Sancrox Quarry Expansion Project

Please see attached the NSW Rural Fire Service submission.

With the beautiful tranquil community that has been built in the Thrumster and Sovereign Hills area, the last thing that is needed is an expansion of a quarry creating dust, noise and potential health impacts. In light of recent events in the area with fires, we don't need more forestry demolished, more wildlife habitat destroyed and negatively impacting the environment. Being so close to a housing area, surely the noise and pollution would not be good for the community, little alone the nearby schools, child care centres and future generations.

I write today having only recently being made aware of the proposed expansion of the quarry at Sancrox and extension of hours of operation.
I write in opposition to this on a number of different grounds:

1. Noise, vibrations, traffic: I live and work very near to the exiting quarry and we are already disturbed by trucks passing our property, dust, blasting and vibrations. The expansion would impact our family, our home, our peace and quiet and my business operations. We can currently hear the quarry works: trucks reversing, crushing, loading, we can feel explosions literally shake the earth and our house through the day and if the works were expanded and ran 24 hours a day it would definitely disturb my family and business. This noise pollution and vibrations would also lower our property value.

2. Environmental impact: The clearing of the land to expand the quarry will have a significant negative impact on our local flora and fawna that we are already seeing suffer due to drought and fires. There has been large scale clearing for industrial development and residential development around this area in the last year. There are already many displaced and injured kangaroos, possums, birds and koalas. The remaining land in a nearby property development that is zoned E2 has been completely burnt out and will take a long time to recover in the current dry weather conditions. I would also question the negative impact of the development on a larger scale in relation to our climate changing. Not only would the tree clearing have a large negative impact on moisture levels and air quality but the increased emissions from a quarry mining the environment and the activities directly related to that, has to pollute on a large scale more than it did previously.

3.Negatively Impact our business. An increase in noise (crushing, blasting and other activities) would impact us negatively from a safety and environmental aspect. I am the owner of a small horse riding centre that is in a close proximity to the quarry. Horses react dangerously to loud noises and vibrations. One of the reasons we have clients with disabilities, tourists and other clients is due to the fact that we provide a calm, safe place for people to ride. The proposed expansion and development would increase the noise and pollution we experience. My concern is that we will lose clients as a direct result and make our business no longer sustainable which would leave eight employees out of work.

Furthermore, there are many other people in this area that would be negatively impacted by the proposed expansion (College Rise which is a new, high density residential development just one kilometer down the road, my neighbours, Cassegrain winery, residents of Sancrox and surrounds) and I am not sure if they have been consulted or are aware of the Quarry’s desire to expand.

I hope you can consider our objection carefully and stop this development from proceeding.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The Area suggested for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock.  
The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ).

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). I submit that if the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

Submission Document CLOSE DATE: 11 Dec 19
Attention: Director - Coal and Quarry Assessments POST BY Fri 6 December
Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001

Re: Public Submission for SSD – 7293, Sancrox Quarry Expansion Project,
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/9946

Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to submit my objection to the above development application.

My Name: Julia Hudd
______________________________

My Address:____214 / 1 Greenmeadows Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 ________________________________________________________________________

My objection to the proposal is on the grounds listed in ticked boxes below:

The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. This development is in the Sancrox area, approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of this quarry expansion.

The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse.

The proposed ‘quarry expansion’ is more than that! It also includes two new additional operations, concrete batching and asphalt production. There are already other concrete and asphalt plants in the region that have the capacity to service the demand.

The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment. Daytime operation excluding Sundays is the maximum that should be allowed in a community precinct. The processes carried out do not have to run at night and can be easily shutdown/restarted.

The project includes “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)” with serious and irreversible environmental impact. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. An objective of the CKPOM is that there will be no net loss of core koala habitat after 6 years from adoption of the plan. The clearing also destroys an identified “critical link and vegetation connectivity in the immediate, and the Greater Sancrox Structure Plan, eliminating traverses by animals south-north through the centre of the Development Site”. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

The Biodiversity Assessment Report (DA, Annex C) was based on insufficient field work conducted in 2015, four years ago. Current, independent and comprehensive field surveys are required to validate the report. A major flaw of the EIS is that it unreasonably dismisses the significance of the site for threatened species despite Office of Environment and Heritage records of Koalas at six locations at least (2008 -2013), and the presence of Spotted Gum, Corymbia maculata which has the potential to provide winter nectar for the migratory critically endangered Swift Parrot.

The EIS states that no evidence for the threatened plant species likely to occur on the site was recorded during field surveys undertaken as part of the BAR. However SLR Consulting Australia which conducted the orchid surveys concluded that until a positive identification can be made, it is recommended that the Dendrobium specimen recorded should be treated as the threatened species D. melaleucaphilum, which is listed as endangered in NSW under the (former) Threatened Species Conservation Act.

The State of Emergency was declared in NSW due to the catastrophic bushfires in November 2019 which may have killed an estimated hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. Please contact Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

The environmental impact is serious and irreversible. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity with a total of 27 threatened species identified so far, including 17 birds and 9 mammals, including 7 vulnerable microchiropteran bats identified. The native vegetation should be retained to combat Australia’s current extinction crisis with some 964 of the 1,250 Australian terrestrial animal species currently listed as ‘Threatened’. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important)

Proposed “Ecosystem credits” system of payment by the developer to offset destruction of threatened species does not compensate for the serious and irreversible impact on the natural environment.

Native vegetation in NSW stores a significant amount of carbon. This deforestation and forest degradation will contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and fewer trees in a region can contribute to drought by reducing the amount of local rainfall.

The natural water on the site, currently supporting native flora and fauna, will be diverted to industrial use and North and west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River and Haydons Creek will be impacted.

The company operating this site has a poor track record of environmental compliance and were fined $15,000 by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2016 for breaches of their water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016).

The proposed works impact Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report)

Increased 24/7 heavy vehicle movements on the light duty local roads will compromise road safety and accelerate pavement failure.

I AGREE to the Department publishing my submission on its website in accordance with The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Privacy Policy.

I have made no reportable political donations in the last two years.


Signed:_______Julia Hudd _______________________________ Date: _____27/11/2019______________________


Further comments may be attached

I would like to emphasise that in view of the recent devastating bushfire in this area it is MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER that forest habitat is NOT further removed!!!!

I am writing in objection to the proposed expansion of the Sancrox Quarry near Port Macquarie.

The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. This development is in the Sancrox area, approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of this quarry expansion.

The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse.

The proposed ‘quarry expansion’ is more than that! It also includes two new additional operations, concrete batching and asphalt production. There are already other concrete and asphalt plants in the region that have the capacity to service the demand.

The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment. Daytime operation excluding Sundays is the maximum that should be allowed in a community precinct. The processes carried out do not have to run at night and can be easily shutdown/restarted.

The project includes “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)” with serious and irreversible environmental impact. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. An objective of the CKPOM is that there will be no net loss of core koala habitat after 6 years from adoption of the plan. The clearing also destroys an identified “critical link and vegetation connectivity in the immediate, and the Greater Sancrox Structure Plan, eliminating traverses by animals south-north through the centre of the Development Site”. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

The Biodiversity Assessment Report (DA, Annex C) was based on insufficient field work conducted in 2015, four years ago. Current, independent and comprehensive field surveys are required to validate the report. A major flaw of the EIS is that it unreasonably dismisses the significance of the site for threatened species despite Office of Environment and Heritage records of Koalas at six locations at least (2008 -2013), and the presence of Spotted Gum, Corymbia maculata which has the potential to provide winter nectar for the migratory critically endangered Swift Parrot.

The EIS states that no evidence for the threatened plant species likely to occur on the site was recorded during field surveys undertaken as part of the BAR. However SLR Consulting Australia which conducted the orchid surveys concluded that until a positive identification can be made, it is recommended that the Dendrobium specimen recorded should be treated as the threatened species D. melaleucaphilum, which is listed as endangered in NSW under the (former) Threatened Species Conservation Act.

The State of Emergency was declared in NSW due to the catastrophic bushfires in November 2019 which may have killed an estimated hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. Please contact Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

The environmental impact is serious and irreversible. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity with a total of 27 threatened species identified so far, including 17 birds and 9 mammals, including 7 vulnerable microchiropteran bats identified. The native vegetation should be retained to combat Australia’s current extinction crisis with some 964 of the 1,250 Australian terrestrial animal species currently listed as ‘Threatened’. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important)

Proposed “Ecosystem credits” system of payment by the developer to offset destruction of threatened species does not compensate for the serious and irreversible impact on the natural environment.

Native vegetation in NSW stores a significant amount of carbon. This deforestation and forest degradation will contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and fewer trees in a region can contribute to drought by reducing the amount of local rainfall.

The natural water on the site, currently supporting native flora and fauna, will be diverted to industrial use and North and west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River and Haydons Creek will be impacted.

The company operating this site has a poor track record of environmental compliance and were fined $15,000 by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2016 for breaches of their water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016).

The proposed works impact Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report)

Increased 24/7 heavy vehicle movements on the light duty local roads will compromise road safety and accelerate pavement failure.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The Area suggested for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ).

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). I submit that if the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

I originally moved to Port Macquarie ten years ago and was instantly taken by the mix of bush and agricultural land. I relished that I lived in an area that when your drove through was surrounded by beautiful trees, highlighting the councils dedication to maintaining the beauty of nature. Fast forward to now and when I drive on the highway I am disheartened to see large chunks of bush land being cleared for our misguided definition of "progress". More native animals, some such as the koala considered vulnerable, displaced for further housing and unsightly developments. What a great view as your drive towards the entry of town, hundred plus year old trees being reduced to unsightly rubble.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The area proposed for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock and which will also impact our drinking water.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ). I understand that Sancrox has been declared koala free (personal communication) but how can that be substantiated? Merely observing koalas or lack of in no way reflects their presence. These animals and many others will move in search of food, habitat or mates. This development will place even more stress on these and other animals, whose status is tenable at best. This does not include the large numbers of other animals (insects, birds, mammals) and flora that fail to attract the same attention as koalas. It is easy to say the trees will be replanted, but they take twenty years to reach a stage that would be viable habitat for koalas and this is assuming we have regular and decent rainfall. Where are wildlife meant to live in the meantime? Pushed back into smaller and smaller pockets of land where inbreeding will cause further decrease in resilience to disease? Would we consider it reasonable for people to sit around and wait for housing and food to become available for twenty years? If not, why should we force this upon our unique wildlife?

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). If the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation? How can we commit to fighting climate change when we continue the uncontrolled destruction of ecosystems? We know that trees are needed to drive moisture into the atmosphere in order for rain to fall. We also know that great civilizations (e.g. Mayan) have fallen from uncontrolled deforestation (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-did-the-mayan-civilization-collapse-a-new-study-points-to-deforestation-and-climate-change-30863026/). Why can we not be among the first councils to take a stance and learn to live in harmony with our natural surrounds?

Our lifestyle is also at risk. I, and sure many who live here, moved to this area to enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment while still being close to town. The nights are peaceful and quiet. The air is clean and fresh (obviously with the exception of the recent fires). A quarry operating 24/7 will negatively impact on our peaceful lifestyle. The fine dust that will be released into the air may not be seen but can still reach our airways, potentially resulting in cancer or chronic illness that may not present for decades. Is this a risk you are while to impose on the current and future generations? There are countless concerns in regards to the air quality following the fires, even when there is no visible smoke. This is only expected to be months. What impact can we expect after thirty years? In addition to this, what would be the affects of noise pollution? Trucks and diggers constantly working. I can hear the train go through Wauchope 10 kms away on a clear night. How can you expect a quarry less than 1 km away operating 24/7 not to result in considerable noise pollution? Airplanes cannot fly at all hours, even in capital cities! Is the mental health and well being of residents who pay a premium for a quiet lifestyle less important because there are fewer of us?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

 The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. This development is in the Sancrox area, approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of this quarry expansion.

 The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambiance is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse.

 The proposed ‘quarry expansion’ is more than that! It also includes two new additional operations, concrete batching and asphalt production. There are already other concrete and asphalt plants in the region that have the capacity to service the demand.

 The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment. Daytime operation excluding Sundays is the maximum that should be allowed in a community precinct. The processes carried out do not have to run at night and can be easily shutdown/restarted.

 The project includes “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)” with serious and irreversible environmental impact. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

 During November 2019 a State of Emergency was declared in NSW due to the catastrophic bushfires. Hundreds of koalas may have been killed. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site.

 The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

 Insufficient field work was conducted in 2015, four years ago. A major flaw of the EIS is that it fails to record koalas at six locations and the presence of habitat critical to the endangered Swift Parrot. (Refs: Office of Environment and Heritage Records, 2008 -2013; Ref. DA Annex C)

 The environmental impact is serious and irreversible. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity with a total of 27 threatened species identified so far, including 17 birds and 9 mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals in Australia. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important)

 Proposed “Ecosystem credits” system of payment by the developer to offset destruction of threatened species does not compensate for the serious and irreversible impact on the natural environment.

 Native vegetation in NSW stores a significant amount of carbon. This deforestation and forest degradation will contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and fewer trees in a region can contribute to drought by reducing the amount of local rainfall.

 The natural water on the site, currently supporting native flora and fauna, will be diverted to industrial use and North and west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River and Haydons Creek will be impacted.

 The company operating this site has a poor track record of environmental compliance and were fined $15,000 by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2016 for breaches of their water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016).

 The proposed works impact Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report)

 Increased 24/7 heavy vehicle movements on the light duty local roads will compromise road safety and accelerate pavement failure.

I am writing to express my disapproval to Hanson Construction Material Pty Ltd proposed expansion of the Sancrox Quarry.
My wife and I live at 706 Fernbank Creek Rd. Lot: 1. DP: 318920 and have done so for seven years. Our house is located 742m from the Sancrox Quarry.
I am only aware of this proposal through one of my neighbours informing me of the planned expansion - a surprise as I am a nearby resident that will definitely be impacted by the expansion.

To date, Hanson has undertaken various consultation activities with the local community and relevant stakeholders. Relevant ongoing consultation and engagement for the Sancrox Quarry and proposed development have included written correspondence with relevant government stakeholders and establishment of a Community Consultation Committee for the project. (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 34)

I am yet to meet a local resident that has been contacted.
It would appear that Hanson Construction have done all they can to slip this by with no engagement of the local community. We have since also been made aware that our local State MP’s; David Gillespie and Leslie Williams were also unaware of this proposal.

I have read Ethos Urban’s Social and Economic Impact Assessment, which sadly has at no time involved having any conversations with local residents. I hope that their esteemed staff at least had the opportunity to visit Port Macquarie and enjoyed the junket and that the report was not written based on their knowledge of the local area as per what they discovered on Google Maps.

My concerns are as follows:

Environmental
Sadly I live in area that on paper is recognised for its significant natural beauty, the reason why my wife and I resettled in the area.
In reality with the extensive population growth, this beauty is falling victim to the chainsaw and the eucalypt forests that once bisected and surrounded the town are quickly disappearing.
In the immediate vicinity of the Sancrox Quarry large-scale tree felling has taken place on the nearby but yet to be complted industrial property, Gary Murcott’s Property and properties along Fernbank Creek Road. With the loss of viable habitat for koalas in residential Port Macquarie, the local population has been forced to flee westwards. With what has already taken place in the area, which cannot be reversed, Hanson Constructions proposal to destroy a further 29.63 ha of koala habitat is disturbing.
Road Safety
Pacific Highway: When the eucalypt trees were removed for the development of the soon to be released Industrial Site, they also removed the buffer between the Sancrox Quarry and the Pacific Highway. Regularly, when westerly winds blow across the quarry, dust clouds have formed which has a significant impact on visibility on the Pacific Highway. The safety issue is also compounded as this reduction in visibility is occurring at the junction where Sancrox Road joins the Pacific Highway.
Fernbank Creek Rd
Currently your report states that the Quarry generates 42 heavy vehicle trips per day and if the expansion is approved this will increase significantly to 200 trips per day.
The main markets which the quarry will service are located east of the Pacific Highway, including Port Macquarie………Movements on Fernbank Creek Road, east of the north eastern roundabout should be avoided given that the road is narrow and likely of limited structure capacity to receive regular fully loaded truck and dog movements. Similar to Sancrox Road, movements on this road should be strictly limited to local residents requiring product. (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 13).

As a resident of Fernbank Creek Rd whose house is situated 10m from the road itself, I can without debate inform you that this is not and will not be the case. Despite the construction of Winery Road we consistently see heavy vehicles from the quarry using Fernbank Creek Rd as the preferred and shorter route in Port Macquarie.

This road is a popular route for the local cycling community and residents from Wauchope and Sancrox and it is only a matter of time before we have a serious accident on this narrow, twisting road.

Sancrox Road
This area has been earmarked by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as a future residential development opportunity. The significant increase in heavy vehicle movements can only have a negative impact on road safety along this narrow road.
Conflicting Industry
• Cassegrain Winery is 200m from the Quarry.
• Port Macquarie Horse Riding School is 470m from the Quarry.
• Fernbank Creek Cidery is located along Fernbank Creek Road.
• My wife and I are currently exploring the opportunity to provide overnight accommodation on our property (recently rezoned from rural to tourism).

None of these industries are going to see an advantage to having an expanded quarry, which uses explosives, operating 24 hours a day, seven days per week in such close proximity. The significant increase in heavy vehicles will also not support these employers.


Therefore the overall impact of the proposed development at this location is likely to be positive, provided that the localised potential negative social impacts associated with increased traffic and heavy vehicle movements, increased noise and vibration, impacts to air and water quality and clearing of bushland are appropriately mitigated and monitored, as set out in the Environmental Impact Statement (dated October 2018). (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 52).


Considering this report has been written by some community engagement experts based in Sydney or Brisbane that have somehow managed to gauge the surrounding community’s concerns with zero contact is laughable. To their credit that have managed to pad out the report to 62 pages, hopefully justifying to their employer how they also agree that the expansion of the quarry will be positive. I am sure they payment for this conclusive report was paid promptly.

Sincerely and extremely concerned.

Paul Koch

I object to the above development, and believe that it should be rejected for reasons which include the following.
1. I own land on Riverpark Sancrox Estate, Sancrox Road, NSW 2444. This is a 142 Lot Sub-division which is currently being constructed, the eastern boundary of which is only 600 metres from the edge of the proposed new quarry pit. I believe that the Hanson Environmental Impact Statement (ERM Ref. 0418291) currently on exhibition does not properly address the issues arising from its proximity to a significant residential development. In particular noise pollution and dust, not to mention heavy vehicle traffic. All this is unacceptable, and will be severely exacerbated by the proposed 24x7 operations.
2. I also strongly object to the proposed clearing of over 43 hectares of native forest vegetation. We are in the middle of an extinctions crisis, the major contributor to which is loss of habitat. The land to be cleared is koala habitat, and especially after recent and current bushfires we cannot afford to lose more. Further, with climate change connectivity is even more important, to allow nature to adapt to global heating (and as we have seen drying) - and the proposed development interrupts critical south-north connectivity. Further, the Biodiversity Assessment Report is woefully inadequate, based as it is on inadequate field work conducted 4 years ago.
3. The proposed land-clearing will also contribute to climate change and to the reduction of local rainfall. It will also involve diversion of natural water flows for industrial use.
4. Another reason why the development should not be permitted to proceed is that it would impact on Aboriginal heritage sites, including a scar tree and ceremonial site of high cultural significance.
5. As I understand it the EIS is defective and inaccurate in a number of material respects.
• Hanson states that this application is for an extension of the existing quarry. In reality it is for a new quarry on adjacent land owned by Hanson.
• Hanson states that there are no supplies of similar rock in the area or a quarry within 200km. In fact I'm told Hanson owns land within 20km which is adjacent to a recently approved new quarry.
• Hanson states that the new quarry will not impact on any local existing and future land uses. This is manifestly false. Currently there are many houses situated within 300m to 1000m of the edge of the new quarry pit. In addition, no mention is made of the142 Lot Riverpark Sancrox Estate, the eastern edge of which is only 600m from the edge of the proposed new quarry pit. No mention either is made of the proposed new residential sub-division proposed on Le Clos Sancrox, the edge of which will be only 300m away, nor of the need for expansion of residential development being proposed by the Port Macquarie Hastings Council in the Port Macquarie to Wauchope corridor of which Le Clos Sancrox is the first part.
• No mention is made of the fact that there is an Endangered biological corridor (identified in 2015) which runs right through the middle of the new quarry pit nor of the fact that the new pit will wipe out a “high and medium use” koala habitat as well as destroy significant swamp oak and eucalypt open forest areas which include several ecologically sensitive hollow bearing trees. With the impact of the recent and current bush fires, as well the extensive land clearing around the State, retaining remaining Koala habitat is critically important. Further, for threatened species to be able to adapt to the impact of climate change it is critical to retain North-South wildlife corridors. This proposal would destroy that corridor. Offsets simply cannot make up for that kind of devastating impact.
• No mention is made of the fact that the corridor for the proposed East Coast High Speed Rail line runs through the new quarry pit.
• No real details have been included of mitigation measures – in fact no bund is proposed to be built to protect any development to the south (i.e. on Le Clos Sancrox). Will any proposed bund be sufficient anyway to mitigate the noise and dust?
• It is proposed that this new quarry (which includes an asphalt plant) operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Hanson’s previous record of adhering to good practice operating conditions (imposed as conditions of ongoing consent) with the existing quarry is not good so how, without some remarkable change in culture, can we all be sure that any local residences will not be subjected to serious noise, vibration and dust problems bearing in mind that the new quarry is situated to the east of my land and the general prevailing wind is from the east.
In conclusion I ask that you ensure that Application SSD 7293 is assessed using proper fair and balanced approval processes and takes proper note of the overall needs of the Port Macquarie Hastings local community.

I wish to make a formal objection to the proposed Sancrox Quarry Expansion. I am appalled that the proponent seeks to expand the current quarry by 31.43 hectares – an area just under twice the size of the existing quarry area, to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and to emit 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere over the project lifecycle.

I am shocked to discover that the project will involve the “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)”. The clearing will result in serious and irreversible environmental impacts at both local and regional scales. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity including 17 threatened birds and 9 threatened mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important).

The proposed offset site is a mere 49 hectares - not even a 2:1 offset, as required by most projects, particularly those that involve tree planting. Furthermore, of the vegetation associations identified in the project area, two are not included in the proposed offset area and an inadequate amount of a third (Tallowwood -Small-fruited Grey Gum dry grassy open forest). The loss of hollow-bearing trees is another concern – it takes 75-100 years for a eucalypt to form a hollow. I note that most of the hollow bearing trees recorded in the Biodiversity Assessment Report occur in the Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark open forest – this association does not occur in the proposed offset area. Furthermore, I note that no hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the proposed offset area and there is no mention of the provision of nest boxes as part of the proposed offset strategy.

The recent catastrophic bushfires in NSW have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland habitat and hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. It is unbelievable that proponent wishes to clear a viable patch of intact koala habitat when so much habitat in the region has been recently lost to fire. The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

The proposed development will also affect the local hydrology. In a time of drought it is disgusting that the local watercourse that currently supports native flora and fauna will be diverted to industrial use. Furthermore, there will also be an impact on Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report).

The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. The quarry development is approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of the proposed quarry expansion. The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse. The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment.

I am also appalled that the project ‘over its entire life cycle is estimated to release approximately 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere’ – 2.5 million tonnes less than Sweden’s total emissions in 2017 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions). It is disgusting that the proponent seeks to contribute greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere equivalent to those of an entire country at a time when the planet is warming, and the effects of climate change are affecting all life on earth. Around the world people are racing against time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before positive feedback loops set in place unstoppable warming, yet this project will counteract the efforts of others. Does the proponent intend to purchase certified carbon offsets to mitigate its emissions? I couldn’t find any reference as such in the EIS. The planet can ill-afford to continue ‘business as usual’ and as such, the Sancrox Quarry Expansion should be refused approval based on its significant contribution to global warming.

Lastly Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd were fined $15,000 in 2016 for breaching the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence at the Sancrox Quarry. It is insane that the NSW Government is even considering a proposal from a company with an existing record of environmental breaches. (Ref: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2016/epamedia16032401).

11/12/2019 - Biodiversity and Conservation Division comments and recommendations are attached. We look forward to an opportunity to review the amended biodiversity information when submitted by the applicant.

3/04/2020 - BCD Additional submission following provision of additional data from Applicant.