Monaro Rock Quarry Project

Please read my submission in full and understand this is not just my families livelihood but our actual lives.
Thank you

As residents of Royalla, we object to the quarry. We are deeply concerned about the silica dust and the known health impacts of this. In addition, we object to increased trucks on a road that already has significant traffic including accidents. As parents of four - our eldest has only recently got her P’s, and three more to come - we hold huge concern for the safety of new drivers on the roads navigating high numbers of trucks. We urge the government to cease this project.

To whom it may concern,
RE: OBJECTION TO MONARO ROCK QUARRY PROPOSAL
I’m writing to express my objection to the Monaro rock quarry proposal. I would like to raise the following concerns.
My first concern is the potential for a decision being made to allow a quarry and industrial estate on RU2 and C2 zoned land that contains critically endangered box gum grassy Woodland. The surrounding area is a rural residential area zoned E4 and E2. The proposed quarry would be located 1 kilometre from homes in Royalla and within 2 to 5 kilometres of south Canberra suburbs. Residents of these suburbs were, until recently completely unaware of the quarry proposal and were at no time included in the consultation process. If this quarry gets approved in what was always a rural residential area, it calls into question the consistency and transparency of the zoning approvals process and potentially undermines future community engagement and trust.
My second concern is the sheer volume of truck movements per day as the reports have stated that Monaro Rock intend to have 25 trucks per hour and a maximum of 200 trucks per day. Will this cap be monitored and if so who will be responsible and what consequence will be imposed if this cap is exceeded? This proposes significant risks as there is a lot of movement and congestion already on the Monaro Highway, and even if these trucks use an alternative route, they would still be using small community roads impacting residents through excessive noise and dust. Our roads are not capable of accommodating heavy laden trucks and this poses a significant safety risk.
My major concern is the significant health risks to the community. I have worked for 28 years at the Canberra Hospital in oncology and have seen the impact of dust related illnesses. The primary method of extracting hard rock, in this case Rhyodacitic Ignimbrite with quartz content of 30-40% is a dusty process. Crushing, stockpiling and transporting this product will guarantee exposure to respirable crystalline silica. This product can be compared with asbestos and is lethal. There is no safe exposure level for either of these products so any exposure is absolutely unacceptable. It is imperative that this is taken seriously and not dismissed. In particular, the proposed site’s exposure to southerly winds poses significant risk and these winds will carry dust and silica directly toward homes in Royalla. Exposure to silica dust leads to Silicosis and is a death sentence. I have no confidence in Monaro Rock to contain the exposure to respirable crystalline silica. I would also like to know how this will be monitored and by whom. The mitigation strategies listed in the EIS document provided by Monaro rock are only to reduce the spread of dust and not remove the risk completely. There is also some question around the availability of groundwater that will be used in this process.
I have other concerns but will keep this short, there are three other quarries in proximity already able to supply regional needs for the next 100 years. These existing quarries are not working to capacity so there is no need for a new quarry. The impact of large scale industrial activity, dust, noise, and the health risks will impact the entire region, Royalla, Little Burra , Mount Campbell Estate, Fernleigh Park, Googong and Karabar in NSW, and also Theodore, Calwell, Richardson and Gilmore within the ACT.
This quarry should not go ahead.
kind regards
H & A

As a local resident, new to Googong, a neighbouring area to Royalla, I’m deeply opposed and concerned about the impact of this quarry for a variety of very valid reasons.
My major concerns that will directly impact Googong and my family are as follows:

1.) The fact that the quarry will produce an excessive output over many years, it is a given that such a hard rock quarry will create silica dust. More and more evidence is coming to light of the long term health impacts of exposure to silica dust. This will become airborne and carried to Googong which is known to be a windy area. What will be the impact on our health and our children’s health? How will this be measured and mitigated? Googong amenities have been specifically designed to attract families and this quarry is far too close to guarantee the safety of our health.

2.) Long hours of crushing noises could travel to residents and the blasting from the quarry will be felt in homes kilometres away. This will be insufferable. Again how will these vibrations affect our health and wellbeing and what is understood about potential damage such as cracks in walls and windows?

3.) Up to two hundred fully laden trucks per day will be entering onto the Monaro Highway or Old Cooma Road. This is absolutely unacceptable due to the road surface and condition not only being unsuitable, but Old Cooma Rd also being the only exit out of Googong to major towns and Canberra.
There is already enough risk on these roads without more heavy trucks trying to merge onto highways and roads. This large number of trucks will be sure to damage the road and increase our commute times.

4.) House values will decrease if the above outcomes are certain.

5.) Social impacts. We have just moved from Bowral where there is also an SSD in Moss Vale that has caused significant stress over the last few years and is still continuing. The community has been left to defend this project primarily by themselves as council wants to minimise their financial risk. This quarry is also significantly unsuitable for the proposed area in Royalla due to the serious impact on nearby residents.
It is simply NOT THE RIGHT SITE.
This type of social impact cannot be underestimated and will have a sustained negative effect on the region and the tourism sector.

Other concerns that definitely need consideration:
1.) The site is zoned C2 (Environmental Conservation) and RU2 (Rural Landscape). Both prohibit this development, which goes directly against the objectives of the zone.

2.) The quarry will clear 22 hectares of critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland and 78 hectares of vegetation overall. The proposed site is home to over 300 species of flora and fauna.

3.) Quarries require lots of electricity, but no increase in supply is planned. Residents in Royalla already suffer large voltage swings and damage to sensitive pumps and other equipment.

4.) The quarry plans to use groundwater. Residents are concerned that this will impact the water table levels and may cause some bores to run dry.

5.) Waste water from the quarry will discharge into Tuggeranong Creek and then flow though Tuggeranong suburbs to Lake Tuggeranong.

I object to this project as it would be detrimental to the environment, road safety, pollution and the health and welfare of residents surrounding the area that is earmarked for the quarry.

In March 2023 I purchased land in Royalla Reserve. I did my due dilligence and was told that it was unlikely that the proposed quarry would proceed. I was re-entering the property market after losing everything due to a failed marriage and had worked hard to be able to afford to build our dream home on peaceful and tranquil land in Royalla. We have now built a home that is off grid, reliable on our own power, sewerage and water. I have since found out that the Monaro Rock Quarry Project is not only still pushing ahead but they have extended their scope to include more than just being a quarry. The have snuck in all these extra operations.

The impact on my family will be immense as we are one of the closest properties to the proposed quarry. We rely on rain water from our roof and I know our roof will be polluted. I have a hobby farm and the animals will feel the blasts and the vibrations and their drinking water will be contaminated. Our new home will feel the impact also from vibrations and blasts.
The area will be impacted on a biodiversity level with 22.44 hectares of critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland and 77.83 hectares of vegetation overall being cleared. Enchanted Hill will be destroyed along with Indigenous artifacts such as the culturally modified trees and a range of indigenous objects.

I am deeply concerned about the amount of trucks that will go past the back of my property onto the Monaro Highway. It is very hard for us to enter the Monaro Highway from Old Cooma road currently due to the traffic, I cannot imagine how hard it would be to push up to 500 trucks onto the highway each day at the rate that the EIS is suggesting. There will be many accidents and unfortunately fatalities. The highway is not capable of coping with the current traffic so adding in additional trucks would be absolute stupidty. Taking the trucks down Mates Road would also cause immense damage and impact more on the Royalla community. These trucks cannot be dispersed into the area or onto the Monaro Highway, this cannot happen.

The dust will be carried by the wind and this will collect on homes, cars and property. The health risks will be far reaching and while silica is being banned in construction, they are happy to spread the silica from their quarry into our community. This is unacceptable.

The mix of hot mix ashpalt will generate a strong odour that I will have inflicted on us 6 days a week. The quarry is indicating they will operate 6 days a week and this amount of activity, damage, odours, dust etc will impact on myself and my family and animals.

They will be tapping into the ground water and have indicated that they will take 42.4 million litres a year for dust suppresion and production. This will impact not only Royalla but Tuggeranong also. That is a lot of water that could benefit the community.

What will happen during bushfire season? Will we be at more risk due to the potential shortage of water? What will happen to the telecommunications tower that is very close to the site? Will it be another Optus where people are unable to call emergency and potentially pass without help?

They have indicated that they will wash their trucks and equipment onsite and this will cause a pollution risk.

There are four quarries within 30 km of the proposed quarry that have capacity to last over 100 years. Royalla is already impacted by the Williamsdale quarry, why are they building this quarry so close to Royalla, Tuggeranong suburbs and Tralee. It is absolutely ridiculous that they are able to potentially do this considering the risks to health both mentally and physically of so many people that are living in the area that is being flagged for this project. Why on earth would any agree to a Quarry being approved so close to other residences. Why can't this Quarry be built away from residences in an isolated area?

49,000 people live within 10 km of the proposed site which could raise to 69,000 in the next 10 years. Will the State Government or the project insure residents against health risks such as cancer or property damage to the homes in the area. In my estate there will be 14 brand new homes within 2 km of the site. Who will pay for any damage that could occur? Who will pay for mental health from the ongoing trucks and blasts? Who will pay when people get sick due to the quarry operations?

I believe this project is just to benefit a handful of people that don't want to pay the prices the other quarries are proposing. There is no economic benefit to our area. The Williamsdale quarry has already been taken over by a mutli -national company, this project will be in the same position. It has been noted that only around 14 jobs will be provided through the project and this is not a reason to make the quarry a reality.
I have made my dream home in Royalla that has now become evident that it is super close to the proposed quarry. I have 40 animals on my land that will be impacted along with my children. Please do not ruin Enchanted Hill and our lovely peaceful position in the world. It is so unnecessary and so harmful on the residents, wildlife, fauna and Flora. Please do the right thing and not go ahead with this project.

My comments are provided in the attachments. I object strongly to this proposal.

I am deeply concerned about the proposed development of a quarry in Royalla. I am a resident of nearby Michelago and this development will impact on me and my family personally.

We commute via the Monaro Hwy or Old Cooma Road to Canberra and/or Cooma almost every day to access shops, healthcare, daycare, work and other services. An additional 250 trucks per day on these roads is not sustainable. Monaro Hwy is already quite congested and very dangerous. There are frequent car accidents and most of the road is single lane with no emergency lane. Wildlife are regularly hit by motorists in the area between Royalla and Canberra. I am worried about safety and also increased commute times for my family and community.

I am extremely concerned about the use of groundwater for the quarry's operations. We utilise bore water on our property for our livestock and gardens and a development of that size and scale may impact on the availability of water in shared aquifers. I am concerned also about potential contamination of groundwater.

The impacts of the quarry on biodiversity is very concerning. I have a great appreciation for critically endangered box gum grassy woodland in our region and the incredible species that inhabit the ecological community. I understand that the development will impact more than 300 species of flora and fauna. I want my children to grow up knowing the beauty of our local grassy woodlands. The destruction of 22ha of critically endangered habitat and 78ha of vegetation overall is unacceptable. This is particularly the case given the site's zoning - C2 (environmental conservation) and RU2 (rural landscape).

I feel a strong sense of empathy for Royalla residents who will be subjected to silica exposure and noise from blasting and crushing. I am also concerned about the impacts on their livestock and equines.

My understanding is that there are 4 existing quarries within 30 km of the site. Consequently, there is no justification for adding another site at such a huge environmental expense and impact to local communities.

As a mother, I am very concerned the 18 schools within 17km of the site. It is so important for children to be able to learn and play in a safe environment free from toxic silica exposure. My own children will attend high school within that radius and I know that the development will impact the region for many decades.

In conclusion, I do not think that such a development is justified in the context of the significant environmental, health and safety impacts for residents in the region. There are already 3 quarries in the region which are more than capable of serving the construction industry in Canberra and surrounding areas of NSW. We must not let corporate greed get in the way of sensible planning decisions that put communities first.

Unnecessary development posing a health and wellbeing risk to multiple residential area including several schools in close proximity. Not enough benefits like max of 30 new jobs and existence of already operating queries close by that do not operate at full capacity. On the other hand a large community will be affected by noise, pollution including harmful elements that might lead to long term health damage. There's also a risk to nature and ecology.

I do not support this project going ahead in our rural residential community.

This is a serious hazard for not only humans but our wildlife to. The loud noises will disrupt our wildlife. Not only that the large amount of silica dust can cause long term illness for us and our animals. The Monaro is close to many horse facilities, this dust can be fatal to our equine friends, how are we meant to protect our pets when you continue to pollute the air for unnecessary projects. How are we meant to call them our partners and athletes in the equestrian sport when you keep sickening them? I am all for innovation and improvement but this is unfair and not necessary. Do better. 🙌

My family and I strongly oppose the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry. The increased trucks poses a safety risk, as well as the detriment to wildlife and the potential health risks involved to residents of Royalla; including my family.

This project will bring unwanted attention to this area and its surrounds. The movement of not just humans but of trucks and machinery will be detrimental to the surrounding landscapes and its occupants. The noise and business will disrupt day to day lives of working civilians whilst causing other economical factors such as house price decreasing and tax money being spent on roads and other infrastructure needed to complete this project. People’s commute to work as well as general road safety is also implicated during this project, in a time we yearn for 0 road deaths what we don’t need is hundreds of extra trucking trips daily.

Monaro Rock Quarry Project
SUMMARY
This proposal should be completely rejected as being the wrong project, the wrong place and the wrong time. If it is approved then the companies should be required each year to lodge funds equal to the rehabilitation costs for the site and the on going environmental undertakings to be met as the project proceeds. In addition, the shareholders should be personally liable for any damages that result from failure to meet best practice environmental standards during and at the end of the project.

The companies that have put in this proposal knew at the time of purchasing this land that development was severely restricted; it was priced accordingly. Their proposal will result in all the profits going into their vertically integrated business , increasing its benefits with short and long term detriments (or the costs) borne by the community , immediately by reduced amenity and for ever as once destroyed , we will never have this unique ecology again and residents will suffer the permanent loss of value of homes and health.

There are already three quarries in close proximity that can meet the local area needs for up to 100 years. no new quarry is needed to supply the communities of the local NSW area or the ACT

Background about me

I have lived in Royalla for approximately 22 years. At the time I bought my land I had an environment study done on my block to ensure I protected its values and I maintained the existing high value grasslands and mature trees. I was advised that the remanent yellow box were at least 200 years old; possibly older. The grasslands and understory were of high value with abundant rarer species . I sited my house and fencing to preserve these resources.
The land came with a series of covenants regarding the use of the land relating to the species that could be planted inside and outside the building envelope. In order to change my building envelope to do less pasture damage, I was required to provide a ecological study to the Council. I have a bore that has a limit for stock and domestic use and limits the amount of water I can extract each year. I am restricted to building withing my envelope and restricted as to where septic runoff can go. I am not allowed to have a dam to collect run off.
I selected this area because of the apparent consideration for environmental values that all these things, combined, suggested the ecology was of importance to the council. I bought the land knowing the restrictions on it and accepting them.

Sadly, this would all change if approval is given to one small family company that has decided that the zoning that is applicable to the land it purchased should not apply to it and its plans. The NSW government has an opportunity to send a message that zoning matters.

WHY THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT BE APPROVED

There are a number of considerations the NSW Government must take into account when assessing proposals under the State significant projects. I am sure you will have received many submissions that adequately cover most aspects of the proposal regarding such things as the destruction of high value ecology on the site, the impact on the only drinking water supply for residents due to contamination from dust , silica particles and other noxious elements that will be carried on prevailing winds. Living just 1 km downwind, I will be particularly badly affected by this.
The effect on traffic flow has been covered in relation to the local roads that are not designed for already increased the local traffic that currently uses them. The Old Cooma road barely has room for two four wheel drive cars to pass, let alone trucks and there are no shoulders for refuge if a car is coming head on. The same can be said for the Monaro highway that has limited shoulders and, at times, heavy traffic and impatient drivers. This month alone I have been confronted by three instances of a car on my side passing head on. The road surfaces of both roads are badly damaged resulting to damage to tyres and axels. A cost borne by insurance companies or sometimes the council.
The Federal government has spent considerable money upgrading the highway at Hume to improve the flow of traffic, additional heavy trucks would negate the benefits of all the work and money already committed and spent by taxpayers.

THE EIS
The EIS proposes possible solutions to some of the concerns raised by residents, This may be a best practice solution but it is a theoretical solution with no guarantees that the company will follow through or that the measures proposed will be adhered to. Sadly, transgressions are often not enforced if cost or impossibly of subsequent rectification is pleaded.
The proposal uses community resources such as roads, electricity infrastructure and water to implement its proposals; none of which it has provided from its own funds.

This is the crux of my main objection.

COST BENEFIT OF THE PROPOSAL

In many if not all proposals of this type and definitely in this one, the benefits seem to go to the entity that develops the proposal and the costs are borne by the community both at local, state and federal level. In this case the company will leave a hole in the ground and we will have lost, forever, a community resource that was zoned to protect it from any development. Instead, it is proposed that the most destructive development should occur that has the maximum negative impact on residents and the longer term future of the area. For example, to suppress dust the community water resource is to be used and inevitably it will be destroyed or contaminated forever. Harmful residues may forever preclude consideration other lower impact plans for housing or shared community amenities,
Electricity will be used from a grid that was developed and paid for, initially by taxpayers/ If it proves the be inadequate to the job, who will suffer the brown outs and pay for the upgrades to the grid. Who pays for the generation of additional non renewable energy being used throughout the day and at peak times in the morning and evening. Who pays for the restoration of the roads and the inevitable upgrades that will result from additional traffic, accidents and delays. Who is adversely affected from silica dust and its health effects and the additional fumes from truck exhausts, use of heavy equipment and bitumen fumes. The community not the company.
In short, the company gets all the benefits and the community at local and state and national level pays the cost.
In order to develop an industrial site with a 30 year life the people of NSW will be paying for life. And when it comes time to make good the site, after a very short lifespan of only 30 years, who will be left. The problems of collecting from companies is already being recognized as they are wound up, assets stripped or sold before they have met long term obligations.

I believe the consultation period for this project has been very short and not publicised enough for people who could be impacted to know about. There should be a much longer consultation period and a lot more detail given out before it is approved. It has the potential to impact the environment and many thousands of people’s lives, health and real estate values. It should not be hidden until the last minute and given a very brief four week consultation period. How can anyone make an informed decision in such a short time?

As a family living in the Tuggeranong valley of ACT I object to this planning due to the health impacts on my family. Multiple members of my family have asthma, allergies and are immunocompromised. This project will have serious health implications on my family whom are residents of ACT housing and do not have the ability to move away due to complicated disabilities. The impact on possible noise and air pollution so close to residential areas is unrealistic and unsafe. I oppose the proposal due to the health impacts to my family.

The project will have terrible traffic flow on effects on various suburbs including Googong. Old Cooma Road is already in disrepair and Dunns Creek Road will not be built for years. Old Cooma Road is already dangerous enough with occasional trucks going through, let alone increased traffic.

The environmental aspects of the project are also concerning including destroying native trees and impacting wildlife. There are also potential health effects for residents living close to quarries which are concerning.

The project should not be allowed to proceed.

Please find attached the submission for UMLC that opposes the Monaro Rock Quarry.

To Whom It May Concern,

Subject: Formal Objection to Proposed Quarry Development by Monaro Rock in Royalla NSW 2620

I am writing to formally object to the proposed construction of a third quarry by Monaro Rock in Royalla, NSW 2620.

As a resident of this area, I find it deeply concerning and frankly insulting that the social impact report claims this development will be socially responsible, with negative impacts deemed minor or moderate when mitigated, and no residual impacts. Royalla already hosts two operating quarries, and the cumulative burden on our community is significant. I strongly urge that this submission be reconsidered only when one of the existing quarries ceases operation, which might then justify the addition of another.

The social impact survey itself acknowledges the challenges of quarrying in the region, stating:

“Williamsdale Quarry located about 4km north of Williamsdale commenced operations in the early 2000s. As a result, residents of the area are familiar with quarrying operations and the benefits and challenges associated with them.”

This quote from the social impact report confirms that the community is well aware of the adverse effects of quarrying. It is imperative that our concerns are taken seriously and not dismissed. In particular, the proposed site’s exposure to prevailing southerly winds poses a greater risk than the existing Williamsdale Quarry. These winds will carry dust and silica directly toward homes in Royalla, unlike the current quarry where such particles are dispersed over bushland.

The report lists potential positive social impacts such as employment, financial contributions to community projects, and site rehabilitation. However:

No commitments to community projects have been made by Monaro Rock. If genuine, such offers would have already been extended to the Royalla Common, which has a master plan with several incomplete initiatives (e.g., horse arena, playground, bike track). The absence of outreach suggests these contributions are unlikely to materialise post-approval.
Rehabilitation of a destroyed hill should not be considered a positive social impact. It is a remedial action, not a benefit.
Employment opportunities for local residents are likely minimal. The social impact study (page 47) notes that Royalla’s top industries are in public service and education, not mining. This project does not align with the local workforce’s skillset.

Furthermore, the community consultation appears flawed. The local study area map (page 43) excludes the majority of Royalla, focusing instead on the proposed site and a handful of adjacent blocks, including a largely vacant subdivision. This does not accurately represent the broader community that will be affected.

Lastly, the processing and stockpiling area has been positioned at the closest point to residential homes. This decision is unacceptable and should be revised. The facility should be located at the furthest possible distance from residences to minimise disruption and health risks.

In conclusion, I respectfully request that this application be re-evaluated with genuine community consultation, transparent commitments to local benefit, and a reconsideration of the site layout. The residents of Royalla deserve to have their voices heard and their health and wellbeing prioritised over private company profits.

kind regards

This project is totally inappropriate in this planning zone. We live in an area zoned "environmental Living" and have a number of restrictions on what we can do here, including clear native vegetation, interfere with aboriginal relics, kill native animals or build large structures for industrial purposes. I'm outraged that this large, unnecessary industrial operation could be set up so close to our settlements of Royalla, Burra and Canberra suburbs and do so many negative activities that an individual owner is prohibited from. Why should a large company that will profit a few rich individuals be allowed to wreck the environment and shove the negative consequences on the surrounding population.
In particular, the dust will be a problem for our immediate neighbourhood. The fine silica dust will certainly reach us on the prevailing west & northwest winds. If any of the activities eg hot asphalt causes a fire it will be carried over fire-prone land in the same direction. The Burra RFS already has to respond to false callouts when the existing Williamsdale quarry causes large amounts of dust by blasting, that looks like smoke. The last thing we want is another quarry in the vicinity causing more of the same. It's too much for a volunteer organisation.
The amount of water extracted to run the Quarry is outrageous in an area experiencing droughts, as South-east Australia is slowly drying out due to climate change. It will certainly affect the water table, damaging neighbours and the environment. This will be unsustainable in the life-time of the quarry and have disastrous long-term impact on the surrounding district.
There are a number of other disadvantages with this proposal in terms of traffic, tree clearing and aboriginal heritage. I would also bet that the company will have zero interest in controlling feral animals, invasive weeds and erosion on the area known as Enchanted Hill, leaving these problems to spill over to adjoining land and undermining pest control that landholders have to carry out.
If this Quarry and the associated industries go ahead we will have to rename the area Disenchanted Hill, as I'm totally pissed off with the way it's the small people who get to carry the can.
Clare Martin

I am a long term resident of chisholm in the ACT and I have real concerns about the potential health impacts of this project, particularly damage to my health from dust being blown from the quarry across the tuggeranong valley.
The quarry should not be established because it is too close to residential areas.