Monaro Rock Quarry Project

That this project is proposed to be located so close to south Canberra suburbs is outrageous. The south of Canberra is already home an industrial estate and Canberra's Waste Management Centre. The air quality in the Tuggeranong Valley in particular is already poor due to the topography of the valley with Monaro hills to the east and the Brindabellas to the west. This was heavily emphasised during the 2019/20 bushfire season when smoke from the south coast hung in the valley for weeks.
Additionally, the monaro highway is one of the most dangerous roads in Canberra and surrounds due to the limited access roads to the south and already heavy use of commercial vehicles.
Between the extremely concerning effect on the air quality to those in the Tuggeranong Valley, and the increased risk to road users with such a substantial increase in heavy vehicles, the location for this project is completely unacceptable.

I am one of the developers of Royalla Reserve, the direct neighbour of the proposed quarry.

We have 3 blocks left in our development and it has taken us 3 years to try and sell the blocks due to the quarry.

We have had in excess of 50 offers accepted however once the buyers find out about the proposed quarry they withdraw.

This has resulted in me having lost over $100,000 so far due to ongoing holding costs and I won't make a cent of profit because no one wants to live near a quarry. My financial loss is directly as a result of the proposed quarry.

I strongly oppose the quarry being approved.

I am raising a young family near by and do not want them growing up with silica dust in their lungs. Why do we need a rock quarry here when there is one so close in Hume?
This seems unnecessarily close!
Please reconsider!

Submission is by attachment - "Monaro Rock Quarry Project 17-9-2025"

I object to this quarry project that will be located too close to my house in Theodore. I'm concerned about the air quality being adversely affected and the noise from the quarry negatively impacting our enjoyment if what is currently a peaceful area to live.
I don't want this quarry project to go ahead. Please cancel it. Thank you.

This project has the potential to cause me and my family harm and inconvenience through the following:
- Potential extensive damage to roads in the area, mainly but not limited to the Monaro Highway, through the movement of well in excess of 100 fully loaded trucks per day.
- The noise cause by 12 hour operations, 6 days per week, will be extremely disruptive to me and other residents of nearby Canberra suburbs. I note that while the centre of the proposed quarry is 2.5km from the closest ACT houses, the western-most boundary is well under 1km away.
- Silica dust caused by the operations pose a potential health hazard to all nearby residents, including me and my family. Please note that the use of manufactured stone in buildings has now been banned for this very reason, yet having an operation such as this producing substantial amounts of silica dust seems to be OK.
- Water run-off from the operations is likely to have a major impact on local waterways, potentially devastating wildlife in the area such as platypus and rakali.
- The load on local electricity and water supplies will likely bring forward the need for governments to invest further in those utilities, potentially imposing increased rates on residents.

This quarry poses a significant health risk to people. It’s far to close to houses, and should not be allowed to go ahead .

Bad for health with the silica dust fallout not to mention the noise and traffic

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed rock quarry near our community. While I understand the need for infrastructure and materials, the location of this quarry so close to residential areas poses serious risks to our health, environment, and quality of life.

Key concerns include:
• Health impacts: Dust and fine particles from blasting and crushing can worsen asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
• Noise pollution: Blasting, heavy machinery, and truck movements would create constant disruption to daily life and sleep.
• Water and environmental risks: Runoff may contaminate local water supplies, while quarrying activity will damage ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
• Community safety and lifestyle: Increased truck traffic will endanger drivers and pedestrians, damage local roads, and reduce the peaceful character of our area.
• Property values and growth: A quarry so close to homes will lower property values and discourage families and businesses from investing in our community.

For these reasons, I urge you to reconsider this proposal and seek alternative locations further away from residential areas. Our community deserves to remain a safe, healthy, and livable environment.

Thank you for considering this objection.

31,000 ACT and NSW residents live within five kilometres of the site. 92,000 residents live within ten kilometres. I am one of these residents, who is also a parent of a young family.
Outside of the environmental impacts this quarry will have, my main reason for objecting to this project is because of the long term health impacts it will have on NSW and ACT residents. These impacts will be significant, and life changing. Many studies have been done in the past decade highlighting the health risks around silica dust, which is linked to long term respiratory illnesses. I am against the idea of having this project undertaken so close to my place of residence, where i raise my family. My role is to protect my family, and children, and ensure they have an opportunity to live long, healthy and happy lives.

As a long term Canberra resident, I also understand that there are three other quarries in the region, and none are operating at full capacity. This quarry is not needed to meet production needs, highlighting it likely has little economic or environmental benefit.

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.

I am very concerned about the prospect of the Monaro Rock Quarry. We live in Banks, and are worried about silica dust and other pollution, and the potential ill side effects of the dust such as asthma and silicosis. The Lanyon and Tuggeranong Valleys are known for smoke etc sitting in the valleys unable to escape easily and this will likely be the case with quarry dust etc.
We are also deeply concerned about the noise generated by the quarry, as well as the traffic congestion with so much heavy traffic entering and leaving the quarry.
Housing prices will also drop, another factor we are concerned about.
The 30 year duration of the quarry is a very long time to suffer the effects.
Please do not allow the quarry to go ahead.

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.

Hi,

I do not support the project due to the following reasons:
Impact on wildlife in the area
Noise pollution during to mining and trucks transporting materials
Noise pollution due to construction
Environmental damage from construcrion and ongoing mining to flora and the ground/earth
Degradation of the soil in the vicinity of the quarry
Deteriation of the stability of the ground in the vicinity of the quarry, possibility of sink holes forming
Pollution from construction and operation of the quarry
Hazards onsite which will ne a danger to people and invitation for youths to vandalise and use quarry for other purposes.
Pollution from trucks and vehicles transporting materials

I live in Banks ACT which is not far from where this proposal is planned to be built in NSW (on the border). I am gravely concerned about the health implications regarding this potential site. Silica kills people and with the wind conditions associated with this proposed site, there are significant risks to all of us. I reserve the right in the event of this proposal being granted approval to sue the NSW Government in the event that either myself, or any of my family experience any detrimental impact, or any associated health implications.

Please accept this as my formal objection to the proposed development. I have been a landowner in close proximity to the Williamsdale Quarry for over 25 years, and my experience gives me a direct perspective on the potential impacts of this project.

My objection is founded on two critical issues:

Public Safety and Traffic Management: I have serious concerns regarding the safety of the proposed exit and entry point over the old train line. Its proximity to the existing merge and overtaking lanes creates a highly dangerous situation. The introduction of slow-moving, heavy-laden trucks into this section of the road during times of high vehicle flow will create a considerable safety hazard for the public. I believe this design presents an unacceptable risk for increased vehicle accidents.
The local road infrastructure off the secondary access point, Mates Drive Royalla and Old Cooma Road will not cope with increased heavy traffic and will require major upgrade which local government and the project would not have budgeted for. It has been under strain since the creation all the rural residential estates over the past 25 years.

Reliability of Utilities: The existing Williamsdale Quarry has been a direct contributor to the instability of our local power supply for many years. We have experienced recurring blackouts and brownouts that frequently align with the quarry's operational periods. I am concerned that the addition of a new, power-intensive quarry will place an unbearable strain on the already fragile local power infrastructure, leading to more frequent and prolonged disruptions to our power supply.

My environmental concerns include:
Water Supply: The quarry will require water for dust control, and strong believe to the project will have a negative impact on local bores and an already-strained water supply.

Ecological Impact: The site is located in a sensitive environmental area, a box gum grassy woodland, which is home to endangered or critically endangered species near "Enchanted Hill," which will make up part of the proposed quarry site.

The project's fact sheet and other documents mention the presence of several threatened species and ecological communities.

Critically Endangered Ecological Community
Box Gum Grassy Woodland: This is a critically endangered ecological community under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation. It is the primary habitat type in the area and a major point of concern for environmental groups.

Endangered and Vulnerable Species
Pink-tailed Legless Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella): This is a vulnerable reptile species known to inhabit the rocky areas of the region. While the EIS claims no individuals were detected within the immediate disturbance area of the quarry, it is known to be in the wider area, and its habitat is at risk.

Small Purple Pea (Swainsona recta): This is an endangered plant species, and a population was specifically recorded in the rail corridor adjacent to the proposed access road for the quarry.

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum): This bird is listed as an endangered species. Surveys for the project identified suitable breeding habitat for the Gang-gang Cockatoo within the proposed disturbance area.

Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor): This species is critically endangered and is mentioned as a species that will likely be put under stress by the quarry.

Pale Pomaderris (Pomaderris pallida): This is a vulnerable plant species that was also identified during surveys within the project area.

Other vulnerable species and ecological communities mentioned in the reports for the broader region include the Scarlet Robin, Varied Sittella, and the Dusky Woodswallow. These species are also a concern given the potential habitat loss and fragmentation caused by the quarry development.

The quarry's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) identifies respirable crystalline silica (RCS) as a potential air pollutant from the extraction of rhyodacite ignimbrite, the material used for concrete production. While the application states that silica dust would be "controllable" and impacts "negligible," the developer does not know the long-term health effects of this dust, which they say can travel up to 16 km and has been compared to asbestos.

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.

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 formally object to the proposed quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete recycling facility in Royalla.
As a resident and ratepayer within the ACT, I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to the proposed quarry development within 6km of densely populated suburbs including Conder, Banks, Gordon, and Theodore. This proposal is not only reckless—it is an affront to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community.
Canberra residents pay some of the highest rates in the country, significantly more than our NSW counterparts. We do so with the expectation that our environment, infrastructure, and public health will be safeguarded—not sacrificed for private industrial gain.

Health & Air Quality Risks:
The release of ultrafine dust, silica particles, and other carcinogens from quarry operations poses a direct threat to public health. Tuggeranong already battles elevated rates of asthma and respiratory illness due to winter woodfire smoke and bushfire seasons. Introducing quarry emissions will compound these risks—especially for children, the elderly, and vulnerable residents.

Water Security & Groundwater Contamination:
The proposed site risks runoff and groundwater disruption that could contaminate Canberra’s drinking water catchment. With declining rainfall and increasing drought stress, this project adds unacceptable pressure to our already fragile water systems.

Traffic Congestion & Road Safety:
The Monaro Highway is already congested and hazardous. High-volume quarry truck traffic will exacerbate road wear, increase accident risk, and disrupt daily commutes for thousands of residents who rely on this arterial route.

Environmental Destruction & Bushfire Risk:
Clearing bushland and operating heavy machinery in a fire-prone region is irresponsible. The long-term damage to wildlife habitats and increased ignition risks are irreversible and incompatible with ACT’s environmental commitments.

Proximity to Homes, Schools & Aged Care:
The proposed site sits alarmingly close to residential areas and community infrastructure. Families, schools, and aged care facilities will be directly impacted by noise, dust, and industrial disruption. This is not a remote quarry—it’s a direct intrusion into our daily lives.

Minimal Community Benefit:
The promise of 30 jobs and access to rock does not justify the enormous health, safety, and environmental costs. The financial benefit flows to the quarry operator—not to the community bearing the burden.

Precedent & Planning Integrity:
This is not the first time a quarry has been proposed near residential zones—and it shouldn’t be the last time one is rejected. In Wallan, VIC, the Mitchell Shire Council opposed a quarry in a future residential zone, citing dust, noise, and traffic concerns. The local water authority warned of “unacceptable negative impacts on urban development.” Similarly, in Binningup, WA, a quarry proposal was rejected by the Shire of Harvey due to community opposition and environmental risks. These cases reflect a growing recognition that industrial developments must not compromise residential wellbeing.

Lack of Genuine Consultation:
The public submission period has been unreasonably short, with minimal opportunity for meaningful community input. This undermines democratic process and erodes public trust.
We demand action—and accountability.
This objection is being sent directly to our elected representatives in the ACT Legislative Assembly. You were voted in by this community, and now is the time to stand with the people who entrusted you with that responsibility. We expect you to:
• Publicly oppose this proposal on behalf of your constituents.
• Advocate for an independent review of the health, safety, and environmental impacts.
• Request an immediate extension to the public submission period to allow proper consultation.
This decision will shape the future of our region for decades. We expect leadership that prioritizes people over profit, and community over convenience.

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