Monaro Rock Quarry Project

Hello, My name is Harrison Hynes and I am writing today to try to help give a better understanding of just how deep and widespread the effects of the Monaro rock quarry development have been, and will continue to be. First and foremost I would like to preface this plea with some experience of my own. I along with my family grew up alongside a quarry toward the back end of Royalla. Of course this was not the intention of my parents when they moved to Royalla some 25 years ago, this does not however change the fact that it became a reality soon after their having built one of the earlier houses in the area. Throughout my childhood the impacts of the quarry were very apparent, with issues ranging from a massive increase in dust pollution to the development of asthma in my mother, an issue that she still deals with to this day. These stand as obvious issues even without considering the fact that the quarry’s blasts would cause tremors, making the pictures on our very walls to fall, the cups on our tables to tip over. In saying that we eventually decided it was time to move, we had dealt with the effects of this mine for far too long and we could see the pollution starting to impede on all of our breathing, made especially scary as my younger sister had also been born with asthma. After months of home searching, in and out of the royalla region, we eventually settled on a block just off the monaro highway, not far along old cooma road. Although my family and I were sad to leave our old home, we were also looking forward to continuing, having found a house we knew would bring more amazing memories. And it was like this for some time, however eventually of course it would have to come to an end. The news of a quarry being established right on our doorstep was not the news we thought we would be hearing. How would you feel if you found out the primary reason for your family moving house was presenting itself to you once again? Except this time it was even closer.

This is just the tip of the truly sad iceberg that is the development of the Monaro rock quarry. Not only does the quarry negatively impact those living in royalla, but also basically everyone in the south canberra valley, and the surrounding NSW regions. It is extremely detrimental to the over 300 species found in the area, including both indigenous flora and fauna. It causes extreme damage to land brimming with cultural and historical importance. With up to 500 trucks going up and down our road everyday, causing long lasting damage to our streets, streets that the perpetrators would have no hand in fixing. Not only that but with this vast amount of trucks pulling upwards of 750,000 tons of rock daily, along with snow traffic would make the daily commutes of those living here hell. Aside from all the points above, supporting me, and the rest of the people fighting alongside me I pose a question, why here? There are many other places that could be developed, places outside the range of heritage sites and civilians. Does this shit really need to happen, just for the monetary gain of those taking advantage, creeping an agenda further and further past what it once was, what it was meant to be? We are people, just the same and truthfully it affects all of us. I truly hope the pleas of all those around me have proved to give even slight insight into the turmoil troubling all of us.

I have been a resident of Royalla for the past 16 years and a resided in rural residentials property’s around the ACT for over 45 years. I value the unique environment we have in the region and intent to work for it to remain as is.

I do not believe the EIS was able to demonstrate that the proposed project is viable, in the public interest or delivers enough benefit to offset the enormous amount of risks the project proposes to the land, people, economy and culture of the area.

The EIS process proved to be complex and flawed in its expectations of the lay person, it is unreasonable to expect the average citizen to be able to work through or understand the project data and information within the EIS or to understand, more crucially, if there is information missing that should be taken into account when completing submissions particularly in the timeframe provided. For example; I found the EIS lacked sufficient mediation for the Social and Mental impacts the project will have on members of the community, impacts that have been present and increasing for the last five years due to the length of the SSD process. Impacts that need to be properly evaluated as they relate to industrial proposals and activities for both individuals and communities.
The EIS also failed to demonstrate sufficient mitigation, take accountability or even fully identify the impacts the projects water requirements would have on the water tables and day to day lives of the people and surrounding area. Despite residents paying large amounts of money for bores and their associated water harvesting rights there have been many times over the last 15 years where I have witnessed the water supply fail to meet expectations leaving several of the bores dry or low, even during times of “normal” weather. The possibility of adding a quarry to these ongoing water supply issues has residents concerned about how they will water their livestock and gardens, or maintain a normal water supply for home use like washing cars or homes, let alone plan for times of drought and bushfire

Stakeholder consultation was inadequate and in the case of several ACT residents, who were specifically mentioned in the EIS, it was non-existent, this despite the EIS clearly stating that stakeholders were involved in consultation.
The wind data provided in the EIS was wind data was from Isabella an area of Canberra with very different conditions to Enchanted Hill, this would mean the spread of dust and odder would be much greater than scoped in the project.

For these reasons, I believe, the project proposal would need to be independently reviewed to asses if the data and information supplied is ‘fit for purpose’ prior to any review or consideration by NSW Planning.

The proposal itself creates extensive risk to the area, including but not limited to;

Traffic increases of up to 500 heavy truck movements are not congruent to the existing infrastructure beyond the project zone and would apply to much pressure to the road network and user loads. It would greatly increase risk to road users and in the event of an accident again put pressure on the communities health services.

The following observations identify some of the impacts of dust, as I saw them from my time living near a hard rock quarry.
Dust the silica dust will be created by the project site and from trucks is highly toxic to humans and animals. It will not be possible to contains the dust at all times and silica dust can travel up to 80km from the site of production. There are many open playing fields within this danger zone.
Dust will also be released from trucks, particularly as they will be entering populated areas immediately after leaving the production site, meaning there will be more dust that was resting on the vehicle as well as from the vehicle loads to spread into the populated community several kms from the site.
The dust will collect on solar panels, reducing power supply to many homes and creating added risk to homeowners who would need to regularly clean them.
People with conditions like Asthma or COPD, may lose the ability to enjoy time outside or, as has been the case with the existing quarries, be forced to move.
Dust will also
Dust from the quarry would impacts both water filters and machinery filters requiring more regular replacement and reducing the life of machines that require air for combustion.
Dust reduces the ability to enjoy the outdoors particularly as it tends to be worse in the summer.
BUT WORST OF ALL – It only takes once, one exposure, one lung full of toxic silica dust to cause damage and possibly reduce our life expectancy and providing us with years of pain and suffering. Most terrifying if you consider the amount of schools directly in the danger zone.
The community will be the ones to then wear the cost of healthcare required to manage these conditions and possibly worse, conditions such as Silicosis or Cancer into the future. Having an industrial site of this nature so close to populate areas is a recipe for disaster and while more research is necessary, the Australian Cancer Atlas identifies the majority of populated areas near hard rock quarries of this nature have higher than average cases of cancer, a risk our community is not willing to take.

Biodiversity- As it stands the project would be responsible for the loss of endangered flora and fauna. I don’t feel the proposed offset program would come close offsetting this issue as it will not replace the rare species wiped out from this project.

The impacts of blasting this close to homes are endless, mental health is often impacted and
noise, vibrations, and dust from blasting and heavy vehicle movements, electricity damage to homes and appliances and electrical equipment from brown out, as well as reduced solar capacity through dust on panels.

Damage to electrical cars, appliances and equipment as well as reductions in power due to dust on solar panels.

Asphalt production releases strong unpleasant odder that travels great distances and gets stuck in all types of material, a constant discomfort.

Poisoning of waterways and ground waterways from project run off is of particular risk to children and livestock and the risk of these types of contamination spreading great distances is highly likely due to the interconnecting water courses that go from the proposed site all the way to lake Burley Griffin and beyond.

Noise – due to the proposed location noise pollution will be extensive, noise
HOURS 5am to 6pm 6 days per week
Reversing beeps


I have read the EIS and reviewed the data and the projects possible and projected outcomes and compared these to the results of similar projects. I have listened to the community’s concerns and reviewed not only the projects risks to the community but also supported individuals with mental and social anxiety issues resulting from the proposal. I have tried to find examples of how this could work but whatever way you look at it this is a really bad idea and should not be approved as the risks just can’t be offset sufficiently for the project to deliver any worthwhile benefits. If the project is not withdrawn following the submission process, I believe it would need to go to a public meeting.

I moved to this area to live a quiet life which would provide my family and my pets a rural lifestyle away from.the noise and pollution of a suburban environment.
The proposed monaro rock quarry is going to take this away from me and my family.
We will be exposed to silica dust particles noise from blasts and concrete and asphalt plants also the added road danger and damage from.a large number of trucks traveling on roads not built to carry such a large volume of traffic.
The value of the property I have worked hard to purchase and maintain as a single parent will be lost, This was to be a legacy for my children
The environmental impact on local flora and fauna also needs to be considered
in the decision-making.
There are already 2 other quarry 's in the area which are not at capacity so why introduce a third one.
Please take all these concerns into consideration when making decision to allow The Monaro rock quarry to go ahead

As a local resident I have a number of concerns about this project.

1) The need? There are multiple quarries around the area that are operating well below capacity.
2) The Roads. The roads are already strained, particularly the Monaro Highway at the Calwell Roundabout with 'Snow Traffic' and it could not cope with the increased volume of trucks. The roads already in bad repair will be further impacted by the trucks weight and wider turning circles. Old Cooma Rd is also very busy and dangerous. As a member of the local Rural Fire Service Brigade I have attended a lot of car accidents caused through impatient drivers speeding around slow agricultural traffic and colliding with local fauna.
3) Ground Water. I am a young farmer (32) trying to make my way in the agriculture industry that is becoming increasingly challenging to make a living. With residential development impacting water run-off and an increase in consumption coupled with periodic climate fluctuations impacting the volume of ground water available there is a real risk that even if the quarry don’t use the ground water for dust control and excavation the water quality could be effect with their practices. The Googong Dam is a water supply that is already impacted by the other quarries in the area, another quarry without an economic need is senseless.
4) Air Quality. It is widely known that the air quality in the area is already impacted significantly in winter due to the ACT wood heating practices. Silica dust will contribute to this poor air quality. The dust will also effect the cleanliness of local private and commercial solar farms in the area.
5) Blasting. As a veteran of the Iraq campaign who has diagnosed PTSD as a result of being rocketed, I moved to the country for the serenity to assist in my recovery. I moved South of Canberra to avoid the Majura Training Area where explosions often occur on the High Explosive Range and I can still hear them from Royalla. Blasting from the Monaro Rock Quarry will be much larger and closer which will be obviously be louder and have a greater impact on my life. I know there are a lot of local residents that have served or are still currently serving that this blasting would impact.
6) Community benefit. There seems to be a lot of cons to this project for the community but not a lot of benefit. I don't understand why this project is even being consider for the benefit so few. Why don't we revisit the proposal when one of the other existing quarries closes or is running at capacity.

We would like to formally OBJECT to the progression of the MONARO ROCK QUARRY Project.

Reasons:
This project is too close to a heavily populated area which includes residential, aged care, schools/daycare and fitness centres. There is also current work underway to construct a community health centre in close proximity.

The Tuggeranong Valley, like the ACT as a whole, already has issues with air quality particularly in the peak pollen and/or bushfire seasons. The increased dust produced by a quarry too close to the area will only compound this existing and real problem. Many Tuggeranong residents, particulary the elderly, already suffer with respiratory disorders and they should not be subjected to further impacting factors.

In terms of traffic disruption, the Monaro Highway is a major thoroughfare for Tuggeranong (and surrounding) residents in their daily commute to work in Hume/Fyshwick/Kingston/Manuka/Barton/Airport (just to name a few) and there are already significant delays some mornings, currently exarcerbated by the roadworks at Hume. The highway is also a major connect to the south coast, snow and Victoria, all of which are extremely popular holidays destinations for Canberrans. There are already trucks on this road but to increase by so many each day will have major impact. It is no secret that the Monaro Highway, particularly between Tuggeranong and Cooma is a major collision hotspot, with multiple fatalities recorded in recent years. We don't need more!

The added noise as a result of the blasting will also be an issue due to its close proximity to housing and should not be supported.

Further, while airborne dust particles will be a major factor, there will be further issue with particles that rest on site. Presumably these will be washed away, either manually onsite and/or washed away via rainfall compromising our waterways further. This should not be allowed.

For all the above reasons, and quite possibly more, the likelihood of house prices in the area decreasing is a very real possibility. No one chooses to live next to a quarry therefore no one will wish to buy in the area if this ridiculous project goes ahead. Tuggeranong was here well before this concept was thought of, then the houses and residents and further infrastructure came. Tuggeranong is built on its community and it should be allowed to remain as is without an unnecessary quarry

Please reconsider this proposed quarry location as it is, quite simply, unacceptable.

From: John Bennett
To: NSW Minister for Planning and Development
Re: Objections to Proposed Hard Rock Quarry and Industrial Development at Royalla

Primary Objections:

1. Zoning Issues

The proposed large scale quarry and industrial development are prohibited under the current applicable RU2 and C2 zoning classifications. This proposal will directly impinge on my home and other properties throughout Royalla. As such, the proposal should not be permitted to proceed.

2. Environmental Concerns

The 556.7 Ha quarry and industrial development operating six days per week, will permanently destroy all local flora and fauna on the site and result in toxic dust pollution, blasting and truck noise, pollution of stock dams, pollution and starvation of ground water feeding local property irrigation bores, directly negatively affecting all rural properties within Royalla. The lack of bore water poses a very real risk to increased bush fire danger. Bush fires usually occur in times of drought, if the proposed quarry were to go ahead and use the bore water, residents would have nothing left to protect their homes. We were already threatened by bush fires coming towards us in three directions in 2020, the most of concern came from the west. No body here wants to experience the fear of those threats again.

This proposal is nothing short of an environmental and ecological disaster which will last for 35+ years and must be rejected by QPRC and the NSW Government on this basis alone.

3. Destruction of Royalla Peaceful Rural Ambience

I moved to Royalla in 2004 to enjoy the rural ambience and have so far lived on my 13 acre property for over twenty years. My home is only 5.0 km from the proposed development site. The proposed large scale quarry and industrial development will not only destroy the rural ambience but due to high winds experienced in Royalla, the toxic dust pollution will impinge on my property all year around increasing toxins in our quality of air and tank water.

4. Personal Health Concerns

I am a chronic asthma sufferer and will not be able to tolerate airborne toxic silica dust blown from the quarry onto my property on a daily basis. The health risks from breathing silica dust daily will add an extra burden on my health and the medical system in general as I am sure I am not alone in Royalla suffering from asthma.

5. Quarry Capacity

Claims by the developer that this quarry is needed to meet local demand is misleading. We have been advised that the existing quarries at Williamsdale and Queanbeyan on Old Cooma Road and other local quarries are only operating at 40 percent capacity and can easily increase production to meet the local demand for the next 100 years.

6. Traffic Burden on Monaro Highway.

The proposed 500 plus truck movements per day or one truck every 3 minutes onto the Monaro Highway will cause unacceptable accident risks with daily users of the highway. This section of the highway has seen multiple fatalities and poses significant risks during peak hour and snow traffic season where it is already bumper to bumper for several kilometres heading north into Canberra.

On a personal level, I totally object to this proposed development.

Regards

John Bennett

I am a resident of Tuggeranong, ACT, living close to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla. While I recognise the importance of construction materials, I oppose the project in its current form. This submission highlights five key concerns:
Failure to assess diesel truck exhaust impacts on air quality and health
Disproportionate trade-off between community costs and limited job benefits
Permanent loss of endangered habitat
Lack of clear evidence of unmet demand in the ACT
The omission of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies
1. Diesel Truck Impacts on Air Quality
The quarry will add up to 25 laden trucks per hour (≈200 per day) plus 50 agitators to the Monaro Hwy.
Diesel exhaust (PM2.5, NO₂, ultrafine particles) is a Group 1 carcinogen yet the EIS does not assess these emissions.
Tuggeranong already suffers poor winter air quality due to wood smoke; extra diesel particulates increase risks of exceedances and respiratory illness.
2. Limited Job Benefits vs. High Community Costs
The quarry provides only 30–40 direct jobs, likely male-dominated.
Tuggeranong and Royalla residents will face:
More truck traffic and congestion
Air pollution and health risks
Noise and blasting vibration
Loss of rural amenity and visual impacts
Most economic benefits flow to NSW, while the ACT carries the burden.
3. Permanent Loss of Endangered Habitat
The project will impact critically endangered Box-Gum Woodland and habitat for Gang-gang Cockatoo, Golden Sun Moth, and Pink-tailed Legless Lizard.
Offsets cannot fully replace the ecological and cultural value of these areas.
This loss conflicts with both NSW and ACT conservation objectives.
4. No Clear Unmet Demand in the ACT
The Economic Assessment (Appendix M) argues the quarry would provide a local supply for the ACT–Queanbeyan construction industry. However, existing quarries in the region (e.g. near Queanbeyan, Bungendore, and further south) are still producing, and the EIS does not show a clear “supply shortage” in the ACT.
The benefit is largely cost savings for NSW operators and contractors, not filling an urgent unmet demand in the ACT.
In other words, the ACT bears major environmental/social costs without evidence of a critical shortage that justifies this new quarry.
3. Gender and Social Equity in Employment
Quarrying is historically a male-dominated industry, yet the Social Impact Assessment does not address how the project will ensure equitable access to employment.
The omission of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies is inconsistent with government commitments to gender and social equity in major projects.
Without deliberate action, the limited job benefits will likely be concentrated among a narrow demographic, reinforcing inequity rather than addressing it.

The Monaro Rock Quarry, owned by Monaro Rock Pty Ltd (McPherson and Ferreira families), proposes to impose 30+ years of air pollution, traffic, noise, blasting, and biodiversity loss on ACT residents and endangered habitats, in exchange for a small number of jobs and regional cost savings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Replacing withdrawn previous submission SUB-93638967.
I offer the following to support my objection.

Social Impact
My husband and I, living in Canberra at the time, began searching for rural property to purchase in 1997, we knew exactly what we wanted and were prepared to wait for however long it took to get ‘the one’. That wait took 5 years, we completed building and moved to Royalla in 2004.
We sought the rural amenity and lifestyle to provide the ideal rejuvenation from the pressures of our working situations. In the 21 years since, our idyllic surroundings have proven to hold the additional benefits of enjoying the native wildlife in abundance, outstanding neighbours, a clean, unpolluted and healthy atmosphere and a generally peaceful, quiet existence in a comfortable rural setting.
Those sources of unique pleasure have been severely threatened by this proposal to destroy prime land of the highest conservation value and transform it into a large heavy industrial estate, in far too close proximity to so many residential dwellings. The many serious issues accompanying this proposal will ensure that so much of our lifestyle will be seriously impacted by threats to our health, potable water contamination, noise, blasting shock, dust pollution, groundwater depletion, the irrefutable devaluation of our sole property asset and the unwarranted willful destruction of our peaceful and enviable surroundings generally.

Project Need
It is my understanding that the 4 quarries currently operating within relatively close proximity to the proposal who supply the same product to the Canberra regions consumers of aggregates are completely capable of operating at their present or increased capacity to meet the demands of their product over this proposals estimated 30-year lifespan. This proposal benefits no one other than the Applicant despite the glossy sales pitch claiming otherwise.
I make no apology for appearing ungrateful at the prospect of so many ‘benefits’ presenting themselves, trivialising the many valid concerns I have whilst facing the ominous prospect of spending our remaining days living next door to a large scale heavy industrial plant set squarely in otherwise peaceful, idyllic rural surroundings.

Air Quality
The project will produce an unacceptable risk of Respirable Crystalline Silica exposure which has been covered by my husband’s submission. I don’t wish to have to wear respiratory protection when venturing outdoors.
We will be subjected to air pollution not presently experienced. The proposed asphalting plant will produce and emit an obnoxious stench 24/7, impossible to contain. The proposed concrete batching plant can also produce hydrogen sulphide emissions as an unavoidable byproduct, again uncontainable.
This project will produce higher levels of dust pollution than those generated by the Williamsdale quarry due to being sited upwind of most Royalla residents who will be affected by the prevailing winds much of the time. We are aware of concerns regarding incessant dust exposure to residents in Southern Royalla. We do not wish to experience the issue which will prove worse than theirs.

Human Health
It is beyond doubt winds will carry Respirable Crystalline Silica far from the project site, contaminating many households. The person responsible for a decision on this project must consider the danger associated with this product of utmost importance. It is now seen as ‘the new Asbestos’ and must be regarded similarly.
The Bureau of Meteorology website reveals that wind data records NW winds as the most prevalent in the district.
Given our home is located a relatively short distance and directly Southeast of the proposed site, we will be impacted for much of the time by breathable contamination, also affecting our roof harvested potable water supply by additional dust contamination and potentially lethal pollution.

We, in common with every other homeowner in Royalla, do not have access to reticulated town water supply with no prospect of ever being connected. We depend solely on roof harvesting and tank collection to provide our potable water, whatever settles on our roof is consumed by us. This will also result in additional sludge levels in the water tank.

It is inexcusable subjecting so many people to the lethal threat of Silicosis following airborne Respirable Crystalline Silica exposure and the associated pollution severely affecting our sole potable water supply.

Noise
The noise generated by large capacity powerful crushing plant will not mimic that of an operating air conditioning compressor as has been suggested by Monaro Rock, nor will the heavy machinery and trucks required to transport the product on and out of the site blend unnoticed with the tranquillity and ambience of the surrounds that presently exist.
Due to our close proximity to the plant site, we will suffer the adverse effects of heavy and harsh noise pollution which have never existed where we have lived for 21 years.
The applicant has stated the plant will be operational for 6 days per week, Monday to Saturday, with the hours of operation being 0600 hrs – 1800 hrs, with transportation of product scheduled to commence at 0500 hrs on the days of operation. Clearly, the degree of harsh noise being generated for so much time is unacceptable.

Biodiversity
The detail of the most important aspect of this proposal.

I understand that the proposal is to be located on land with a zoning classification determined by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022 as C2 and RU2.
Lands classified as C2 and RU2 are accompanied by a significant number of important objectives.

The objectives of C2 Zoning – Environmental Conservation are:
1. To protect, manage and restore areas of high ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic values.
2. To prevent development that could destroy, damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on those values.
3. To protect threatened species and rivers, creeks and gully ecosystems within Queanbeyan.
4. To identify and protect escarpment areas that enhance the visual amenity of Queanbeyan and possess special aesthetic or conservational value.
5. To protect water quality by preventing inappropriate development within catchment areas.

The objectives of RU2 Zoning – Rural Landscape are:
1. To encourage sustainable primary industry production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base.
2. To maintain the rural landscape character of the land.
3. To provide for a range of compatible land uses, including extensive agriculture.

On 17 July 2024, the NSW Government released its Plan for Nature in response to the reviews conducted last year into the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) and the native vegetation land clearing provisions of the Local Land Services Act 2013.
To support ongoing improvements to native vegetation management on private land, the NSW Government says it will strengthen prescriptions in the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code and implement a new monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework.

In summary, the planned reforms will:
1. Introduce a nature positive approach that will set nature on a path to recovery.
2. Acknowledge the intrinsic relationship between biodiversity and Aboriginal culture.
3. Set out short, medium and long-term priority actions to improve biodiversity protections and land management practices.
4. Set the direction to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and support environmental repair and regeneration.
5.Introduce the NSW Nature Strategy to guide actions to protect, restore and enhance ecosystems and landscapes.

Very clearly, this proposal contravenes not only the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022, but the New South Wales Government’s recently released reforms as well as one of their more important election promises.

I understand that SSD status may overrule laws and the objectives of these documents if Monaro Rock's glossy spiel seems too great an opportunity to let pass, but these objectives are in place for very good reason and must not be dismissed to accommodate the personal objectives of a very few individuals. This proposal will destroy the habitat of an alarming amount of endemic fauna and flora by circumventing laws and NSW Government Local Environmental Plans created to prevent such willful destruction occurring. This simply cannot occur.

Transport
Initial Issued SEARs on 29 Sept. 2021 states no more than 150 trucks per day will be considered, raised to 200 trucks per day on 18 Aug. 2023 in their extension application, remaining at 200 per day on 13 Aug. 2025 in a further request of timeframe for SEARs.

Monaro Rock’s ‘EIS Community Summary’ again dated Aug. 2025, states ‘’The Project would generate up to 500 heavy vehicle movements per day, including haulage trucks and concrete dispatch vehicles.’’
Issued SEARs as recently as 13 August 2025, do not reference the practical figure of 500 heavy vehicle movements per day Monaro Rock are now telling the community. Either way, the adjudicator must determine whether 200 or 500 additional heavy vehicle movements will present as a serious danger to drivers using the Monaro Highway. I cannot stress strongly enough that I believe this proposal will result in an indeterminate, but alarming number of serious Motor Vehicle Accidents occurring, which will be directly attributable to this project. I base this on witnessing the unacceptable driving habits of far too many who currently use the highway without the additional hazards this proposal will bring.

I offer the following to support my objection:
Social Impact
From the initial ‘Community Consultation’ meeting on 16.04.21, Corkery’s rep has given the distinct impression that this project will proceed despite our many well-founded concerns. As recently as August 2025, the Monaro Rock newsletter stated ‘’We recognise that the project represents a source of change 'beyond the community’s control' and may introduce impacts not currently experienced in the vicinity of the project’’, again implying our opposition to the project is regarded by Monaro Rock as trivial and futile.
My wife and I have lived in Royalla since November 2004, cherishing the tranquil, picturesque surrounds, idyllic lifestyle and abundant wildlife. We regard ourselves as fortunate, regarded by others to be ‘living the dream’.
Since learning of the proposal 4 years ago, a high degree of stress exists directly attributable to this project completely destroying our amenity and value of what took the majority of our working lives to afford, 5 years of searching for to purchase and 21 years of hard work to transform into what we proudly possess today. The prospect of willful destruction of our fortunate lifestyle to bolster others’ wealth is highly distressing.

Project Need
The 4 existing quarries began far from suburbia, suburbia expanding outward toward them. The proposal prefers to abandon time honoured practice to commence operating in our backyards, literally.
There is no requirement for a 5th quarry to meet demand in this region well into the future, certainly none for a second quarry adversely affecting even more residents of Royalla and the surrounds.
The project’s claims as fact regards the lifespan of the existing quarries ability to meet local demand appear to be based on unproven speculation.
The Williamsdale quarry has advised me of adequate reserves and capacity to meet demand. Heidelberg Materials recently acquired the largest concrete company in the ACT, the Elvin Group, demonstrating their long-term commitment and ability to expand as required.
The Cooma Road Holcim quarry has advised me that their ‘commercially sensitive operational plans are confidential’, as such they are unknown by Ecoroc. Holcim’s website reveals they are capable of expanding the approved extraction boundary and increasing their total production limit to at least Oct 2035 before further approval is sought.
The proposal to operate a concrete recycling plant when 2 exist already at Symonston and Pialligo, an asphalt plant when 2 exist in Hume and yet another concrete batching plant on site are totally unnecessary.

Air Quality
Those living in southern Royalla already endure serious dust pollution by the Williamsdale quarry, presumably with identical mitigation requirements to this project, yet it occurs often enough to present a serious problem. Heidelberg Materials are unable to control this pollution 24/7, I have no confidence Monaro Rock will differ.
Prevailing NW winds in Royalla will see us among the first to be impacted by airborne breathable pollutants which will also settle on our roof contaminating our water supply, our sole source of potable water.

Human Health
Prevailing NW winds in Royalla will see us among the first to be impacted by airborne breathable pollutants. Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica contamination is paramount. Open cut mining and its accompanying processing is a dusty process, when it is the primary method of extracting hard rock, in this case Rhyodacitic Ignimbrite with a Quartz content of 30-40%.
Crushing and handling of this material has the likely potential of liberating Respirable Crystalline Silica. This product is comparable with Asbestos in its lethality. Given there is no safe level of any description for either of these products, any exposure is unacceptable. We have no confidence whatsoever in Monaro Rock claiming that we won’t be exposed when we are located nearby the plant with NW winds presenting the most danger for us, occurring 21.41% of the time. The heavy machinery required to handle the product on site will compound the amount of dust and airborne pollution freely escaping the site.
The dangers of silica dust exposure leading to the death sentence of Silicosis have only recently been learnt and acted upon. Silica has become a growing concern and deemed by governing authorities as ‘The New Asbestos’, every bit as lethal. Exposing us and so many others to this danger is unacceptable.

Noise
We have lived in Royalla for 21 years. What we regard as normal, is that the only sound outside is generally that made by the frogs or birdlife which are ever present which we enjoy immensely and actively encourage. We always know from the birds alert calls if there is something unusual around, be it fox, echidna, snake or blue tongued lizards as we have become highly attuned to their various calls, and we are able to decipher them.
I have no experience of the noise created by quarry operations, as I’ve never been unfortunate enough to live nearby one. It is clearly obvious that any plant machinery powerful enough to be capable of monotonously crushing the large chunks of hard rock extracted and slabs of concrete to be recycled into aggregates of varying sizes, together with the accompanying heavy machinery to move that product around onsite will produce and expose us to an unacceptable level of extremely harsh industrial noise. It has been claimed that the sound emanating from the plant will be comparable to that of an operating air conditioner compressor. That statement is rubbish. Reality will dictate that noise levels will prove to be unacceptable.

Biodiversity
This project is seeking to transform a pristine environment classified as C2 and RU2 and their respective objectives into a large scale heavy industrial site, directly contravening the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022, specifically drafted and enforced to provide protection from noncompliance.
The nature of quarry operations will ensure that the project property will not be the only landholding affected as the entire area will transform into a hostile environment for all wildlife within an indeterminate but substantial radius of the project site and surrounds. No species of any description, capable of fleeing will remain anywhere near the project property due to the frequent blasting shock, constant noise created by processing machinery, the heavy amount of associated transport traffic on, into and out of the project site, and the expanding destruction of their habitat.
This Box Gum woodland is increasingly rare, and every remnant must be treasured. It is listed Federally as Critically Endangered as it provides habitat for many endangered species of both fauna & flora. Offsetting does not excuse or compensate any destruction.
Any consent to destroy a precious and rare resource of such high conservation value in contravention of the local LEP for the financial benefit of so few to the complete detriment of so many will be an absolutely inexcusable short-sighted disgrace.

Transport
The plan to use the Monaro Highway as the access point for fully loaded 19 metre B-Double trucks with an average gross weight of 57.5 tonnes, with the scope for higher capacity vehicles of up to 25 metre B-Double trucks utilised occasionally, turning out onto, or trying to gain momentum along the Monaro Highway whilst approaching the crest with limited visibility, under any conditions will prove lethal or cause serious injury to an unfortunate number of motorists travelling along the highway at 100 km/h, often exceeded by many.
The highway attracts far too many careless drivers who notoriously don’t drive to conditions, are impatient and do not use their headlights to be seen in low visibility during any time of the year. This is greatly exacerbated during the snow season. The mitigation measures proposed by a Northbound merge lane does nothing to protect Southbound traffic confronted with trucks entering the highway from the access road, and it is highly doubtful if it will offer effective protection for Northbound motorists encountering trucks lumbering uphill attempting to merge with traffic jockeying to get past them at all costs whilst approaching the limited vision experienced at the crest of the hill especially in low visibility conditions. At 200 plus trucks daily, this additional, unacceptable hazard will prove disastrous for too many unfortunate victims.

Groundwater
We share a communal bore with 2 of our neighbours, it is for stock and domestic purpose. Our bore site sees it among the closest to the project site to be impacted. Over the 21 years the bore has been in service, it has proven to be marginal in terms of reliability with the supply being ‘overrun’ at times i.e. more water is required by us than can be provided by the source. This has generally occurred most often at times of most inconvenience when that source of water is needed the most by each of us.
According to one local expert who specialises in servicing bore pumps and equipment, with an intricate knowledge of the situation in our district has publicly stated that the water table has dropped 17 metres in the time he has been working locally over 22 years. He has stated that this has resulted in a drop in yield of approximately 25% at his own bore site.
We, and many others, depend on groundwater as a necessary source for our stock animals and critically essential static water supply for fire protection. I am unconvinced that Monaro Rock will not have to draw groundwater at anything less than maximum capacity to extract every drop of the groundwater available in an attempt to contain airborne contaminants, severely affecting the water table. We have been led to believe that the project will not impact the rights of other landholders who depend on that same groundwater. Reality often refutes and no consultant’s glossy presentation of theory will alter my pragmatism.

To Whom It May Concern,
I write to express my strong opposition to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry development that is proposed to be located in Royalla NSW. I am a resident of Royalla and chose to live in this quite semi-rural development to improve the health and wellbeing of my family.
I believe this proposal is not based on community need or further requirement for materials, but rather on corporate greed, this proposal presents a wide range of unacceptable environmental, health, and safety risks that will impact my family, my community, and future generations.

Health Concerns: Silica Dust Exposure
One of my most serious concerns is the risk of silica dust exposure. The health impacts of airborne crystalline silica are well-documented, including the potential to cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory conditions. The proximity of this quarry to the residents of Royalla makes it entirely unacceptable to expose thousands of people, including children and vulnerable populations, to these risks. I will not stand by while my family’s long-term health is jeopardized. The residents of Royalla are unable to access any form of town water and rely solely on water tanks, our water tanks are filled from our roof line - under this new Quarry Proposal our roof lines will be covered in Silica Dust.

Irreversible Environmental Damage
The quarry plans to clear 22 hectares of critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland, and 78 hectares of vegetation in total. This is habitat for over 300 species of flora and fauna, which may not survive such destruction. The community is facing a climate and biodiversity crisis, and proposals like this only accelerate the loss of the natural environment we depend on. Once this ecosystem is destroyed, it cannot be replaced.

Unsustainable Traffic and Safety Risks
The proposal includes up to 500 fully laden trucks per day entering and exiting the site via the Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road. These roads are already heavily trafficked by locals, tourists, and snow-bound traffic as well as logging trucks and movement from the Williamsdale Quarry. Introducing slow-moving quarry trucks will not only increase commute times for residents like my family, but significantly raise the risk of serious accidents. I am particularly worried about the danger to my family, who travel these roads daily. Adding industrial traffic to roads already under pressure is a recipe for disaster.

Water Extraction and Contamination
The quarry intends to use groundwater, raising serious concerns about lowering water table levels and affecting nearby residential bores. Many households in this region rely on groundwater for everyday use, and the potential for wells to run dry due to industrial use is not acceptable.

In addition, wastewater from the quarry will discharge into Tuggeranong Creek, which flows directly through Tuggeranong suburbs and into Lake Tuggeranong. This poses a clear risk of water pollution, threatening aquatic life and recreational water quality for thousands of residents.

Population Impact and Proximity to Residential Areas
The proposed quarry site is alarmingly close to residential areas not only Royalla residents but the Tuggeranong Valley. Approximately 49,000 people live within 10 kilometres of the site around the greater Royalla area, with projections indicating this number will grow to 69,000 within the next decade. A development of this scale, so close to a growing population, is completely inappropriate and short-sighted. It places industrial operations right on the doorstep of families, schools, and communities.

In summary, this project is inconsistent with the principles of sustainable development and community well-being. It prioritizes short-term profit over long-term health, safety, and environmental protection. I urge the decision-makers to reject the Monaro Rock Quarry proposal in the strongest possible terms.

Thankyou
Toni Shoard

Objection to the Monaro Rock Project, Royalla, NSW

I’m a resident and property owner immediately adjoining the proposed Monaro Rock Pty Ltd Quarry on the Northern end of Royalla, NSW. This submission constitutes a formal objection to Development Application SSID-27223807.

Due to the lack of community engagement I have only just found out about the proposal by Monaro Rock Pty Ltd to construct and develop a new hard rock quarry in Royalla, NSW, on land located adjacent to the ACT/NSW border, approximately 5km north of the intersection of Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road. The Project would be developed in stages and would have a maximum extraction rate of 1,000,000tpa and an expected Project life of 30 to 35 years.

Initially my submission was not intended to be a comprehensive review of the 16 (EIS) documents commissioned by Monaro Rock Pty Ltd to support it’s application. Instead focusing on #2 Monaro Rock_EIS_App N - Aug25 - Social – REDACTED document authored by Landscape Research positive and negative impacts.

In scrolling through Appendix B Air Quality Impact Assessment prepared by Northstar Air Quality Pty Ltd on page 97 of the Mitigation and Monitoring section advises that Should chemical suppressant be the dust control method of choice, then its effectiveness would be reviewed and additional suppressant applied as required. Exactly what chemical suppressant is to be used and what could be the short – long term environmental / human impact ? Is this going to be another PFAS issue right on our doorstep.

Going back to the Social EIS which was completed in July 2025 Landscape Research, the lead author of this Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report declared that:

Positive impacts:
1. Local supply of construction materials supporting regional infrastructure
2. Modest employment and supply chain benefits
3. Potential financial and in-kind contributions to community projects
4. Long-term site rehabilitation and land restoration benefits

Negative Impacts:
1. (pre-mitigation)Amenity-related impacts (dust, noise, blasting, vibration, traffic)
2. Health and wellbeing concerns (respiratory health risks, stress)
3. Community fears about water reliability, environmental degradation, and loss of rural character
4. Reduced sense of agency and trust in government/quarry operators
5. Concerns about cumulative impacts and property devaluation.

As the positives are only defined as Modest or Potential there is not a lot for the residents, general public to benefit from this proposal. Conversely the negatives will have effect a far greater number of residents, native flora and fauna.

In balancing my view I applaud the creation of up to 200 jobs and being able to source local raw materials for many projects within the Canberra region.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

I have lived in Royalla the last 23 years near the Willimansdale quarry and have experienced firsthand the negative effects of living withing 2km of a quarry.

I am very concerned about the proposed processing plant and quarry as it will produce toxic dust and excessive noise amongst other issues.

The amount of trucks proposed will greatly increase the dangers of road travel as well as spread dust and other rubble throughout the region,

I am also very scared of the increased fire risk and reduction to the water tables the project will create.

I believe the negative impacts of this project would offset any financial benefit received by the NSW government and therefore it should not go ahead.

Please see my attached document for my comments on the proposed Royalla (Monaro) Rock Quarry.

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

My objection is founded on two critical issues:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi,

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

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

I would like to object to the Monaro quarry project on a number of grounds.
Firstly I am deeply concerned about the dust carried from the quarry many miles around the local area. This dust will contaminate local water supplies and as a family living with severe respiratory illnesses we do not want additional pollutants in our air. The quarry will cause additional pollution from machinery clean downs and concrete being recycled on site.
Secondly, the locality of the quarry to residential areas. Nearly 50,000 people, including children and babies, live within 10km of the site, all who will deeply affected by the noise, extra traffic and polluted air.
Lastly, on the grounds of biodiversity, the area proposed to be cleared covers nearly 78 square hectares of wood and grasslands which are homes to many species of flora and fauna.
The development of this site would have a massive negative impact on local lives and health.

The submission mentions criteria that would make the project unacceptable and the proposed Monaro Highway access is not identified as a project cancelling criteria. I strongly believe that this project should not proceed if the Monaro Highway access is not granted as the fall back access using the Old Cooma Road would cause unacceptable disruption to the community. I believe there is no case for “ light vehicle “ access via Old Cooma Road and in their first public meeting the project believed that this access would be an alternative truck access. The issues surrounding Silicosis and near proximity of two existing quarries means the potential for silica exposure is high . I would like to see a truly independent assessment of the need for this project to be undertaken by appropriate researchers who are not contracted by the project developers. With 2 hard rock quarries so close to the proposed project all potential expansion of existing sources should be explored by someone other than the project developers.