Monaro Rock Quarry Project

I would like to express my complete opposition to the approval of the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry on Mates Road, Royalla.

My family, along with all other property holders in Royalla, have been alarmed and opposed to this quarry from the outset of its proposal. This groundwave of community opposition has been well documented in both local and national press, and as a former Fairfax editor and journalist of 24 years, I am certain my colleagues will continue to document Royalla’s outrage at every step of this process.

My wife and I chose Royalla for the natural open fields, quietness, safe roads and absence of pollution for our family of two young children. The proposal is completely out of character with Royalla. We already have one quarry at the end of Royalla, which causes great impact through noise, dust and vibrations. There is a rock quarry at the other end of the Old Cooma Road.

To be clear, there is no issue with the regional supply of rock. This is simply a profit grab at the expense of a close-knit community that contributes greatly to the fabric of the surrounding society.

Now working as a scientist, I have numerous, and well validated concerns based on fact.

1. Air quality: dust, and dust containing silica, poses a danger to my family and my neighbours. Control measures will not control all dust. This is impossible from a straight scientific point of view. Beyond the site itself, dust will come off the high number of trucks proposed. Even with covered loads, dust emanating from moving trucks that have driven through quarry sites is a documented certainty. This proposal will impact the health of residential citizens.
2. Additional traffic:
a. Monaro Highway – this stretch of road has required numerous repair works in recent years and it not equipped for the influx of extremely heavy traffic, particularly over the busy snow season that runs from June to September each year. An inspection of the area around the proposed intersection will clearly show that extensive and expensive maintenance work will quickly be required as damage is inflicted. Damage to the road will cause safety issues for all drivers. The site of the quarry adjoining the Monaro Highway is notorious with local road users for the significant fog that settles in the morning and in late afternoon, making visibility only a metre or two in front of your vehicle. This is because this part of the Monaro Highway is at the crest of the hill that lead down into the Tuggeranong Valley. I worry that B double trucks turning onto the highway will not be seen by drivers travelling at 100km/h along that stretch of road with visibility so low during these foggy periods.
b. Old Cooma Road: it is highly unlikely that truck drivers will take the longer route of the Monaro Highway to get to the Queanbeyan region. Faced with deadlines and profit margins, they will take the shorter route of Old Cooma Road. This is a two-lane, winding road that cannot handle the heavy traffic at even a third of the rate proposed. Such use would destroy the road, be dangerous for all the residents using the road, and kill a great deal of wildlife. This proposal will impact the safety of the users of two of Canberra’s main arterial roads.
3. Depreciation of land values: We work very hard like many Australian families and are deeply concerned by the current and future impacts of depreciation of our home. Our home is our nest egg, of which its value will allow us to retire without the need for government support. It will also impact our ability to help our children set themselves up as adults. Beyond that, we carefully purchased our property in good faith, noting the zonings, and believing this was our best chance for a good investment. This proposal will financially impact all Royalla land owners – except for the quarry owners.
4. Light and dust pollution: I build and use some of the largest amateur telescopes in Australia from the pristine skies of my property. I am an experienced amateur astronomer, and former associate editor of Astronomy Technology magazine. I directly contribute to the scientific research that feeds into Australian and international professional observatories such as the Backyard Observatory Supernova Search (BOSS), a collaborative program of amateur and professional astronomers in Australia and New Zealand who use highly advanced astronomy equipment to discover and study supernova. The light pollution alone will badly degrade the darkness of the sky, and dust will further degrade seeing conditions to the point where it is doubtful I will be able to contribute research. This proposal will impact important astronomical research that is part of a larger international effort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

Refer attached

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.

In my original submission I stated:
"- There has been communication with me as a resident about this proposal, either from the State, Local Council or the Developer. "
This was a typographical error on my part. It should read as:
"- There has been zero communication with me as a resident about this proposal, either from the State, Local Council or the Developer. "

I object to the project as per attached letter

I strongly object to the Monaro Rock Quarry proposal.

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.

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.

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?

I have concerns about the pollution and silica dust due to my cystic fibrosis. My concern is I am in a close 3km radius and this would impact my respiratory issues. My kids also play outside a lot. This should not go ahead

I am appalled this project has even reached this stage. The detriment to the surrounding communities is fully disregarded by people looking to cash in.

I wish to lodge a formal objection to the proposed Monaro quarry development. After reviewing the available information, I believe the project presents unacceptable risks to public health, community safety, and local amenity.

The potential release of respirable silica dust and other fine particles is of particular concern. These contaminants could compromise water supplies and present serious health risks to residents through long-term exposure. The precautionary principle should apply when the potential for irreversible harm is clear.

The anticipated increase in heavy vehicle movements on Old Cooma Road is another significant issue. This road already operates under strain, and additional truck traffic will further increase the likelihood of accidents, accelerate road degradation, and generate noise and vibration impacts for residents.

The proposal also raises unresolved questions around liability and compensation for structural damage to homes resulting from blasting activity. In addition, evidence from similar projects suggests a likely reduction in local property values, affecting the financial security of families who have invested in this community.

Given the scale of the potential impacts, I respectfully request that a public hearing be convened before any determination is made. Such a process would allow residents to raise their concerns in detail and ensure that decision-making occurs transparently and with full regard to community input.

I have concern that there is inadequate data in informing two areas of the EIS submission.

1. Air Quality Monitoring.
This is the primary concern by residents by my reading, and upon reviewing the submission I note the lack of wind monitoring and modelling on the site itself. The close proximity of the site to receptors (housing) at less than 2km, along with proposed dust generating activities of blasting, crushing and handling of siliceous lithologies is, in my opinion, a high risk situation that should have monitoring and modelling at the point of the proposed dust generation. Monitoring is currently informed from stations several kms away, where topography is likely to have local impacts on wind dispersal.

2. Vibration and structural damage to housing.
I did not locate any studies on the potential vibration caused by drill and blast activities in the submission. The submission discussed flyrock only. Reviewing the geological map within the hydrogeological studies, it appears that the quarry is wholly contained within a hard rock volcanic unit that extends to the receptors (houses). In addition there are indications of east-west fault lines that could channel vibrations through hard rock caused by blasting towards these receptors. I recommend that the submission address this risk. Housing may not be designed to mitigate vibrations from blasting, leading to cracking in structures and potential damage to utilities such as gas lines, if the vibrations have not been assessed and may impact these areas.