Monaro Rock Quarry Project

It is too close to the homes, will lower property values, increase traffic through already busy roads and pose an incredible risk to the health of families and the nearby nature reserves. The increased traffic will cause extra noise, and as the years go on, it will greatly damage the nearby nature reserves, further increase noise pollution and cause much more pollution than accounted for.

I object this project as I live within the one of the affected areas. The impact of dust (including ultrafine particles), noise and blasting impacts will directly affect my everyday home life. Up to 500 truck movement a day, risks to Tuggeranong waterways and potential impacts to property values will directly impact the surrounding Tuggeranong community. The environmental impact to protected habitat will also be devastating to see. I strongly object this project

I dont wish the project to go ahead due to my health and wellbeing and that of my children and pets

The expansion of the rock quarry in royalla will create sound pollution, dust and more heavy vehicles on our roads, and very little local benefits. Royalla is rapidly becoming a suburban area, and these industrial projects are not suitable for this area.

I object to the project for the impact it will have on the community, access through traffic, noise, pollution and environmental damage. Given its location to schools, playing fields, homes and aged care.

Our family has lived in Royalla for 8 years. We moved here to give our two boys space to grow and roam freely. We moved for the fresh air to breathe, the clean rainwater to drink and the connection to nature. The proposed industrial site at the Monaro rock quarry is threatening to take this away. The silica dust generated by this project will be carried by the wind to taint the air we breathe, and land on our roof, contaminating the water we drink. The noise, vibrations and dust from blasting and the large number of heavy vehicles will be detrimental to the quiet nature of our rural lifestyle.
The intended heavy vehicle movements, up to 500 per day, will increase the traffic congestion on the Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road; roads on which my family travel every day, and on which my son will soon be learning to drive. These trucks will make the local roads more dangerous and deteriorate the already damaged road surface.
This quarry will impact over 300 species of flora and fauna; part of the reason we moved out of town was to be among the nature and animals of this area. We want to live in Royalla for many more years, and continue to enjoy the lifestyle and community culture on which Royalla is built.
The proposed Monaro Rock Quarry should not go ahead, and I object to continued planning and development.

Resident in close proximity to planned project subject to dangerous levels of Silica.

The Environmental Impact

Key concerns include:
- Increased truck traffic
- Dust impacts, including silica dust
- Ongoing noise from operations
- Impacts on local flora

I have concerns about the silica dust that will occur and affect the local Tuggeranong schools and the children health playing in the playground and also all the children attending sports activities at Calwell ovals . Also the health of the seniors living in the Tuggeranong area.
My grandchildren both have Asthma and I am concerned about their health and the possibility they may get cancer from the dust that will be created by the quary development .
Has The traffic congestion on Monaro highway been taken into account with the snow traffic and people travelling to Canberra for work each day. I am concerned about the amount of trucks each day and accidents that may occur and the congestion that’s is already occurring in Hume due to the overpass

The Hon Paul Scully MP
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
NSW Government
GPO Box 5341
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Dear Sir
I wish to put my objection to allowing the quarry and concrete plant, tar manufacturing and concrete recycling plant to not go ahead in any shape, fashion or form.
There is absolutely no need for a fourth quarry to be put in a rural estate, where the rural estate will be devastated and it will affect the lifestyle that people in this area have enjoyed for more than 30 years.
The quarry would mainly service the Canberra region and will have little or no value to residents of Royalla, Little Burra and Mount Campbell. There are already three quarries within 30 kms of Canberra servicing all the needs to the larger area than Canberra alone.
The amount of additional traffic that the quarry, concrete plant and tar supplies will produce makes this the biggest commercial industrial area for miles. With the amount of wildlife in the area, means with any more traffic flow this will create more vehicle accidents from animals being driven onto the already busy Old Cooma Road. We have also already had fatalities at the Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road intersection without having this additional vehicle flow. With very slow heavy and large articulated vehicles entering either Old Cooma Road itself and the intersection with Monaro Highway we will end up with more collisions and quite possibly deaths.
The local residents have bought properties in these areas, some more than 20 years ago. For my young family it was to enjoy the rural life and the open air, which will be effected. Now we have grandchildren that spend time at our place and how do I know whether dust in the air blown to my property will affect our drinking water, cover our solar panels and effect our health.
Noise pollution to our area will also affect our lifestyle with blasting and heavy diesel vehicles, ie trucks, on the road and the machinery used to extract the hard rock. I am also concerned about the amount of extra water needed to recycle concrete waste and given the fact also that tar production will also affect our air quality. The extra load to the existing electricity required to drive conveyor belts and all the buildings on the site will also impact residents.
There has been no notification at all to the residents or authorities as yet if the proposal was to go ahead what intervals would environmental impacts be checked by Government authorities that regulate these activities.
There are many unanswered questions and the number one is that the Canberra area does not need another quarry/industrial estate, especially in a New South Wales rural residential location affecting so many locals for one person’s personal gain.
Therefore I wish this senseless project to not proceed and no authority to allow it. The cost is too large to thousands of residents who enjoy a rural lifestyle and this should be respected at all costs.

My granddaughters attend school in Tuggeranong area within close proximity to the proposed Monaro quarry and both suffer asthma and one has severe asthma attacks, the silica dust from the quarry will affect their health now and in the future.

I am concerned about the impact of this proposal on myself and my family. We live just over the hill from this development, in the closest Canberra Suburb. My son aged 11 has already been through cancer with long term throat complications and asthma like symptoms that are made worse on days of poor air quality. The report suggests that air quality may be impacted, impacting on people’s health. I see this as a direct health risk to my family.

We regularly enjoy the bush capital nature reserves in between Conder and this area for bush walking, which we will now need to reconsider. This is impacting on our ability to utilise, enjoy and feel safe in our local area.

There are several schools in our local area where children play outside for several hours a day. On high wind days monitoring of exposure by parents during the day will not be possible. We’re putting our children at risk associated with the poor air quality that will occur. This is made worse by the vicinity to local sporting grounds as well.

The particular area of the Monaro highway where the quarry will be accessed from is already a dangerous road, with excessive traffic in the snow season, daily native animal deaths and road users handling (poorly) increasing and decreasing speed limits in that area. The additional 150 trucks per day will increase risks of further crashes or animal injury.

With the growing ACT footprint, there would be opportunities for further development in this area such as the new residential areas that will now be subject to this noise, pollution and risk. Please utilise the land for something that will not jeopardise our health.

The Hon Paul Scully MP
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
NSW Government
GPO Box 5341
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Dear Sir,
I ask that the proposal for the Monaro Rock quarry, including industrial site to mine and process rock, and manufacture concrete, hot asphalt and recycle concrete, be rejected outright at this time, thus avoiding further time and expense to the applicant.
There are enough quarries already
I question the need for and object to another quarry in this area, given there is an existing quarry in the Royalla area with associated issues already in operation. This quarry already impacts residents in the area with dust issues (wind knows no boundaries), noise and electricity brownouts. The existing quarry at the other end of the valley has sufficient supplies to extend for many decades. Is another one put into operation for private personal gain worth the risk to people living, eating, and enjoying life in the surrounding area?
Dangers to myself and our community
I question the need for and object to this quarry in this area, given it is within a few kilometres of multiple residences, including my residence purchased more than 20 years ago when there was no flagging of a quarry to be commenced in this location. Having a blasting hard rock quarry and associated concrete and asphalt industrial site so close to several rural-residential estates is irresponsible and negligent.
I continue my letter in the attached pdf document, as my submission is more than the 10000 character limit of this submission box. Please consider the attached pdf as my submission.

The project will involve a large quarry and industrial site for the processing of rock, manufacturing concrete, producing asphalt and concrete recycling over the next 30-35 years.
It is located very close to many rural residential properties and to large and growing population centres. It will have a substantial and growing impact on land of high environmental and indigenous archeological value.
Key areas of concern with the project include:
Noise: Besides blasting and associated vibration shocks the project will operate 6 days a week from early morning and involve ongoing rock crushing and concrete and asphalt manufacturing involving the movement of up to 500 heavy vehicles per day to and from the site using local roads. This will be highly disruptive to the local community who currently live in a quiet rural environment. Decisions to live in the area have been heavily influenced by the peaceful location.
Dust and health impacts: There are health risks from silica dust which will be carried by the wind collecting on homes, solar panels and gardens with contamination of rain water tanks. We live less than 3 kilometres from the proposed quarry in an area that often experiences strong wind. Wind from the south West would directly impact us.
Road safety: the movement of heavy vehicles on to the Monaro Highway and use of local roads, notably Old Cooma Road, will pose serious collision risks. Old Cooma Road is not designed for this purpose and the volume and speed of traffic on the Monaro Highway, especially during peak hours and the Ski Season, makes the entering of large, laden heavy vehicles extremely hazardous. These roads have already experienced a number of fatal accidents.
Proximity to Residents: 49 000 people already live within 10 kilometres of the proposed site and this is expected to grow to 69000 in the next 10 years.
Water: Up to 42.4 million litres per year of extracted groundwater is proposed to be used for dust suppression and concrete and asphalt production. There will also be a reduction of water flow in to surrounding water courses that flow to Tuggeranong. During dry years, of which there are many, this large water usage will impact aquifers relied on by local farms for ground water.
Economics: the need for this quarry is highly questionable. There is existing capacity within the four quarries within 30 kilometres of the proposed quarry with capacity to last over 100 years.
Impact of house: Given the reasons people buy in the area, including a peaceful rural environment, a depreciation of house values could be expected. This is a major and concerning development for local residences who have bought in the area in good faith noting the current zoning category.
The project proponent has proposed measures to alleviate some of these concerns. We have little to no confidence that these measures will be effective. There is no question that local residents will be impacted, some to a large extent.
In conclusion, the quarry is in the wrong location given the existing and planned residential developments and the economic case for it is highly questionable.

I strongly object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project for the following reasons:
- Current road infrastructure will not meet the increased demands of heavy trucks and machinery
- The traffic impacts of the increased traffic activity
- The increased levels of dust and implications on health this will have, I am particularly concerned regarding the high levels of silica
- The negative impact on property prices due to the above reasons

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed quarry development near Royalla, New South Wales. While I recognize the potential economic benefits that such a project may bring, I believe the long-term social, environmental, and economic costs far outweigh these benefits.

1. Environmental Impact

Royalla is located in a region that is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and ecological value. The development of a quarry would have severe consequences for the local environment. The disruption of local ecosystems, the clearing of native vegetation, and the potential for soil erosion and water contamination are just a few of the risks that would accompany this project.

Royalla’s water systems, including nearby streams and aquifers, could be significantly impacted by the proposed extraction processes. The risk of dust pollution is also a major concern, particularly during dry periods, as it would affect air quality and pose health risks to both humans and wildlife in the area.

2. Impact on the Royalla and Southern Canberra Communities

The Royalla community is a peaceful, rural area, and many of us moved to this region precisely for its tranquility and proximity to nature. The proposed quarry would introduce significant noise pollution, traffic congestion, and general disturbances that could drastically reduce the quality of life for residents.

The impact of this quarry is not limited to Royalla alone but would also affect the broader Southern Canberra region. Royalla lies in close proximity to the growing suburbs of Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, and Woden, and the proposed quarry would directly influence these communities.

The traffic generated by quarry trucks and machinery would place considerable strain on the already congested roads linking Royalla to the southern suburbs of Canberra, particularly the Monaro Highway and the Cotter Road. These roads are vital for the daily commuting needs of residents in the area, and the increase in heavy vehicle traffic would pose safety risks, degrade road conditions, and contribute to further congestion. Moreover, the added dust and noise pollution would affect both the quality of life and the health of residents in these nearby suburbs, many of whom moved to the area to enjoy cleaner air and a more peaceful environment.

3. Economic Considerations

While proponents of the quarry may argue that it would create jobs and stimulate the local economy, it is important to consider the type of economic development that is being promoted. Royalla’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with local farmers relying on a stable and healthy environment to maintain their livelihoods. A quarry could undermine the agricultural potential of the area, through soil degradation and water contamination, which may have long-term negative effects on local farming operations.

In addition, the tourism and local services industries, which also contribute to the region’s economy, would be adversely impacted. The proposed quarry would make the area less attractive to tourists and potential new residents, particularly those who are drawn to the quiet rural lifestyle.

Furthermore, the southern suburbs of Canberra, including areas like Woden and Tuggeranong, have seen significant growth over the past decade, and as the population in these areas continues to increase, so too does the demand for a clean and sustainable environment. The expansion of a quarry in Royalla could severely hinder the future growth and liveability of these suburbs by introducing environmental degradation and reducing the overall quality of life for nearby residents.

4. Lack of Consultation and Transparency

The community’s concerns must be given proper weight in decision-making processes, and it is critical that consultation with local residents and stakeholders is conducted thoroughly. Thus far, there has been limited transparency regarding the full extent of the environmental and social impacts of the quarry. A proper Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that takes into account all possible consequences—especially on the quality of life for residents in both Royalla and the surrounding suburbs of southern Canberra—is essential before moving forward with such a development.

Conclusion

For all of the reasons outlined above, I strongly oppose the proposed quarry development in Royalla, NSW. The environmental, social, and economic risks posed by this project are too significant to be ignored. I urge decision-makers to consider the long-term impacts on both the local community in Royalla and the broader southern Canberra region, and to explore alternative, more sustainable economic opportunities for the area.

Thank you for considering my submission.

To whom it may concern,
I acknowledge the need for building materials for the construction industry and development, however as a director of a construction company i am acutely aware to the need to perform risk assessments on both where and how these materials are sourced.
Currently silica dust and its health implications are a priority in how to manage and eliminate the risks.
The location of the proposed site relative to not only Royalla homes but the rapidly growing township of Googong housing homes schools and places of business, with the suburb of Theodore within the ACT all within a short relative distance.
Exposing these homes and residents to the potential of dust / silica needs far more detailed consideration, is it indeed worth the risk i have several family members living in Googong along with my wife and i in Royalla.

The additional traffic on an already underdeveloped road infrastructure needs heightened consideration, the roads in the area regrettably already have a high accident rate without the addition of high frequency heavy vehicles.
The impact on local wildlife would appear to be restricted to the site only, road deaths in the area are higher than other areas in the region.

I have lived in Royalla for over 15 years, toward the southern end, there are two quarry sites located in Willamsdale on Knowles lane a relatively short distance away. Both are on a smaller scale than the one proposed. I am well placed to comment on the impact of regular blasting, sadly it go's a little further than straightening up the odd picture frame. Along with dust blown across the valley, and the dimming of lights when the crusher starts up.

i object to the development based on the above items Silica is a long term killer with no cure, the land was not zoned for this development when sold it should retain its original zoning or a a more palpable use for the broader community.
Yours Sincerely
Doug Prail

I am a current resident of Royalla for the past 15 years. Royalla Quarry must be stopped in my opinion for many reasons. I have 4 children, all living here. 2 hold current licences and 2 upcoming in the next year years. I am extremely worried on the current road conditions and if the quarry goes ahead, I cannot express enough how extremely dangerous these roads will become.

https://region.com.au/canberras-most-dangerous-roads-insurance-data-reveals-the-capitals-car-crash-hotspots/701838/

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=22a81b728edc7d18c960200837ec3aaeefb040a964c30781c1d68400d1516bf0JmltdHM9MTc1ODA2NzIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0974ac07-2d98-62b2-3e1c-ba0e2c5e633d&u=a1L2ltYWdlcy9zZWFyY2g_cT1kYW5nZXJvdXMrbW9uYXJvK2hpZ2h3YXkmcXB2dD1kYW5nZXJvdXMrbW9uYXJvK2hpZ2h3YXkmRk9STT1JR1JF

Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road are in the highest crash incidents area roads in Australia. If you add more heavy trucks and traffic, these roads will become extremely dangerous with fatalities to come.
How can such a negative impact project go ahead when I do not know one resident that supports this. Hold a public hearing to see what residents think?
As for the silica dust - 2 daughters and myself suffer from asthma. This will affect us short and long term. Health wise and money.
Our costs will increase with rates (to repair roads), cleaning costs for house dust and water tank filters, medical costs etc.
I 100% do not support this project.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the EIS. We were residents of Monaro Station Road for some 17 years (and still live nearby at Googong) from its initial sale hence we do know the location well.
The EIS is a well-presented document with great attention given to statistics and the history of the surrounding area.It appears to place reliance on many other authorities. It also presents critical comments on the proposed Monaro Hard Rock Quarry in great detail. What it does not do in over 100 pages, in our view, is provide convincing or even satisfactory answers to those criticisms it has so eloquently expressed. In my view, it pays lip service but nothing substantial. There are a wealth of platitudes.
My broad objection to the project is that it is profit-based and not based on any need. On the one hand the EIS claims it "may" create various jobs in different areas but on the other hand, if there is increased supply, there must be over supply to some degree - hence reduced demand for labour and materials. The existing hard rock quarries in the region meet current demand and the proponents are simply directing their project at lessening their input costs. Even if the long term demand may exist, there are many hard rock sights within a reasonable distance which would have virtually no impact on the local community certainly to the extent which this particular site has! Hence why chose such a provocative site close to so many people and facilities. Have we not learnt from the problems associated with the existing local quarries?
Back to the EIS. I do not believe the 117 page document addresses many of the concerns it has collected from complainants. More significantly it does not much more than give "consideration" to those concerns. It simply states that they have been taken into account (and, in my opinion, appears virtually discard them). Nowhere do I see any true commitment or guarantee which would safeguard any of the arguments raised. For example, it claims that the latest proposal has re-directed all heavy traffic to the Monaro Highway. Firstly, that route was also in the original proposal. It continues to state that only workers and light vehicular traffic will use Monaro Station Road and Mates Drive. However, there is no guarantee that the proponents would not use Monaro Station Road and Mates Drive at the drop of a hat in the event that they chose to. Why not lodge a guarantee with a severe penalty clause.
Section 6.4.3 goes into great detail quoting other authorities on traffic and the impact of a significant increase in the number of heavy vehicles. What it does not mention is the destination of those heavily laden trucks. If they were travelling North they need to either travel through Canberra or along the Old Cooma Road to Queanbeyan! Further, there is no mention of the dangers associated with loose rocks falling from heavily laden trucks and their effect on other vehicles. Further, how can there possibly NOT be a much higher risk of accident with 500 extra trucks entering a major highway each day at the top of a hill where there is a 100Km speed limit?
Similarly, the project claims to have a minimal impact on the water table and the water supply in general. There are bores within one or two kilometres of the site but little discussion appears on the risks of an already dwindling water table and certainly no commitment to compensation in the event that the water table becomes depleted because of the need to utilise water to minimise silicon dust at the site!
We find the EIS best described as a "Swiss Cheese". To us, it is full of holes and does not suit the purpose of convincing an impartial reader that the Monaro Rock Quarry Project should go ahead at the location selected.

I live within 3 kilometres from the proposed quarry. I object to this development as this will compromise my air quality and increase environmental noise and be a detriment to the surrounding flora and fauna. This will not only affect me, but my surrounding community as well. I strongly object to this development.

As an ACT resident who lives close to this project and a frequent user of the Monaro Hwy and the Old Cooma Road, I have a number of concerns.

The Monaro Highway Damage.
The substantial increase of heavy trucks on the Highway will have a very detrimental impact on the road. The highway already shows significant degradation with numerous potholes and subsidences to the road shoulders along the stretch from the Old Cooma Road to the Calwell roundabout.
The number of heavy vehicles from the proposed quarry will hasten and increase damages along the this stretch of the highway.
How will the ACT and NSW Governments address the increased damages caused.

Monaro Highway road Safety
It is proposed that the heavily load trucks from the quarry will enter the Monaro Highway from either the Old Cooma Road or just north from the Old Cooma Road. This section of the highway is a single carriageway in either direction with a 100 km speed limit.
The increasing number of heavily laden trucks trying to enter the Monaro Highway will pose a very high traffic accident risk.
What traffic management plans or upgrades to the Monaro Highway will be undertaken to reduce the risk?

The Old Cooma Road Damage.
The substantial increase of heavy trucks on the road will have a very detrimental impact on the road. The road at present caters for passenger vehicles and minimal trucks. When there have been numerous heavy trucks using the road substantial damages have been caused requiring major repairs. The current road will not be able to handle the substantial increase in heavily loaded trucks.
What and how will the NSW Government manage the repairs and upgrades that will be required?

Dust and Noise
The quarry will be due east of a number for the ACT’s suburbs that have been in place for well over 30 years.
These suburbs will now be exposed to the dust and noise from this quarry.