Monaro Rock Quarry Project

I wish to Object to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project application number SSD-27223807.
The objection is based on the following:
1. Although the build up to maximum extraction and haulage is graduated, with-in a short time 150 laden trucks per day means 300 truck entry/exists per day for 30 years, given that trucks create most of the airborne dust this will be an ongoing traffic hazard especially on windy days over the B23 Monaro highway.
2. I reside approx. 4K North of Williamsdale quarry the dust level is greater than the maximum annual average of 10 µg/m, this is demonstrated by the dust levels found on outdoor furniture and in the swimming pool.
3. Royalla Solar Farm is an asset that delivers real benefit to the overall population, it’s quite and clean, I am concerned the dust level will impede the panels performance over the 30 years, I can testify to the loss of Solar power generated due to dusty panels living by the Williamsdale quarry, with quarries both North and South at nearly equidistance to my property, I've got no chance!
4. As the project develops the stock piles of stone and spoil will increase and the landscape will start to change, this encroachment is clearly demonstrated by the Williamsdale quarry where quarried material has been deposited above the hillside vista and is visibly growing every year.
5. Ironically the location of the proposed quarry is known as Enchanted Hill and Beauty Hill, if successful the beneficiaries (the few) will spoil yet another area with total disregard to the health and wellbeing of the local population (the many) while the few reap the benefits the many lose through house/land/wellbeing depreciation.

I moved to Royalla to start a family in a clean environment surrounded by nature. We have endagered flora and fauna in the area that will affected. The silica dust is so incredibly dangerous to health. During online meetings of the proposal a geographical map was produced of proposed dust partical spread. It completely negated the fact Royalla, being a valley, is a wind tunnel; therefore, the dust reach is far beyond what is stated.

I am already afraid of trucks on the monaro highway there are already an excessive number of accidents on the turn offs. An additional truck every ~2½ minutes is adding to that risk. The highway is also often riddled with pot holes, the extra wear and tear would fall onto the ACT Government as it'son their land, have they been consulted?

People in the area have paid a lot of money to move to Royalla to live the lifestyle we do. Will we be compensated for the devaluation of our homes? Will Monaro Rock adequately compensate building damage from blasts? Will they pay for our rainwater filters that we will need to install and replace because of the silica dust?

The quarry is also incredibly close to Googong, yet many households are completely unaware of the proposal. How will this be rectified prior to any decision?

I don't want to leave Royalla - I have built a life and family here. This is the house I was planning on living in for decades. The danger to my families health may very well force us to leave. There are areas in NSW that aren't as populated residentially. Why plonk it in the middle of our town endanger lives?

In 2016 we moved from Sydney to Royalla so that we could enjoy a tranquil lifestyle in this beautiful rural area with great views and clean air. The proposal for this quarry presents several problems which will disrupt this way of life.

Access to the Monaro Highway from Royalla allows us an easy drive to the Calwell shopping centre and Club, Tuggeranong Town Centre, and a relatively quick drive to Canberra Hospital. As we are elderly, these are important considerations. The number of trucks proposed on the Monaro Highway will surely disrupt the smooth flow of traffic on this very busy road with a speed limit of 100.

The quarrying process will produce dust (possibly silica?), and as Royalla is a very high wind area, I am concerned that this dust will be spread far and wide, causing well documented health problems for the residents, especially for elderly and young ones. I am not satisfied that the company has provided a good enough explanation of how they will handle this dust. Watering down is the usual method I believe but what happens when the area has one of its frequent drought periods?

Finally, we are apprehensive that the building of this quarry will impact on the value of our property.

My family and I live in Lever Place, Royalla, and I strongly oppose the Monaro Rock Quarry proposal.

While I am not against quarries or development to improve our standard of living, the project’s sheer scale, location next to existing residential area, and planned activities with a projected 30-year life poses significant risks to health, safety, and the environment.

When I also consider the opposite side of the argument, I find myself asking the question "What is the benefit of the quarry in its proposed location"? The only answer I can think of is that there is only one party that benefits from the proposal; Monaro Rock. While they will be making more money, it comes at a significant detriment to existing residents, the community, and the environment.

Approving a new quarry will not create more demand for the product or reduce prices as the existing quarries already provide adequate supply and indeed well into the future. It will not restrict or deter development or economic activity. A new quarry placed in the middle of existing residential houses simply does not benefit residents or the community.

My key concerns are:
- Quarry is extremely close to residential homes, including my property, exposing residents to dust, noise, vibration, and safety risks.
- Two existing quarries already provide sufficient supply, making this project unnecessary.
- Dust, including PM10/PM2.5, will affect homes, gardens, and rainwater tanks, posing serious health risks.
- Dust suppression measures proposed in the EIS are unlikely to be fully effective, as nearby quarries demonstrate visible dust escaping boundaries.
- Up to 150 heavy truck movements per day on the Monaro Highway will increase road safety risks, noise, and traffic congestion, impacting daily life.
- Destruction and fragmentation of habitat and wildlife corridors will occur, threatening biodiversity.
- Aboriginal cultural heritage, including significant trees and landscape features, is at risk of permanent damage.
- Property values will fall, and the rural lifestyle residents sought will be permanently degraded.
- Cumulative impacts with existing quarries amplify dust, noise, traffic, and environmental effects, which have not been fully accounted for.
- The single lane Monaro Highway is already an accident hot spot and will only get worse with additional hundreds of heavy trucks accessing it daily.

On reflection at a more personal level, I would like to think that people come into decision making positions to effect positive change for the community and its people as a whole. The Monaro Rock Quarry project benefits few at the detriment of many. I sincerely hope that this proposal does not get approval as it will impact thousands of people living in the vicinity.

Given these factors, I strongly urge the Department to refuse this proposal as the location makes the quarry fundamentally unsuitable.

I am concerned about the impact that this quarry will have on the rural residents and also the residents in nearby Canberra suburbs. My concern is about the dust in the air, the settlement of dirt and grit on our roof that will then end up in our drinking water. I am concerned about the noise, the impact on the Monaro Highway and high level of heavy trucks travelling along an already busy highway that has a history of bad accidents especially in the snow season. The impact on the environment is a great concern to me as well. My husband and I worked hard and saved to move out to this peaceful rural residential area to enjoy the peace and quiet over 21 years ago. We are now concerned as we head into retirement about the decrease in property values and the impact that the quarry will have on our health as we age. I have heard arguments that the dust in the air can be controlled by water irrigation. My question is - what happens when the winds come up in the night like we have experienced this week with trees down and no irrigation plant working. The strength of nature can not be controlled by words of promises of watering down the dust. There is critically endangered box gum grassy woodlands there the quarry and manufacturing plant will sit. I do not understand how this can be destroyed by a quarry. I am very worried about the smell from the asphalt plant. One only has to drive past a road being asphalted to realise how bad a smell this is. Residents wont be able to open their windows for fresh air without getting that bad strong smell coming in. What will that do to people's lungs. It is just a horrible and terrifying thought and when does the health of human beings take priority when making this decision.

I object to the project as per attached letter

I am a resident of Gordon, ACT. I am writing to formally object to the proposed quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete recycling facility in Royalla.

This development poses serious risks to the health, safety, and environment of residents across Tuggeranong and surrounding regions. The public submission period is unreasonably short, and there has been little opportunity for genuine community input.

MY OBJECTIONS:

AIR QUALITY & HEALTH RISKS
This project will release ultrafine dust, silica particles, and other known carcinogens. Tuggeranong already faces elevated asthma and respiratory illness rates from winter woodfire smoke and bushfire seasons. Adding quarry emissions will worsen community health, especially for children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.

WATER SECURITY & GROUNDWATER
Runoff and groundwater disruption from the quarry risk long-term contamination of Canberra’s drinking water catchment. With declining rainfall, lower soil moisture, and increased drought stress, we cannot afford this additional pressure on water security.

TRAFFIC & ROAD SAFETY
The Monaro Highway is already unsafe and congested. Adding high-volume quarry trucks will increase accidents, road wear, and travel delays for residents who rely on this arterial route daily.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE & BUSHFIRE RISKS
Clearing bushland and operating heavy industrial machinery will threaten wildlife habitats and increase ignition risks in an already fire-prone area. The ecosystem disruption will be long-lasting and irreversible.

LIMITED COMMUNITY BENEFIT
The proposed 30 jobs and access to additional rock do not justify the massive health, safety, and environmental costs. The primary financial benefit goes to the quarry operators, not to our community.

PROXIMITY TO HOMES & SCHOOLS
The site is less than 6km from Conder, Banks, and Gordon, and under 3km from Theodore. This project directly threatens families, schools, and aged care facilities in the region.

CALL TO ACTION
I request an independent review of the project’s health, safety, and environmental impacts.
I request an extension to the public submission period to allow proper consultation.

This decision will affect the health, safety, and environment of our community for decades to come.

I am completely opposed to the quarry going ahead myself and my young family live in the area that will be affected by the dangerous silica dust levels which could and most certainly have an affect on the health of our family and also of that of our community. Also the amount of heavy vehicles that will be added to the narrow roads around our area will make it a lot more unsafe for everyone around us.
The quarry is also going to decrease the property value of our entire community which is 100% unfair and uncalled for especially when there is already a few quarries in the region that aren’t being used to their full capacity so why start another one unnecessarily?

I have lived in Royalla now for the past 3 years with my parents, husband and daughter who is about to turn 4. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful rural area with convenient access to nearby Calwell shops.

We are downwind from the prevailing winds (Northwesterly) which are very strong at times and the quarry will possibly put my daughter, my elderly parents and our own health at risk from silica dust pollution which the Quarry admits will go into the air.

The Monaro is already a busy highway and the addition of the Quarry, which will allow up to 25 heavy trucks per hour (one every approximately two minutes ) on the Monaro, will impact travel times to Calwell shops and her pre-school significantly.

The presence of this quarry would impact the value of our parent's investment , be an eyesore in this beautiful area, and increase travel time and safety to our daily activities.

The quarry will mainly service Canberra demand, and I suggest the quarry be located in the ACT not NSW.

We have lived at Royalla for 9 years and we bought the residence and land because of the view and access to shops at Calwell and other Canberra facilities including the hospital. We are a family of 5 with a 4 year old grandchild residing.
This quarry will be directly in our line of sight and we are downwind from the prevailing winds (Northwesterly) which are very strong at times.
The quarry will possibly put our grandchild’s and our health at risk from silica dust pollution which the Quarry admits will go into the air.
Allowing up to 25 heavy trucks per hour (one every approximately two minutes ) on the Monaro highway will impact travel times to Calwell shops significantly.
The presence of this quarry would impact the value of our investment , being an eyesore and increasing travel time to the nearest shops.
The quarry will mainly service Canberra demand, and I suggest the quarry be located in the ACT not NSW.

Refer attached

Refer attached

When will it stop? How can you even imagine this is a good idea? The people who have spent their life's earnings on purchasing property in the area and surrounds suddenly have the government telling them "oh we'll just put this massive hole in the ground and start covering you with noise, pollution, silicone. It's OK we're here to help".
What a joke! How would any of the individuals involved in this decision feel if it happened to them?

Truck Movements: Monaro Rock proposes to construct a dedicated intersection with the Monaro Highway to allow 200 fully loaded truck movements per day heading north. These fully loaded trucks would cross an existing overtaking lane (see page 7 of the EIS).

Potential Traffic Impact: I am concerned that, if the intersection is not approved by the ACT Government or quarry drivers cannot get across the overtaking lane, drivers may instead turn left and onto Old Cooma Road, potentially directing quarry truck traffic through Jerrabomberra, via Edwin Land Parkway, in order to rejoin the Monaro Highway at Lanyon Drive. These truck movements would add to the already unacceptable movement of quarry trucks through the suburban area of Jerrabomberra emanating from the Holcim operated Cooma Road quarry. This situation will continue unless and until the QPRC, in conjunction with the State and Federal Governments, constructs Dunns Creek Road. Construction of this road has already been subject to unacceptable delays due principally to the incompetence of QPRC.

A condition of approval must be that trucks CAN NOT depart the quarry onto Old Cooma Road and travel North. This will put quarry trucks into the residential areas of Googong, Jerrabomberra and surrounds, and create critical safety, noise pollution and road maintenance issues.

The quarry must only be approved if the entry and exit point for all quarry traffic is via the Monaro Highway, as proposed.
The current proposal does not indicate how trucks will safely depart the quarry and turn right out of the quarry onto the Monaro Highway.
With 200 truck movements a day, over an 8 hour period that is 1 truck every 2.4 minutes. The entry and exit from the quarry, north onto the Monaro Highway must be seamless and safe to protect all other road users, and to illiminate the potential of any traffic diversions onto Old Cooma Road.

I formally object to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807) on significant social grounds. While the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and its supporting documents present a series of technical assessments, they fail to adequately address the profound and irreversible social impacts that this project would have on the community of Royalla and surrounding areas.
The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) itself acknowledges that "social acceptability remains contested" and that "the burden lies with the Applicant to earn, and maintain, community trust over the life of the Project." This statement is a critical admission that, from a community perspective, the project's social risks have not been sufficiently mitigated.
My objection is centred on the following points, as highlighted in the EIS and informed by my personal experience as a resident:
1. Erosion of Community Identity and Sense of Place - The community of Royalla is defined by its rural, peaceful, and family-oriented character. As detailed in the SIA, residents deliberately chose to move here to escape the noise, pollution, and chaos of city living. They have a strong connection to the rural landscape and a deep sense of self-sufficiency and neighbourly trust. The introduction of an industrial quarry in a greenfield location, just 1.5km from the nearest residence, fundamentally changes this identity. The presence of heavy machinery, blasting, and truck movements—regardless of whether they technically meet regulatory thresholds—will permanently alter the rural character that is central to our well-being and sense of place.
2. Inadequate Mitigation of Amenity Impacts - While technical assessments claim that noise, dust, and visual impacts will be manageable, they cannot account for the lived experience of these changes.
• Noise and Blasting: The EIS states that noise and blasting will be within acceptable limits, but this does not mean they will be unheard or unfelt. Blasting, even at low levels, creates a constant state of anxiety and stress. Residents, particularly older individuals, will be continually reminded of the proximity of an industrial operation, disrupting the peace and quiet they cherish.
• Dust and Health Risks: The community has significant and enduring concerns about dust, specifically the risk of respirable crystalline silica (RCS). The HHRA found the risk to be "low and acceptable," but this conclusion is based on conservative assumptions and is not aligned with our direct experience of air quality in the region, which is often affected by bushfires and other pre-existing sources. The proposed mitigation measures, such as water carts and enclosures, rely heavily on human adherence and are not a guarantee against all impacts.
• Visual Impact: The proposed Visibility Barrier, while intended to screen the site, is itself a significant landform that will become a dominant feature of our landscape. We are concerned that its effectiveness is contingent on the successful establishment of vegetation, which is a long-term and uncertain process.
3. Heightened Stress and Anxiety - The SIA acknowledges that the project may compound existing stress from events like bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. The community's opposition is rooted in a deep-seated fear that the project represents an unacceptable cumulative impact on our quality of life. The perceived lack of control over local change and a distrust of regulatory processes—which the SIA also identifies—has already caused significant anxiety. The constant presence of heavy vehicles on the Monaro Highway, even with a dedicated access road, raises genuine fears for road safety and our families' well-being.
4. Failure to Address Cumulative Impacts - The community’s experience with existing quarries in the region has left residents with a sense of "fatigue" and a heightened sensitivity to this new proposal. We are concerned that the cumulative effect of an additional quarry, with its associated traffic, noise, and environmental pressures, will push the social and environmental fabric of our community beyond a breaking point. The EIS does not adequately address how the social and emotional burden of this cumulative impact will be managed.
5. Flawed Justification of Need - The project's economic justification hinges on a forecast resource shortfall that the community believes is overstated. Even if a shortfall exists, the costs to our community's health, well-being, and lifestyle are not justifiable. We believe the local social and environmental costs far outweigh the regional economic benefits, which primarily serve large-scale infrastructure projects.
In conclusion, the Monaro Rock Quarry Project represents a fundamental betrayal of the social contract that underpins our community. We chose to live here for a specific way of life, and this project threatens to destroy it. I urge you, as the planning minister, to consider the overwhelming social costs of this project and to reject the proposal.

My family and I (several people) respectfully object to the Monaro Rock project. We object on the following grounds.

1. The proposed quarry is very large and very close to existing residential and rural properties - including our own home which is close - as the crow flies - to the proposed development. Our understanding is that quarries of this scale are, and should be, located much further away from existing residential properties and houses and sensitive areas.

2. We are deeply concerned by the noise impact and respirable silica dust emissions that would emanate from the proposed site. We are concerned that the strong southerly winds that are prevalent during parts of the year would drive these emissions right over our property. We are also concerned about the aggravating health and other impacts of the combination of silica emissions, woodsmoke and air traffic across our property. We are not satisfied that the scientific analysis has addressed these risks. It has looked at a small number of factors in isolation divorced from the wider context. Nor has the analysis been adequately explained to the community. A member of our family is a disabled NDIS client with respiratory vulnerabilities. On a very personal level we are concerned by the impact on her.

4. The proposed quarry is in a bushfire zone. We are concerned about activity there compounding bushfire risks (trucks and operations sparking fires) and that the silica dust will mix with bushfire smoke and dust prevalent in the area during summer.

6. The traffic impact - including noise and emissions - which will see significant numbers of trucks turning off and on the Monaro Highway and using the narrow Old Cooma Road will pose unacceptable risks to public health and safety risks.

5. The vibrations and explosions from the quarry will irrevocably damage the habitat and watercourses in the region (with particular concern about Jerrabomberra Creek which flows into the environmentally sensitive - and beautiful - Jerrabomberra Wetlands). We have undertaken two Land Care tree plantings on our land (and helped to remove willow trees on the banks) to try to preserve for the future the habitat for black cockatoos alongside Jerrabomberra Creek. We have been delighted to see 10 black cockatoos on our land in recent days. Numerous steps have been taken by the NSW Government, QPRC and the local community to preserve and protect the environment along the Creek. This is reflected in the planning and zoning of the area. We simply cannot understand how the proposed quarry can be in any way reconciled with these environmental efforts and the money expended on them in the past by the NSW Government, the QPRC, community groups and individuals.

6. We consider that over time the explosions, vibration and seismic impact at the proposed quarry will damage the substructure in the area affecting the environment and the foundations of homes including our own.

7. Consultation regarding the proposed development has been infrequent and inadequate with all stakeholders and owners. There is a perception that it has been perfunctory and represents the bare minimum.

Against this backdrop we respectfully urge the NSW Minister and Government not to approve this project. If the NSW Minister and Government is not disposed to do so despite the factors enumerated above we urge that the most stringent and lasting conditions be attached to the project including to limit and monitor emissions, time limit quarry operations and truck movements, prevent any expansion, require ongoing remediation of the surrounding environment and protect flora and fauna and watercourses.

Thank you for considering this submission and our concerns.

This project has no positive benefit to the local and surrounding community. Only the direct companies will derive a direct gain and profit from this project.
It will have a negative impact on the air quality and road and transport safety will be impacted dramatically by the large increase in heavy vehicles accessing the area.
The community objects to this project.

This proposal will have a negative impact on us and other Googong residents as it could add 20 trucks per hour to the traffic going past Googong on Old Cooma Road. This poses a safety hazard between Googong and Queanbeyan, but even worse between Googong and Royalla due to the road being mostly one lane each way. It would be better if the trucks exclusively transported quarry resources on the Monaro Highway and not on Old Cooma Road.

The quarry project will have significant negative environmental impact on the region.
The increase heavy vehicle traffic will ruin the already damaged roads, the noise level will drastically interrupt the ambiance of why many residents live here, the dust will create multiple health issues especially to those with existing respiratory concerns.
Not only is this quarry unnecessary as there already are 2 working quarries in the area, it is ridiculous to build in this area so close to existing homes and estates.