too high. This quarry must not proceed in its proposed location.

Since the silica awareness courses, we were forced to subscribe too, im extremely worried and afraid of the impact of the dust that will be created by this Quarrie .
The other main concern is the substantial increase of heavy vehicles . The roads are never kept up to a safe standard especially on old Cooma road.

I object to the proposal because of the negative impacts it will have on our lives and the lives of the residents of Royalla and the surrounding region because:

the applicant has documented in the SIA the negative future impacts on the Royalla community and particularly that of my wife’s property and those in her close proximity.

that even though the proposal suggest that the company can manage and monitor the air quality including the silica dust, science is conclusive that no amount of silica dust can be considered safe for humans therefore how can this be acceptable in close proximity to residential areas.

the need for an additional quarry in the Royalla area has not been adequately demonstrated,

land values have been effected and there is no suggestion of any compensation for those in the immediate area

of the huge increase in volume of the heavy vehicle traffic, the road damage and associated traffic hazards. Already existing road damage takes weeks or months to get repaired,

low to high noise, dust and traffic impacts as identified in the proposal

I am against the Monaro Rock Quarry for the following reasons:
From a biodiversity aspect, Enchanted Hill will have over 22 hectares of Box Gum grassy woodland cleared, with a total of over 77 hectares. This is equal to about 8.29 million square feet. There will be nothing Enchanted about the this area if the quarry goes ahead. Over 300 species of flora and fauna will be also be removed and it will become essentially an environmental wasteland.
The Monaro Highway from Williamsdale to the Calwell roundabout is a particularly dangerous section of the highway. There have been multiple incidents with fatalities and serious injuries. A number of theses accidents involved heavy vehicles, to increase the amount of these heavy vehicles by up to another 500 a day, is an accident waiting to happen. The traffic currently on the highway has increased dramatically over the past 15 years and of course, in the snow season even more so. The traffic tails back from Calwell to past the Royalla solar farm. This itself exacerbates the driver fatigue and dangerous manoeuvres by traffic on this stretch of the highway. The road itself, is in an unacceptable and unsafe state for motorists, especially motorcyclists. I have not seen the plans yet for the new intersection, but be prepared to place black spot signs, as that is what it will become if the quarry goes ahead.
The Royalla area already receives its fair share of dust from a neighbouring quarry. This proposal will only increase the dust and the odour from the proposed hot mix asphalt. Also, the inevitable blasting which will happen, causing potential damage to homes in the area.
The probability that there will be more brownouts due to the heavy plant used in the quarry.
The irreparable damage to Indigenous artifacts in the area, which were uncovered in the survey.
While currently we are all being educated on water conservation, this does not apply to the quarry. Which will use up to approximately 42.4 million litres of extracted groundwater. This will have a serious impact on the watercourses which then flow to Tuggeranong and potentially affect the rural bores on many properties in the area. The runoff from the use of all this water being used for dust suppression, washing of equipment and contamination from concrete recycling on the site.
There is a large population of people within 10km of the proposed site, not just the rural area of Royalla but Googong and Tuggeranong also.
This proposal is a long term disaster to the area, hopefully it will never go ahead.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry project. My property is located within close proximity to the proposed site, and I have serious concerns about the health and environmental impacts this project will have on my family, my property, and the wider community.

My primary concern is the risk of silica dust being generated and dispersed by quarrying activities. Silica dust is a well-documented health hazard. According to Safe Work Australia, exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. The World Health Organization also recognises silica dust as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.

Of particular concern is the risk to my child, who may face lifelong health consequences from continuous exposure during their critical developmental years. Scientific research has shown that children are more vulnerable to airborne pollutants because their lungs and immune systems are still developing, and they breathe a greater volume of air per kilogram of body weight compared to adults.

Dust particles do not respect property boundaries. Prevailing winds in this area mean that airborne dust from quarry operations is highly likely to travel beyond the quarry limits and settle over neighbouring homes, gardens, and community spaces. Even with dust suppression measures, the scale and duration of this project pose a significant risk of uncontrolled dust emissions.

In addition to personal health risks, silica dust can contaminate soil and water sources, reduce air quality for the community as a whole, and negatively impact local flora and fauna. These environmental consequences cannot be justified in the face of safer alternatives for material sourcing and development.

Given the overwhelming health evidence and the unacceptable risks this project poses to my family and community, I respectfully request that the Monaro Rock Quarry project be rejected. Our health and wellbeing, especially that of our children, must take priority over the commercial interests of this proposal.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Surely there is a place where rock can be quarried that does not require the loss of a threatened (critically endangered) grassy woodland ecological community.

I am writing to object the proposed Monaro Rock quarry which if approved, will lie directly behind our property. As indicated by our address, our home is located at 1330 Old Cooma Rd on a battle-axe block. The location of our residence makes us geographically very close to the proposed quarry development, however, our home does not seem to be indicated on any of the maps included in the proposal. I feel this is an important point to bring to your attention.
I have grave concerns for my health, in particular the disturbance of sleep and silica dust. I am the recipient of three heart valve replacements and my ongoing health and current convalescence is one of the main reasons we remain at our property. We also have a large family - six grown children (one of them with high level disabilities) and 16 grandchildren. I fear for their health in relation to the silica dust also.
I would also like to add although access to the proposed quarry are listed as off the Monaro Highway, there will be increased truck traffic along the Old Cooma Rd. I have been advised recently by a roads assessor, that the Old Cooma Rd does not meet the requirements under the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation for use by heavy trucks.

I object to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project on the following planning grounds:
1. Environmental Impacts
Dust, noise, and vibration from blasting, crushing, and truck movements will directly affect nearby residents, farming land, and wildlife habitats. This will reduce air quality and create an ongoing nuisance that is inconsistent with the rural and residential amenity of the district.
The project will result in the removal of native vegetation, which is likely to disrupt biodiversity corridors and threaten species that rely on the surrounding bushland.
Quarrying activities pose risks to groundwater and surface water quality, especially given the reliance of local households and properties on rainwater and tank storage.
2. Traffic and Road Safety
The proposal significantly increases heavy vehicle traffic on rural roads not designed for high-volume quarry trucks. This raises risks for school buses, local commuters, cyclists, and agricultural machinery that share these roads.
Increased truck movements will accelerate road degradation, leading to higher maintenance costs borne by the community and Council.
3. Amenity and Lifestyle
The quarry will fundamentally alter the character of the area, which is currently valued for its peace, rural landscapes, and suitability for farming and equestrian activities.
Ongoing quarry operations will negatively impact property values, discouraging investment and reducing confidence in the local housing market.
4. Health and Wellbeing
Dust and particulate emissions pose health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
Prolonged exposure to quarry noise and vibration is likely to have adverse mental health impacts on local residents due to stress, sleep disruption, and loss of quiet enjoyment of their homes.
5. Planning and Sustainability Concerns
The project is inconsistent with long-term planning objectives for sustainable rural residential and agricultural land use in the region.
Alternative quarry sites already exist in the broader Monaro and ACT region. Approving a new quarry so close to rural residential communities is unnecessary and unsustainable.

Conclusion
For these reasons, I strongly object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project. The cumulative impacts on environment, traffic safety, community amenity, and health outweigh any economic or supply benefits. I urge the Department of Planning to refuse approval of this development.