Monaro Rock Quarry Project

Rock quarries cause negative effects like dust, noise, and traffic pollution. These operations degrade landscapes, destroy wildlife habitats, and can reduce property values.
Quarrys can lead to habitat destruction for native species, deforestation, and potential contamination of waterways, disrupting local ecosystems.
Quarrying generates dust, including potentially harmful silica, which can travel long distances and cause respiratory problems, particularly for the elderly and children which there are many.
The operation of quarry machinery and blasting creates noise and vibrations that affect the health, safety, and quality of life for us.
Increased heavy vehicle traffic to and from quarries can cause road degradation, pose safety hazards, and increase noise pollution in local areas. The industrial nature of a quarry can undermine a community's quiet, rural lifestyle and negatively impact property values. Quarry dust suppression methods, which rely on water, can stress already scarce local water supplies. We dont want this. No profit before people!

I object to this project, I have no desire to have the air I breathe in everyday to contain silica, we live in a valley where the air likes to sit and stir above us. This can and probably will cause many cases of silicosis, my parents are in their 60s and if this quarry goes ahead my parents are strongly considering moving further into Canberra or a another city entirely, our entire family is about to all move back to Canberra and it would far better that we don’t have to drive hours to see each other. The concept of having 700 trucks a day is unsettling, 700 trucks with large rocks that could be thrown out and onto the roads I and my family have to drive everyday. The dust pollution they will leave behind driving through the suburbs will be terrible. Having to drive around with my windows up and car on air recycling mode isn’t my idea of a Saturday drive.
I understand there a many jobs being made from this quarry but the damage to the housing market, silica dust in the air and having large vehicles crowding our roads is much worse than these jobs loss and loss of money. Please take our objections to heart and don’t go through with this

See attached amended submission

I have concerns regarding this quarry and its detrimental impact on the local environment and threatened flora and fauna species, on the rural roads and safety aspects with increased heavy vehicle traffic as well as the health concerns to the residents that call this area home and who value the quality of the air and water for our families.

As per the attachment, I strongly object to the quarry as it is at best a highly doubtful economic argument and at worst a blatant misrepresentation of the adverse impacts of the proposed industrial park.

On behalf of my family and I, who live in immediate vicinity of the proposed quarry, we strenuously object to its development.
We object on the grounds of potential harm to the health of all the local residents.
The proposed site is far too close to residential areas for such a large scale project.
We object to the level of dust, odour, noise pollution and extensive large truck traffic.
They should not be allowed to extract from the ground water at this industrial scale.
The site is elevated from the surrounding residential areas, therefore all pollutants will flow downhill to residential areas (this includes noise, dust and odours).
Old Cooma road, Mates drive and Monaro Station road will need to be upgraded to support heavy trucks traveling along this route to get to Queanbeyan, as I'm sure they will not go the long way around via the Monaro hwy. Note Old Cooma road is already in very poor condition in quite a few sections with only the light traffic it receives currently.
Note this is not a rural area but the council defines it as environmental living, ie residential living in a rural/natural environment, which would be shattered with a quarry nearby.

I object to the project 100%. Please refer to my attached submission.

I am registering my objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla. This project is unsafe and inappropriate for our community and should not proceed.

In my household there are autoimmune health issues. This makes us particularly vulnerable. Even short bursts of dust exposure could seriously affect wellbeing. Living beside a quarry for thirty years, with daily emissions, is an unacceptable health burden.

Like most properties in Royalla, we rely completely on collected rainwater. Dust from the quarry will settle on rooftops and wash into water tanks that also provide drinking water. Residents will have to pay for testing and treatment of water and also more frequent cleaning of water tanks and roof tops just to ensure safe and clean water supply. These additional costs will add to the already high cost of living.

A large, long-term quarry does not belong in a rural-residential area. The proposed site is too close to established homes and recent subdivisions. The amount of Dust, vibration, noise, and truck traffic do not belong in a rural residential area. .

Proposed controls such as water sprays and monitoring are not reliable. Have you ever been to an event where it is dusty and the ground is sprayed with water? The water dries/evaporates quickly and the dust continues making an unpleasant situation. With water being such a valuable resource , how much will the quarry require to attempt to keep dust at bay? Furthermore, the quarry will add respirable crystalline silica dust proposing a significant health risk. Royalla experiences high winds and it is inevitable that the dust will escape and be carried into the community and have devastating health impacts.

The high level of truck movements will bring diesel pollution and road safety issues. Will the 250 additional trucks each day be flowed via the Monaro highway, likely causing an even greater issue with snow traffic? Or will the trucks flow down Old Cooma road where some sections are not even fit for cars to travel on safely.

This quarry threatens to damage community health, pollute vital water supplies, and erode the wellbeing of families in Royalla for decades to come. As a resident and as a mother, I cannot accept such risks. The proposal must be rejected in the interests of public health and community safety.

I found out about this project a couple of hours ago (Wednesday 24/9/2025). With this very short notice it limits my ability to read all the information available and consequently provide a more detailed submission.

However, I still have serious concerns about positioning this quarry close to populated areas. I understand there would be a lot of dust particles and pollution in the air. Additionally, when there are prevailing winds, pollution would be blown further and ultimately lots of people would be breathing in these dust particles. I know so many people who already suffer from asthma and also have compromised immune systems. I believe this could become a major health issue for a lot more people in the area and surrounding areas.

I note that the quarry would be worked for 30 years, 6 days a week, 12 hours a day. That is a lot of dust, pollution and so close to a populated area.

In addition, the increase in trucks required, the traffic implications is also a major negative factor. The Monaro Highway already sees congestion with the amount of work and snow traffic.

Surely there are better choices, safer and more suitable places where this quarry could be placed, away from signifiant populated areas.

Enchanted Hill in Royalla stands,
Covered in Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands.
This type of land we should preserve,
This hill beside Melrose Nature Reserve.

On Enchanted Hill the view you see,
Is The Australian Capital Territory.
Richardson, Calwell and Theodore,
Chisholm, Tralee and Gilmore.

Where Gang-gang fly and Wedge-tail soar,
Then return to nest as they did before.
On Enchanted Hill their nests so fine,
But a business wants to build a mine.

This hill where Traditional Owners walked,
Sharing their heritage through song and talk.
Scaring and ringing trees to show the way,
And leaving signs that can be seen today.

They lived in harmony with the land,
Leaving their footprints in the sand.
They drank from the creeks that still flow,
To Tuggeranong Valley down below.

Next the settlers came along the trail,
Building homes and soon the rail.
Royalla grew with rural blocks,
Children, horses, cherries and livestock.

Enchanted Hill supporting native bird and man,
And now some business has hatched a plan.
To fell the trees and scrape back the soil,
To dig the rock: The environment to spoil.

The hill to now make concrete and asphalt stink,
But what will become of the legless skink?
Blasting, grinding, the dust blows by,
To settle on gardens and homes nearby.

These rocks they carry silica dust,
But to build our roads they claim a must.
But what of the other quarries four,
They say not enough we need much more!

To me it’s greed at the cost of many,
Our insurance even now it’s a pretty penny.
The risk of bushfire and accident when blasting,
While children and horse owners are out riding.

I heard each day when a mine powers up,
Home electrical equipment becomes corrupt.
The brownouts and the power cuts,
The noise, the dust, the moving trucks.

Over two lanes on the Monaro trucks to go,
The traffic north and south will have to slow.
When trucks cross the rail line then turn right,
How will we see them in fog or at night?

Our Tin Man stands his green eyes cry,
On the Monaro log and quarry to trucks go by.
Slowing Tuggeranong’s city bound route,
Five hundred trucks to join the daily commute.

Johnson Drive and that slip lane,
Where drivers and truck attempt to share the same.
And at the top of the hill where trucks to turn left,
How many of us will soon be laid to rest?

Michalago, Bredbo and Cooma too,
This mine will impact all of you.
Googong if they don’t take the Monaro Highway,
Then the trucks will drive Old Cooma ‘byway’!

The report said we wouldn’t make a fuss,
As kids walk from gate to school bus.
Public Health of both lung and our heads,
Four years we waited for this report to be read.

You didn’t mention for our health the tree change,
Or the soldiers that don’t want to live on a range.
For the families that moved from quarry to hill,
We want peace, clean water, clean air and not to be ill.

The SEARS said 200 trucks to go cruising,
And yet your report said 500, 750 it’s very confusing.
The failure to engage with those in the valley,
It took us to rise and call them to rally.

They have this issue with pollution and air,
An inversion layer sits over those that live there.
They don’t need more dust or noise or pollution,
Your trucks or your cleverly worded ‘solutions’.

There were so many here that wanted to buy,
The blocks of land so close but a quarry nearby?
Your proposal stopped the growth of our community,
But on this issue, we have joined together in unity.

What of these offsets they are but a laugh,
Scared birds and animals as they scrape back the grass.
Those critters don’t move to another location or blocks,
This flora and fauna will no longer be stocked.

And where are global warming reports?
More bushfire and drought less water to port.
Or what of the cost of the carbon offsets,
Economic value we think there but regrets.

And what of the cost when motorists cry
A plume of smoke is in the sky!
Call up the local bush fire brigade to appear
Their employers bear the cost to volunteer!

You see you didn’t add up all the cost,
Our tank water and pumps and panels will be lost.
The figures we waited four years to see,
Have failed to assure us to agree.

The wind wasn’t measured here,
The traffic measured in a covid year!
Update the workings but our trust is eroded,
No licence for Enchanted Hill to be exploded.

Those that chose to live near here,
This mine will cost them very dear.
We will no longer see the stars at night,
Because of the mines bright shining lights.

Don’t let them clear, blast, dig or drill.
Stop the trucks, Save Enchanted Hill.
No Quarry, no industrial estate in Royalla,
Save Enchanted Hill - You have the power!

We object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project on a number of reasons.
The amount of harmful fine dust this Quarry will produce & being so close to surrounding areas of Royalla & suburbs in the south of the ACT is a major health issue. Especially Royalla as it already has an operating Quarry just to the south of it within a couple of Klm's. The fine dust from this Quarry is already an issue in the surrounding areas. The Monaro Rock Quarry proposed site is just to the North of Royalla meaning it will be smack bang in the middle of the Quarries.
Then there is the issue of the excessive amount of trucks entering the Monaro Highway from the proposed new Quarry. The trucks will have to cross the very busy Monaro Highway which is 100Km zoned speed to get onto the highway. This will cause major disruption to traffic using the Highway. Not to mention the higher risk of major accidents causing serious injury or possible death with these heavy laden trucks entering the Highway in a 100Km zoned speed limit zoned area.
The Monaro Highway from Old Cooma Road to Johnson Drive Roundabout in the ACT is already substandard in a number of areas with issues to the road surface. These excessive amount of heavy laden trucks will bring this road into disrepair even more. The roundabout at Johnson Drive will need major upgrades as well because the traffic flow will not cope with the extra amount of trucks preventing flow of traffic.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing this submission in support of the proposed quarry. I believe the quarry will not only provide employment opportunities for the community but will also support the progression of economical and social growth within the ACT and Surrounding NSW communities.
Benefits that I see include:
- Job creation for local residents and skill development
- local business growth by increasing local demand for services
- locally sourced aggregate from the quarry will contribute to affordable infrastructure
- community investment, i can see the quarry putting back into the community through supporting/sponsoring local communities etc
In conclusion the proposed quarry represents a balanced. future driven investment in the regions economy and community. The benefits will significantly outweigh any concerns.
Thank you for considering my submission

Kind regards

Resident of the Surrounding Community

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

I am a long standing Royalla resident of over 23 years within 6km of the proposed quarry. I have concerns about the noise and dust from the proposed weekly blasting as this will affect my health and wellbeing and that of my family.
We get strong predominately north west wind and this will blow the dust and noise directly over my property.

Along with the noise from the concrete crushing and 500 truck movements per day and operation of associated concrete and asphalt plant, Royalla is in a bushfire prone area and I am concerned that this industrial site is storing 37,000 litres of diesel fuel and other associated chemicals. There has been no mention of what fire mitigation measures are proposed.

Royalla already is serviced by four nearby quarries including one directly to the south in (Willimansdale) all not operating at less than full capacity with over 100 years left of combined life. There is clearly no need for another.

Dear Counsellors,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed approval of a fourth quarry on the Southside of our region. As a local Royalla resident, I hold serious concerns about the environmental, health, safety, and social impacts of this development, not only for my family but for the broader community. I outline some of my concerns below:

1. Health Impacts from Silica Dust

One of the most pressing concerns is the airborne silica dust that will inevitably be carried by prevailing winds across our region. This fine particulate matter poses serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
It is unacceptable to expose our community of Royalla and our local neighbouring suburbs including the suburbs of Theodore, Banks, and Calwell, Richardson etc to these potential health hazards, especially when local schools and childcare centres are within the dust’s likely reach.

I am especially concerned about the health impacts given I already have three life long chronic health diseases in addition to respiratory issues. I fear that the silica dust that will travel from the quarry will amplify these issues. I also hold concerns for my parents as they age and my 5 year old outdoor loving son.

2. Noise Pollution and Blast Disruption

The noise generated from quarry blasts, machinery, and heavy vehicle movements is incompatible with the semi-rural, family-oriented nature of our area. The proposed hours of operation are not neighbour-friendly and will severely impact our right to quiet enjoyment of our properties, particularly for families who have chosen this region for its peaceful surroundings.

This is of particular concern to me as my son is already anxious about many things which I’ve worked very hard to help him with. However he is still quite fearful of loud unexpected noises such as thunder and fireworks. I imagine the blasts from the quarry will also contribute to his anxiety (as the noises from large trucks dumping soil on a local block did recently) and this will mean that we are both not able to enjoy our outdoor spaces as was intended when settling in Royalla.

3. Traffic and Road Safety Risks

The addition of up to 500 truck movements per day on an already overstressed, mostly single-lane stretch of the Monaro highway is deeply concerning. This road is already dangerous, especially during snow season and school holiday periods, when delays, risky overtaking, and animal fatalities increase significantly. Adding hundreds of slow-moving heavy vehicles daily will further compromise road safety for all users , including residents, school buses, emergency services, and tourists etc.

We already see risky behaviour under normal circumstances, and I fear for my family’s safety as we try to get onto and travel on the Monaro highway multiple times a day to and from school and work.

4. Environmental Destruction of Enchanted Hill

The proposed site threatens not just the tranquillity of the area, but the delicate ecological balance of Royalla’s Enchanted Hill,a location rich in wildlife and native flora. Increased dust, noise, and vibration from quarry activity will disrupt local ecosystems, including critical habitat for native species.

The beauty and diversity of our wildlife and native fora is what has attracted my family to this area. The quarry is likely to impact this significantly. Once lost, this biodiversity cannot be easily recovered.

5. Unnecessary Development

There are already three existing quarries on the Southside of Canberra / Queanbyan region that are not operating at full capacity. Before approving further expansion, these sites should be more efficiently utilised. The current proposal appears unjustified, especially when the needs of Canberra, Queanbyan and surrounding areas can already be met with existing resources.

6. Community Wellbeing and Property Values

Like many families, we made a deliberate decision to move to this region to raise our children in a healthier, more natural environment, one that promotes both mental and physical wellbeing. The presence of another large-scale quarry jeopardises that lifestyle and will almost certainly devalue our homes. It is disheartening to think that the peace and health we sought could be undermined by industrial activity of this scale and nature.

In conclusion, this proposed quarry is incompatible with the needs, safety, and wellbeing of our community. It endangers our health, our roads, our environment, our wildlife, and our way of life.

I respectfully ask: would you want this quarry built in your own backyard?

On behalf of my family and concerned neighbours, I urge the council to reject this proposal in favour of a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for our region. I implore you to please listen to your community’s voices and support us by opposing the Monaro Rock Quarry. Our concerns are significant, real and very valid.

Thank you for your time.
Yours Sincerely,

I am extremely opposed to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry and object to the project.
Please find attached my submission, imploring you to consider the negative impacts that this project would have to our local community. While I didn't want to make a submission that was emotive and personal, the reality of what is being proposed is that this project is going to have an extremely negative impact on my partner and I and our young children - along with the broader Royalla, Burra, Googong and southern ACT suburbs / communities. Since hearing about the proposed quarry (days after exchanging on our property which backs onto the proposed quarry site) it has caused nothing but additional stress and anxiety to us at what we may have now exposed ourselves and our three young children too.
Please listen to the community, and please do the right thing with this proposal by saying no.
Thank you for taking the time to read my submission.

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

I am writing to express my strong support for the Monaro Rock Quarry project. This project represents a significant opportunity for our community, both in terms of economic development and environmental stewardship.

The Monaro Rock Quarry project promises substantial benefits for our local community. One of the most significant advantages is the creation of additional jobs. The project will generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, providing much-needed jobs for local residents. This will not only boost the local economy but also improve the quality of life for many families in our region.

Moreover, the project will contribute to the growth of the local industry. By producing high-quality aggregates, the Monaro Rock Quarry will support various construction and infrastructure projects in the area. This will lead to increased demand for local services and suppliers, further stimulating economic growth. The development of additional infrastructure, such as a concrete batching plant, asphalt plant, and concrete recycling facility, will provide valuable resources for local construction and maintenance activities, enhancing the region's industrial capabilities.

The project's commitment to environmental responsibility is also commendable. By sourcing water from the Project Site and prioritizing dust suppression, the Monaro Rock Quarry ensures that air quality is maintained, protecting the health and comfort of nearby residents. The dedicated private access road to the Monaro Highway addresses community concerns about noise, traffic, and disruption, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to minimizing the project's impact on local residents.

In conclusion, the Monaro Rock Quarry project is a well-planned and thoughtfully executed initiative that promises significant benefits for our community. I fully support this project and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our local economy and environment.

Best regards,

I strongly object to the development of the Monaro Rock Quarry which is located on the door step of the residential estate of which I live. There are already 4 quarries with enough capacity to supply the area and surrounds for the next 100 years, so another polluting quarry is not necessary. I understand the new quarry, is not just a quarry, but also plans to manufacture concrete, and hot asphalt. The pollution and noise from this proposed quarry will significantly impact the quality of life and health of my life living here in Royalla. My family moved here 24 years ago, for a quieter, peaceful and healthy lifestyle. Had I known a quarry, concrete and asphalt manufacturing plant was going to be developed I never would have moved here. The risk to human health from silica dust, and contamination of rain water due to silica dust cannot be ignored. The odour , noise and vibrations from blasting and heavy vehicle traffic is also unacceptable and will ruin the quality of my life living here and for all residents living in this area.

What compensation is the NSW Government going to provide to cover illness to residents from pollution from the quarry, and the devaluing of my home as the value of the housing market will significantly drop as no one will want to buy a home to live next to a quarry.

If the NSW Government goes ahead with this development I will never vote for it again!

Regards

I object to this project SSD-27223807
Proposed Monaro Rock Quarry – Royalla NSW 2620

To whom it may concern,
Thank you for reading my letter.

I feel compelled to write to you with my serious concerns and strong objection to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project.

I live in Little Burra, a small rural residential community bordering on Royalla and the quarry will be just a few kilometres from my back door looking north west.

My family and I moved here 19 years ago with a plan to enjoy the rural ambience, improve the environment and leave a positive imprint on this beautiful land. The impact of this quarry will adversely affect 4 generations of my family ranging in age from 2yrs to 87yrs. All of whom either live here long term or reside for varying lengths of time. We have propagated and planted over 700 trees, grown gardens to enhance the bees, birds and butterflies and enjoy watching the local wildlife graze on our native grassland under the hundred year old yellow box gums. We use rainwater for drinking and have solar power with battery back up to run our home.

How do you convey the feeling of extreme anxiety and heartfelt despair over the consequences of what this quarry will bring? How the immediate effect of the shock-waves of the blasting and the compounding effect of the fine particles of life limiting dust that will affect all forms of local inhabitants from grasses to birds to wildlife and humans?

The impact of this quarry is very difficult to quantify…….

There are significant issues of concern such as water contamination, air pollution, noise, road safety, local heavy vehicle traffic, environmental impact and the irreplaceable loss of habitat for the local wildlife, flora and fauna in an area that is already listed as critically endangered. The multiple reports created to support this quarry can be seen to mitigate or offset these serious concerns in very convincing ways by experienced, professional organisations in favour of the quarry because they are paid by the proponents.

We already have 2 quarries within a 10 km radius of here that have many many years of excellent high grade resources still available to serve the surrounding area. And neither are needing to run at full capacity. Yes, I understand employment and resource availability is extremely important for obvious reasons, but why put another quarry in between these 2 quarries just because it can be seen to improve competition and just because Monaro Rock has access to the rock. Just because they can, doesn’t mean they should. This quarry provides no advantage to long term employment or resource availability to the surrounding communities of NSW or ACT at all.

Thank you again for reading this letter and giving it due consideration.

I hope it has raised awareness about my concerns on the impact that this addition quarry would have on my family, our community and our environment. I look forward to hearing of your considered and hopefully favourable decision in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Jennifer George
Little Burra
Googong
NSW 2620