Monaro Rock Quarry Project

I am very concerned about the prospect of the Monaro rock quarry. My parents live there and I plan to move home again next year. I am worried about the pollution and silica dust. Also the noise and extra traffic on the roads.

I strongly object to the project, and my attached submission outlines my concerns.

I am writing to you to outline my concerns in regard to the proposed Royalla Quarry.



As a resident of Royalla for 15 years I have seen many changes in the area. Most are welcomed and at times others have caused concern to residents with regards to visual impacts however nothing proposed has included health risks to residents. My concerns are numerous and this is the first time I have felt the need to express my very real concerns.



My primary concern of the proposed quarry is how it will impact the health and safety not only of the residents in close proximity but all surrounding areas with fine silica dust spreading across the valley, into numerous primary and high schools and to countless residents of Tuggeranong. As an individual who has struggled with respiratory issues I am incredibly concerned for my health if this is to go ahead. The real cost to the health system needs to be considered.

Silica dust will fall onto our roves; this is our only water source for drinking– as the same with all Royalla and surrounding residents. I’m concerned how this will impact us all.



I am concerned if the quarry is approved how it will financially impact all residents. There is no doubt the quarry would negatively impact our property prices. I would never choose to live near a quarry, let alone purchase a property. How will residents be compensated.



I am concerned about the traffic impacts and the inevitable accidents that will occur. As a long time resident the change in traffic along the Monaro Highway has been substantial with Googong’s establishment and new subdevelopments. Snow and coastal traffic sees traffic banked back to the top of the hill. The round about on Johnson Drive is often backed up. Hundreds of trucks entering and exiting daily will see a huge rise in traffic and accidents. It is not built or fit for this!

I believe the traffic observations took place during Covid – if this is accurate, how is this deemed acceptable data???



I am concerned about the noise impacts.

I am concerned about the impact on the environment. I know there are many protected species of plants that inhabit the zoned area.



Finally, I can not understand how two families financial benefit is being placed above thousands of residents health, wellbeing and financial disadvantage. I pray this is stopped and we are not sacrificed for their gain.

Thank you
Amanda Cowley Colbertaldo

Submission in Opposition to the Proposed Quarry at Enchanted Hill

I strongly oppose the proposed quarry development at Enchanted Hill near Royalla. My concerns are outlined below.



Key Concerns

Health and Air Quality
Dust and fine silica particles generated by quarrying and truck movements pose serious risks to human health.
Noise, vibration, and light spill will further reduce residential amenity and create long-term disruption for the community.
Traffic and Road Safety
The proposal would generate up to 500 heavy truck movements per day between Cooma and Canberra. This will significantly increase road safety risks for local residents, commuters, and school traffic.
Such a high level of heavy vehicle use will also cause major deterioration of regional and local roads, which were not designed for this scale of industrial traffic.
Water Resources
The quarry will place additional stress on an already scarce and fragile water table.
Extracting large volumes of water for dust suppression and processing risks depleting groundwater supplies relied upon by residents, farms, and ecosystems.
There is also a risk of contamination or alteration of groundwater flow, with consequences that may not be fully reversible.
Environmental Impacts
Vegetation clearing and blasting will damage local biodiversity and habitat.
The visual landscape and rural character of the area will be permanently degraded, undermining the community’s quality of life.
Cumulative and Unnecessary Impacts
There are already multiple quarries operating in the region. Adding another would compound existing problems of dust, noise, and environmental stress, without clear justification of need.
Social and Economic Concerns
Homes near the site will be directly affected in terms of amenity, property values, and liveability.
The long-term costs to health, safety, infrastructure, and water security far outweigh any short-term economic benefit.


Request

For these reasons, I urge the Department to reject the proposed quarry at Enchanted Hill. The excessive traffic burden, public health risks, and threat to water security make the project unsustainable and not in the public interest.

If the project is not refused outright, it must at minimum be drastically reduced in scale, with enforceable protections for residents, water resources, and road safety.



Conclusion

The Enchanted Hill quarry would create lasting harm through dust, noise, unsafe truck volumes, and depletion of precious groundwater. Once these impacts occur, they cannot be undone. I therefore call on the Department to act in the community’s best interest and refuse this proposal.

Thank you for considering my submission.

To Whom It May Concern,
I strongly oppose the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry near Royalla. This project poses unacceptable risks to public health, the environment, infrastructure, and community wellbeing—particularly for residents of Enchanted Hill and surrounding rural areas.
1. Health Hazards – Silica Dust & Water Contamination
Blasting and crushing rhyodacite will release respirable crystalline silica (RCS)—a Group 1 carcinogen linked to silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney disease.
These fine particles can travel kilometres and contaminate rainwater tanks, threatening the only drinking water source for many rural homes.
2. Blasting, Noise & Air Pollution
Regular blasting and on-site crushing will generate shockwaves, dust, diesel fumes, and noise, damaging homes, degrading air quality, and increasing the risk of flyrock—a direct threat to nearby residents.
3. Water Extraction & Runoff
The quarry will rely on groundwater and stormwater, risking aquifer depletion and polluted runoff entering local waterways.
Heavy rainfall could overwhelm containment systems, causing environmental damage.
4. Carbon Footprint & Infrastructure Strain
The project demands significant electrical infrastructure, increasing emissions and placing strain on local energy networks.
Transmission lines will also contribute to visual and electromagnetic pollution.
5. Traffic & Road Safety – Monaro Highway
Up to 250 truck movements daily will worsen congestion and increase crash risks on the already dangerous Monaro Highway, particularly at the Old Cooma Road intersection, which is ill-equipped for industrial traffic and already a known hazard.
6. Biodiversity Loss
The site lies in an E2 Environmental Conservation Zone, home to critically endangered species like the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard and Glossy Black Cockatoo.
Quarry operations will fragment habitats and disrupt post-bushfire regeneration.
7. Bushfire Risk
Located in a bushfire-prone area, the quarry increases ignition risk and could obstruct emergency access and evacuation routes—placing lives and biodiversity at further risk.
8. Minimal Economic Benefit
The project offers only 30 jobs, while thousands of residents will bear the cost.
With five existing quarries nearby and decades of aggregate supply available, this proposal is redundant.
9. Property Devaluation
Noise, dust, and industrial blight will devalue homes and erode the rural character that residents have invested in.
10. Lack of Consultation & Community Opposition
The proposal has sparked widespread opposition, including hundreds of submissions and a campaign at NoNewQuarry.com.au.
ACT residents, who will be directly impacted, were not adequately consulted, undermining the integrity of the planning process.
Conclusion
This quarry offers negligible public benefit while imposing serious, long-term harm on people, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
I urge the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to reject the Monaro Rock Quarry proposal in full.

Please see attached letter outlining my objections to the proposed quarry/industrial site.

Refer two attachments

Submission Opposing the Monaro Rock Quarry Proposal – Joint Venture Between Monaro Mix and Pacific Formwork
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry near Royalla, a joint venture between Monaro Mix and Pacific Formwork. This submission outlines serious concerns regarding health, environmental degradation, infrastructure strain, bushfire risk, community consultation, and the long-term sustainability of the project—particularly its impact on the Enchanted Hill community and surrounding rural areas.
1. Health Risks – Silica Dust and Water Runoff
The quarry will generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS) through blasting, crushing, and transport of rhyodacite ignimbrite. RCS is a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to:
- Silicosis (incurable lung disease),
- Lung cancer,
- Chronic bronchitis and COPD,
- Kidney disease.
These particles can remain airborne for days and travel kilometres, especially during dry, windy conditions. Rainfall can wash silica-laden dust into rainwater tanks, contaminating household water supplies—a critical issue in rural areas like Royalla and Enchanted Hill, where many homes rely on tank water for drinking and domestic use.
2. Blasting and Crushing Impacts – Pollution and Safety Risks
The quarry proposes regular blasting to extract rock, followed by on-site crushing. These activities will:
- Generate shockwaves and ground vibrations, potentially damaging nearby homes and infrastructure;
- Release fine particulate matter, including silica dust, into the air;
- Create noise pollution and odour from diesel exhaust, explosives, and disturbed earth;
- Increase risk of flyrock, which can pose a direct physical threat to nearby residents and properties;
- Contribute to air and soil contamination, especially during dry or windy conditions.
3. Water Use and Runoff
The site lacks access to town water and will rely on groundwater extraction and stormwater harvesting to suppress dust and support operations. This raises several concerns:
- Over-extraction of groundwater could lower the water table, affecting nearby bores and ecosystems;
- Contaminated runoff from the quarry site may carry sediment, diesel residues, and silica particles into local waterways and soil;
- Heavy rainfall events could overwhelm containment systems, leading to uncontrolled discharge into the environment.
4. Electricity and Carbon Footprint
The quarry will require significant electrical infrastructure to power crushing equipment, lighting, and water pumps. This contributes to:
- A high carbon footprint inconsistent with NSW’s climate goals;
- Potential strain on local energy networks, especially during peak demand periods;
- Visual and electromagnetic pollution from new transmission lines and substations.
5. Traffic and Safety Hazards – Monaro Highway Is Already a Deadly Road
The proposal includes up to 250 truck movements per day, using the Monaro Highway and potentially Old Cooma Road. The Monaro Highway is already known for its high accident rate, with multiple fatalities and serious crashes reported in recent years. Additional heavy vehicle traffic will:
- Increase congestion and driver frustration;
- Heighten the risk of collisions, especially at intersections and overtaking zones;
- Delay emergency services and school transport;
- Deter cyclists and pedestrians from using local roads safely.
Critical Intersection Risk: Monaro Highway–Old Cooma Road
The intersection of Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road is already notoriously dangerous, with poor visibility, high-speed traffic, and limited turning lanes. Introducing quarry trucks at this junction will:
- Exponentially increase the risk of serious accidents;
- Create bottlenecks and unsafe merging conditions;
- Endanger school buses, commuters, and emergency vehicles.
This intersection is not designed to handle industrial traffic volumes and must be considered a major safety liability in the context of this proposal.
6. Environmental and Biodiversity Loss
The proposed quarry site lies within an E2 Environmental Conservation Zone, home to several critically endangered species and ecological communities:
- Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands, of which less than 10% remain globally;
- Pink-tailed Worm Lizard, Striped Legless Lizard, and Glossy Black Cockatoo;
- Native orchids and other flora displaced by recent bushfires that found refuge in this area.
The quarry will fragment habitats, disrupt breeding cycles, and introduce noise, dust, and light pollution that further threaten vulnerable species.
7. Bushfire Risk
The quarry site is located in a bushfire-prone area, and the proposal fails to adequately address:
- Increased ignition risk from blasting and machinery;
- Obstruction of emergency access routes;
- Compromised evacuation plans for nearby residents;
- Loss of post-fire regeneration zones, which are critical for biodiversity recovery.
The community is still recovering from recent bushfires, and this proposal places them at further risk.
8. No Meaningful Economic Benefit
The quarry is expected to create only 30 jobs, a negligible number compared to the tens of thousands of residents in the impact zone. The economic benefit is concentrated in the hands of two families—the owners of Monaro Mix and Pacific Formwork—while the negative impacts will be felt by thousands across Royalla, Enchanted Hill, Tuggeranong, and beyond.
There are is already multiple hard rock quarries within a close proximity, none operating at full capacity. The region has decades of aggregate supply, making this project redundant and unjustified.
9. Decrease in Property Values
The presence of a large-scale quarry will significantly devalue residential properties in Royalla, Enchanted Hill, and surrounding areas. Contributing factors include:
- Noise, dust, and vibration pollution;
- Visual blight from industrial operations;
- Reduced desirability due to health and safety concerns;
- Loss of rural character and amenity.
Families who have invested in these communities for their peace, clean air, and natural beauty will suffer financial loss and diminished quality of life.
10. Community Opposition and Lack of Consultation
The proposal has triggered widespread community opposition, including:
- Hundreds of formal submissions against the quarry;
- A dedicated campaign at NoNewQuarry.com.au representing residents, environmental groups, and local businesses;
- Concerns that the project violates planning principles and conservation zoning.
Importantly, ACT residents—who will be directly affected—were not adequately consulted. Many were unaware of the proposal until late in the process, and the cross-border nature of the impact has not been properly acknowledged in the planning framework. This lack of transparency and engagement undermines public trust and planning integrity.
Conclusion
The Monaro Rock Quarry proposal is incompatible with the health, safety, and sustainability of the Royalla and Enchanted Hill communities. It offers minimal public benefit while imposing significant and lasting harm on thousands of residents and critically endangered ecosystems. I urge the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to reject this proposal in its entirety.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Althorp
19 Farrier rd. Royalla NSW 2620
Vanessa,althorp@gmail,com
0402 760 732

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed Royalla Quarry. As a resident of Royalla for over 40 years, I have witnessed numerous changes in our community. While I have generally welcomed progress, the potential health risks posed by this quarry are deeply troubling.

My primary concern is the impact on the health and safety of not only nearby residents but also the wider community. The dispersion of fine silica dust across the valley poses a significant threat to numerous schools, as well as the 49000 residents in close proximity (within 10km’s). As a father and husband of a loved one who has pre-existing respiratory issues, I am particularly alarmed by the potential health consequences. The long-term costs to our healthcare system must be carefully considered. We are equally concerned about the contamination of our rainwater, this is our sole source of drinking water which will be contaminated by silica dust. This is a grave concern for all residents in Royalla and surrounding areas who rely on rainwater.

Beyond the health risks, I am also concerned about the potential financial impact to all residents if the quarry is approved. The presence of a quarry would undoubtedly diminish property values. I would never choose to live near a quarry, and I believe many others share this sentiment. Therefore, I urge you to consider how residents will be compensated for this inevitable loss. Furthermore, the significant increase in traffic, particularly heavy trucks, will exacerbate existing congestion issues on the Monaro Highway and Johnson Drive, leading to a rise in accidents.
We have been told that the traffic data was collected during COVID-19 restrictions, this should not be considered as representative of normal conditions and should not be used to justify this project. The noise and environmental impacts, including the destruction of protected plant species, are also significant concerns as well as precious Indigenous artefacts including a scar tree and ring tree.
It is unconscionable that the financial gain of a few should be prioritized over the health, well-being, and financial security of thousands of residents. I implore you to halt this project and protect our community from these unacceptable risks.

I would like to strongly object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project, our quality of life and many others within our community will be adversely affected by this project.

Firstly, My family and I live approximately 2km from the proposed site on Monaro Station Road, firstly I would like to draw to your attention that although Monaro Station Road may sound like a large road due it being labeled a “Road” it is actually little more than residential street, with no line markings, street lighting, foot paths or even a shoulder in parts and is used daily by local residents for pedestrian access for children walking to and from the school bus stop, walking between residents homes as well as regular use by local cyclists, joggers, dog walkers and horse riders. This is a 70 km/h street which connects to the 100km/h Old Cooma Road with no slip lanes (it is suitable for domestic traffic not high volumes of heavy vehicles). Although these issues have been brought up in personal impact statements, according to the EIS Monaro Station Road will be the secondary thoroughfare should approval (which has not yet been given by the ACT Government) to enter the Monaro Highway is given, I think it would be naive to assume it won’t be used regardless of the highway access being granted. I will no longer be able to allow my children to walk to other residents or to the bus stop if it is overrun with heavy vehicles.

If the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry goes ahead Monaro Station Road which is the main outlook/view from our home (and our neighbors) will no longer be a quiet rural street, but a thoroughfare of up to 500 large smelly, noisy, dusty trucks causing vibration while they thundering their way backward and forwards past our home either accelerating or braking from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays this is not the quite rural living we moved here for!!! Noting according to table 4.1 in the Trasport Planning Document we now have a potential of traffic starting to access the quarry at 6am in the morning !!

Secondly, our main inspiration for moving to this beautiful area was one of our children being prone to on going respiratory issues, so this was a great opportunity to move our children into the rural clear air environment away from the noise, pollution and chaos of city life, it has made a noticeable difference. Now we face the prospect of relentless dust blowing over our property contaminating our water supplies, solar panels but worst of all our lungs! I realise that mitigations can be put in place as noted in EIS but they simply can’t stop it completely, with what we know about the risks of Silica Dust now days I am astonished that the risk can even be considered appropriate so close to existing domestic premises at all. Let’s add to that the foul smell of hot mix asphalt blowing over from the quarry and delivery trucks as well as the relentless stink of diesel exhaust that will now flow through our windows as the trucks roll on by, this is impossible to mitigate am I not correct?

Thirdly, Blasting according to the EIS Community Summary:
“Accounting for these mitigations, the following outcomes were predicted “
“Vibration from quarry operations would be low enough to avoid disturbing people or damaging buildings.”. A “prediction” does not fill me with confidence that this will be the case, I can’t afford to be fixing building faults that may appear in my home, how would I ever prove this was caused by the blasting.

Finally, there are no positives, only negatives impacts if the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry is approved, impacting our lives in so many ways, how about our view/outlook with the potential that not only our South / South Easterly view being affected by stinking, noisy trucks but our North / North Easterly view will potentially include a half blown out Enchanted Hill as well as even more trucks commuting around the side of the hill if the Monaro Highway entrance is approved. Considering all the above combined with our properties close proximity to the proposed Quarry a huge concern to us is the loss in value of our property. This is our home that we invested our life savings in on the hope that one day we would be able to sell for a reasonable profit and retire, I am very concerned that we may never be able to sell the property now if not for a loss, do I even want to live here with 500 trucks a day and a noisy quarry operating next door, probably not, who would ? We didn't move here for this, quite the opposite... I should have a choice, if this is to go ahead and Monaro Rock are of the opinion that this shouldn’t affect my property price, at no point has it been discussed that they would be interested in purchasing or offering any sort of financial compensation.

In conclusion, I am of the opinion that EIS contains a lot of information and research but to much "in theory" and very little commitment, it is not enough to persuade me that Monaro Rock are acting in my or my community’s best interests. The other Quarries in the area are not running at full capacity, the various jobs that are claimed to be created through the development should easily be absorbed by existing Quarries if the so-called demand is there. This is an inappropriate place for a new Quarry far too close to Royalla residents and suburbs of the ACT. I don't want this near my home neither does the Royalla community as a whole. The land would lend itself better to clean environmental use or even possible more rural residential land.

We moved to a rural residential community not a rural industrial community, a Quarry wants to move near me, I did not choose to move near a Quarry.

Please Do Not approve this monstrosity.

My main objections lie with the trucks on the road and the dust in the air. The increased number of trucks on the road transporting rock would not only slow down travel along a road I use every single day, but also create unnecessary noise and increase the air pollution from the combustion alone by a drastic margin. Similarly, the dust in the air from all the mining would make the outside an unpleasant place to be, especially for me because of my asthma.

I object to this project. Please see attached documents outlining my objection.

Please find attached my submission.

I make this submission as a clear OBJECTION to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla, NSW.

I am a resident of Googong. Some of the main reasons I chose to move to Googong relate to health, and the quietness and beauty of semi-rural living. As someone living with chronic health conditions and disability, I hold grave fears for the potential impacts that this proposed quarry (and industrial site) will have on both my physical and mental health.

There now exists so much evidence about the negative impacts industrial dust particles have on human health. The potential negative impacts these dust particles alone may have on my health leave me feeling considerably anxious. The additional noise and vibrations that may result from blasting activities further add to that anxiety. Our homes are our sanctuaries, where we come to rest, regenerate and manage our health and wellbeing. This proposed quarry threatens that. The activities of this proposed quarry threaten our peaceful enjoyment and the very lifestyle we have sought by living semi-rurally. For these reasons alone, I urge you to deny all permits for this proposal on the basis of health, amenity and lifestyle factors of the residents in the surrounding areas.

In addition to the health and lifestyle effects of this proposed quarry, I hold grave concerns for the environmental impact this proposed quarry will have on the proposed site and its surrounds. The proposed quarry will clear 22.44 hectares of critically endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland (which is protected under Federal law) and 77.83 hectares of vegetation overall. The proposed site is home to over 300 species of flora and fauna, which will be negatively impacted by this proposed industrial site. In a time of constantly increasing loss of greenspaces and biodiversity, it is imperative that great effort goes into protecting these spaces and their inhabitants at every opportunity. There are already so many displaced wildlife from urban expansion. It is so important, to me, that these areas continue to be protected. Their existence provides considerable wellbeing to me and are a big part of why I chose to live in this region. This is my home. I did not chose, and I do not want, to live near such a significant, destructive, potentially dangerous industrial site.

The proposed number of trucks travelling our roads is beyond reasonable. There are already so many trucks travelling along Old Cooma Road and the Monaro Highway. Travelling amongst these beasts is terrifying at the best of times, dodging shrapnel flying out of the rear of these trucks, chipped windscreens, being blocked in, and lack of vision due to their size. The roads already struggle to be well-maintained, and I can only see the condition of the roads significantly deteriorating with this level of heavy traffic. To increase the volume of heavy vehicles on roads used by tens of thousands of residents to access their homes, by 500 trucks per day, is unreasonable and very unsafe.

Other issues of concern, as I’m sure are documented in other submissions, relate to odours, potential electricity brownouts, the effects on groundwater and pollution. Of most notable concern is the disregard for Indigenous artefacts found on site during the Environmental Impact Statement.

The Federal Government has protections in place to safeguard areas for their conservation, biodiversity, indigenous and heritage values. To disregard these safeguards, at the highest government level, shows how little value Monaro Rock places on all environmental protections, let alone the residents of the area. We trust our governments to enforce these protections on our behalf. To disregard these protections is such a violation of our trust. It is, simply, disgusting.

There are already multiple quarries in the region that have existing capacity, negating the need for this additional quarry. This quarry is unnecessary and unwanted by the surrounding residents.

The proximity of this proposed quarry to nearly 50,000 people (projected to increase by 20,000 people within 10 years) is alarming. This is our home. We didn’t choose to live within such close proximity to such dirty, dangerous and destructive industrial activity. We made a choice to live somewhere where we and our families feel safe and free of the dangers and disamenity that come from inner-city and industrial living. I implore you to protect our health, our amenity and our lifestyle.

Regards,

Catherine Durney
23 September 2025

Dear Guardians of the Environment and Communities of NSW.

I am Father of 2 girls living 2kms West of the proposed Monaro Rock Quary and industrial Estate. I moved my family from Sydney 10 years ago to the rural and farming lands of Googong to avoid the pollution and threats of Sydney. We have chosen to purchase a small rural block of 20 acres with the intent of living a clean life and progressively provide as much of our own food as practical for our health and that of the environment. I object to the Monaro Rock Quary and industrial site located at Enchanted hill for the following reasons that concern me greatly:
Dust particulate from Quary activities, mining and processing of unknown other contaminants regarding concrete and asphalt recycling will place, fine dust including silica, PFAS and Asbestos that may be present in material transport to the site for recycling and processing. Considering the predominant Westly winds these contaminants will create a fallout zone effecting my roof catchment that is used for drinking and domestic water as well as the land we grow food on and breath. Any agency that approves this development will be liable for the ongoing health effects and environmental damage.
Traffic: The increased traffic frequency and weight of trucks places increased risk of Motor vehicle Incidents as well as pavement damaged on already poor local roads. The concept of slow heavy trucks entering Monaro highway is ludicrous and will result in catastrophic accidents of high speed impact on trucks slow to accelerate. Those whom approve this development will be contributory negligent in these accidents weather access is granted on Monaro highway or Old Cooma road.
Environment: This development will result in the removal of endangered box-gum trees and precious grassy woodlands, indigenous artifacts and cause particulate run off that will effect streams such as Jerrabomberra Creek, leading to the precious Jerrabomberra Wetlands. The water table will be affected over a larger area out greater Googong and Tuggeranong. How can family homes be limited in the house construction by a single box tree and this proposal effect such destruction when we need trees for co2 and animal habitat. We can hear the Holcim quarry road site 6.5kms away, how will the vibration and noise be if allowed on farming and environmental grasslands 2kms away.
Water: The use of ground water and pollution of rainwater fall out will affect the water quality of human, animal and plant consumption across the Greater Royalla, Googong and Tuggeranong area including the Googong dam catchment, Jerrabomberra grasslands and Greater Tuggeranong. How can agencies approve this development when it affects so may people and natural environments? With 50000 people living within 10kms and future projections approving agencies will be responsible for these negative health and environmental effects.
My family has undertaken native tree planting and regenerative practices to improve the control of erosion and water filtering in Jerrabomberra Creek and improve the fertility of our soil. We are successfully providing most of our own meat, eggs and increasing vegetable provisions. We have planted fruit and other shelter trees with a long-term objective to improve our health, resilience and improve the environment. We have not had to import water for 8 years and will complete our transition to be self-sustained regarding energy this year.
× The owners of the Monaro rock purchased farming land(Zoned E2 Environmental Conservation) with the intent to mine Rock. The proposal is for commercial greed by horizontal integration of business, with no community or state need. Four existing quarries have the capacity within 30kms.
× The owners have demonstrated little concern for their domestic animals(sheep) or collect animals that have strayed even following repeated phone calls. Reported to local land services(LLS).
× They disrespect neighbors by emailing invitations “Community consultation” later Friday afternoon for meeting the following day.
× They developed false community consultation and environmental reviews regarding a Hard rock Quary while failing to share that they will undertake concrete and asphalt stockpiles and recycling dramatically increasing treatment environmental risk and heavy traffic movement.
× For these reasons I have no confidence that they will adhere to any mitigation conditions or work within hours of operation or any volume requirements.
× The Existing Holcim quarry fails to manage dust or control material dropped on the road by trucks exiting the Quary road cross Cooma road intersection. This is evident by continuous stain on the road and material washing into gutters that is not managed by authorities.
My family’s health and wellbeing will be effected if the NSW government approves this out of zoning application. This development is not in keeping with the existing environmental zoning, it is not wanted by the community, taxpayers or needed for development of NSW or the Territory.
I want the right to continue the plan to provide a safe environment for my family on my land that as we have worked for paid our taxes and rates and volunteered(NSWRFS) to protect.. This Proposed Monaro Rock industrial estate is being proposed on land purchased as farming and environmental conservation with the intent to mine rock. It will threaten the health of my family, animals and the precious environment with regard to Silica and other particle contaminants in air and water. The NSW government agencies must take the responsibility entrusted to them to protect the People, animals, food supply and recreational needs of the constituents.

I would like to object to this project. I life within 5klm of the proposed quarry in an environmental living zone. We aren't allow to chop down a tree without approval and need to plant several more replacements, plus animal shelters, if approval is given for one tree and yet the quarry will decimate 22.44 hectars of endangered Box gum grassy woodlands. The noise of the extensive truck movements, up to 500 a day and the plant operations would turn our peaceful (zoned) environmental living to that of an industrial site. Not to mention the health risks of the silica dust which will travel over the residents of the area, as it is a high wind location. If the residents start developing health issues from exposure to silica dust ,the risk of lawsuits leveled against the government for allowing this to proceed when the health risks of silica dust are well known, would be high. There are approximately 49,000 residents within the area that would be exposed. Its quite a dry country in Royalla and the amount of ground water that will be taken to support the quarry is concerning regarding what effect it will have on the landscape and residences' bores. There are several quarries in operation in the area that aren't at full capacity and I understand they have enough material to last for 100 years. Which makes you wonder why we need another. Of course the local real estate prices will be negatively affected as acknowledge to be the quarry when raised earlier. This project if allow to proceed it will have an negative effect on the locals mental health. Apart from the horrible emotional cost, it is well known that poor mental health from a strictly financial views is a high cost to business and the government. I struggle to understand why this quarry that will be detrimental in so many areas would be allow to proceed. Thank you for taking the time to read my submission. I sincerely hope this project is quashed.

I have strong reservations and concerns around the proposed quarry at Royalla and the impact that it will have, not only on the local people in the immediate area of Royalla, but also in regards to its proximity to suburbs in southern Canberra. While there are many pros and cons to establishing a quarry, I have two primary concerns: health hazards, and environmental impact.

Health hazards: I am particularly concerned about the large and consistent amounts of dust and silica that will be generated by the quarry, and distributed by winds. This dust will impact the health of people nearby, causing breathing issues in the short term and contributing to respiratory problems in the long term. I live within 7kms of the proposed quarry, and my aging parents, one of whom already has respiratory and other health complications, live within 4kms of it. If this quarry is allowed to proceed, it will be able to operate for up to 30 years. It is easy to imagine that within that time period there will absolutely be people whose health is significantly harmed due to the dust generated by this quarry.

Environmental impacts: Establishing a quarry and digging into the earth is something that should not be done lightly, as it will create lasting damage and change to the local topography, environment, and the ecosystem of plants and animals of that place. Farmland and pastures that were established over the last couple of centuries have harmed native plant and animal populations, many of which have not recovered and are in a critical or endangered state. Many Australians, particularly those in the region of Queanbeyan and Canberra, take price in our care of country and respect for the environment. There are local populations of at-risk plants and animals, as the proposed quarry is on the site of critically endangered box gum grassy woodland (BGGW). Once we tear up the land there is no way to recover the plants and animals that once called that land home, and it's important that we continue to preserve and protect our precious ecosystems.

This quarry will cluster roads with a plethora of trucks hauling equipment and rock, significantly increasing commute times, and since I live so far away from work and school as it is, I can't afford more time just sitting in traffic

I am a Royalla resident and a parent of two young children. I strongly oppose the Monaro Rock Quarry proposal because it would fundamentally and permanently change the character of our community. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) admits there will be blasting, crushing, truck movements of up to 200 loads per day, and significant dust emissions (PM10, PM2.5). These are not minor inconveniences – they are major threats to our health and wellbeing. Children are particularly vulnerable to particulate matter and silica dust, which can cause lifelong respiratory issues. No family should have to live under the constant noise of blasting or the stress of wondering if today’s air quality is safe for outdoor play.

The EIS concedes that there will be a significant increase in traffic volumes on the Monaro Highway, including up to 25 truck movements per hour. This is not just an amenity issue – it is a safety issue. Heavy vehicle traffic poses real risks to local residents, school buses, and everyday commuters. Royalla is a rural residential community, not an industrial haul route. The scale of truck activity described will erode road safety, increase noise levels day and night, and make simple daily activities, like entering and exiting our roads home, more dangerous. I would also like the note that the quality of the Monaro Highway is already subpar and is prone to potholes and damage following rain. This issue is only going to be exasperated with the addition of relentless trucks and heavy haulage.

The environmental impacts are equally concerning. Despite claims of minimising disturbance, the project footprint will clear vegetation and displace native wildlife, including threatened species such as the Pink-tailed Legless Lizard, which the EIS specifically mentions. Once destroyed, these habitats cannot simply be recreated. Our children deserve to inherit a landscape that is thriving, not one scarred by a 35-year industrial operation and a final void left behind as a water body of questionable safety.

This project does not represent progress – it represents the sacrifice of local health, safety, and amenity for the profit of a private operator. I urge decision makers to reject this proposal and preserve Royalla as a healthy, safe, and sustainable place to raise families, free from the constant noise, dust, and traffic that a quarry of this scale would bring.

As a major land holder (112 Ha) of half of the north west side of Mount Campbell I am concerned about the lack of transparency of what activities are being carried out at the proposed quarry site and the complete lack of environmental impact studies done for the barely mentioned other activities. The proposal only talks about the impact of the hard rock quarry and not about the concrete recycling, asphalt plant and concrete batching plant that only gets mentioned in passing and there is no mention of the extras in any of the studies.
Hard rock mining is bad enough with the increase in silica dust, noise and traffic but to be dumping building waste with unknown contaminants which can include asbestos and lead and asphalt leaching petrochemicals into a conservation area and a concrete batching plant needs to be fully environmentally assessed by truly independent authorities and not companies on the payroll of the proposed quarry owner.
My property will be directly impacted by the proposed quarry. I do not want my box gum property and all the native wildlife that lives on my mountain polluted by petrochemicals or building waste.
This proposal must be stopped as proper environmental studies have not been carried for the actual activities that Monaro Rock intend to carry out on the site and I would also think that the noise and traffic would only be assessing the rock quarry and not the other intended uses.
Our area is endanger box gum forest and the actions of Monaro Rock will only endanger the flora and fauna more