Stone Ridge Quarry Project

We object to the proposal for the Stone Ridge Quarry Project (SSD-10432) for the following reasons.

• Vastly increased traffic resulting in noise, road damage and safety implications. Italia road is a rural road connecting the Pacific Highway to East Seaham Road. For much of its length the road is rather narrow and in rather poor condition. It is well suited as a local use rural road but over the past few years the amount of traffic, particularly truck traffic, using Italia Road has greatly increased. Entering Italia Road from a private driveway has become more concerning. Turning onto the highway from Italia Road has also become more difficult due to the increase in traffic on both roads. An article in the local newspaper has recently suggested that the proposed Stone Ridge quarry, together with a proposed expansion of the existing quarry on Italia Road, could result in over 1000 truck movements per day. Italia Road simply cannot handle that much traffic.
• Loss of natural habitat. The proposed site of this quarry has generally been considered by many locals to be part of the local National Park. We believe that this site should become part of the National Park, not a Quarry.
• Noise, vibration and dust from blasting.
• Possible loss of air quality (dust).
• Possible pollution of surface and ground water. Town water is not available on Italia Road. Most properties on Italia Road use rainwater tanks – any significant increase in airborne dust would therefore pollute the drinking water of most residents.
• Change to the ambience and character of the rural setting. We have been residents in this area for over 30 years. For most of that time the area has been a pleasant, quiet, rural setting. We would prefer that it remain that way.

We do realize that quarries are necessary – our civilization is literally built on quarry products. There has been a quarry on Italia Road for the entire time that we have lived here, and this quarry has generally been a good neighbor. We do not, however, consider that an increase in the number of quarries or a significant increase in production from the existing quarry on Italia Road (both of which are being proposed) would be in the best interests of residents for the reasons noted above.

We have not made any reportable political donation in the last two years.
We acknowledge and accept the Department’s Disclaimer and Declaration.
We would appreciate it if you would please acknowledge receipt of this submission.

R & J Francis
570 Italia Road East Seaham
Phone (02)49886082 Email [email protected]

I object to the Stone Ridge Quarry proposal in the Wallaroo State Forest at Balickera.
ARDG has failed to provide a balanced evaluation of the environmental and social impacts resulting from their proposal. The quarry will directly threaten the wellbeing of the local region and its wildlife.
ECONOMICS DON’T STACK UP:
It is unacceptable that public land, managed by Forestry Corporation is handed over to a private enterprise who will destroy the value of the forest. State Forests should be managed for the greater good and sustain the current environmental and economic services the forest provides now and into the future.
There needs to be full disclosure of the partnership details between ARDG and Forestry Corp, especially since the EIS is deficient in assessing impacts. Forestry Corp needs to explicitly explain how and why the environmental values and social impacts from the project proposal can be equated in terms of undisclosed royalty returns. Forestry Corp should be accountable to its stakeholders – the public of NSW – and justify their “willing” deal with ARDG prior to any decision being made by the Department of Planning.
ARDG have not shown that their quarry is needed above the existing supply and future supply from existing and establishing regional quarries. There needs to be evidence provided to the public that the State’s construction industry relies specifically on their project, and even then, a balanced cost benefit analysis needs to be provided that reflects the true value of the Wallaroo State Forest to the State.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS:
The negative impacts of the proposal extend beyond the quarry footprint –
1. Loss of functioning carbon sequestration services to ameliorate climate change impacts
2. Loss of connectivity of regional wildlife corridors
3. Direct threats and impacts to local Koala population adding to the cumulative threat to Koalas from other quarry developments in the close vicinity
4. Loss of alternative usage of Wallaroo State Forest to tourism operators in particular (alternate revenue source)
5. Unacceptable traffic impacts at Italia Road, Bucketts Way, Tarean Road and Medowie Road intersections to the Pacific Highway (as well as contributing to bottle necks along the Highway – for example at Hexham Bridge)
6. Contribution to the cumulative impacts from nearby quarry operators to the water catchment and potential impacts on the ground water table
7. Direct and unavoidable impacts to local residents and their well-being
8. Impacts from noise, vibration, blasting, air quality (including cumulative diesel fumes from trucks right along the road transport route), surface water run off affecting both the surrounding forest area and catchments
9. Destruction of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and connection to Country
10. Loss of scenic amenity

OFFSETS:
ARDG propose to offset areas located in the surrounding lands of Wallaroo State Forests. My understanding is that one of the benefits of offsetting for environmental loss is that new land will be reserved in perpetuity for the environmental benefits lost as a result of new development. However, developers need to purchase or already own that new land and commit to looking after it – forever. ARDG obviously don’t own the Wallaroo State Forest, so how can they propose to offset within it? Surely that land will already be managed by Forestry Corp. What comparable lands can be purchased outside the Forest estate and where will they be?
The Stone Ridge Quarry proposal should be refused. The Wallaroo State Forest is simply not the place for a quarry development of this magnitude.
Yours faithfully,
Megan Benson.

I strongly object to the Stone Ridge Quarry Project.

The Stone Ridge proposal should have an overall positive impact to be in the “public interest”. Threatened or endangered flora and fauna, such as the koala, squirrel glider and brush-tailed phascogales will be directly impacted by this proposal. The koala is a national icon, highly valued by the Australian community and recognised around the world. The community expects koala populations to be protected in their natural habitat. The detrimental environmental impact of this proposal is not in the public interest.
The clearance of 79.02 hectares of koala habitat will have a significant impact on the endangered koala population and does not support the NSW Koala Strategy – ‘the biggest commitment by any government to secure koalas in the wild - supporting a range of conservation actions that will provide more habitat for koalas, support local community action, improve koala safety and health, and build our knowledge to improve koala conservation.’
Protecting habitat corridors is a key pillar of the NSW Koala Strategy.
As stated in the Koala Strategy – ‘Establishing new koala reserves is an important action in protecting koala habitat but it is also important that we act to reduce the threats to koalas across all land types. Communities around New South Wales are committed to koala conservation and have a lot of knowledge about the best ways to protect koalas in their local area. The NSW Government will partner and work with local communities who already have information, knowledge and a network of people on the ground working to protect koala populations.’
The Wallaroo State Forest area is koala habitat and has not been affected by recent bushfires – adding to its environmental importance.
ARDG’s own assessment of Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the EPBC Act has identified that the project is likely to have a significant impact on the Koala due to the clearance of 79.02 ha of suitable koala habitat.
‘A key focus of the Strategy is action to conserve koala habitat and community based action to reduce threats to local koala populations.’ [The NSW Koala Strategy]
How can this proposal, which will clear a significant area of koala habitat, be approved when koalas have been listed as endangered and habitat protection has been identified as a key strategy?
Port Stephens Council ‘states’ it is proud to be one of the remaining areas where koalas are found. Our local koala population is in dire need of habitat protection especially habitat linking areas. A 2020 State Government inquiry found that without intervention koalas are predicted to be extinct in NSW by 2050. How can an iconic and harmless Australian animal be under such threat? The recent catastrophic fires of 2019/20, in which 61,000 Koalas are estimated to have perished came on top of an already existing problem of habitat loss across the country. Projects such as the Stone Ridge Quarry project should therefore not be approved.
Assessment guidelines have been established to standardise the treatment of issues relating to the management of koalas and koala habitat within the development assessment process. Preferred Koala Habitat and Habitat Buffers require the highest level of protection possible. Further cumulative impacts to connectivity of wildlife habitat and increases in residential traffic, is the potential impact areas associated with the Kings Hill Urban Release Area (not yet approved) and the M1 Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, to the south-west of Italia Road. These were briefly mentioned but not examined in detail as Port Stephens Council requested in 2020.
A quarry to be approved within State Forest is not ecologically sustainable.
A quarry to be approved in prime koala habitat will contribute to the extinction of the koala, which would be a national disgrace and will occur unless we stop approving developments in koala habitat.
Stony Ridge Quarry Project should not be approved.

I object to the proposal for the Stone Ridge Quarry Project for the following reasons.
1. The potential for increase in heavy vehicles using Italia Road west of the proposal, resulting in noise, road damage and safety implications.
2. The loss of natural habitat.
3. The cumulative impact to the surrounding environment of having multiple quarries operating in the area.
I request that my name be withheld from the list of submitters that is published on the NSW planning portal.

I strongly support the development of the Stony Ridge Quary. The NSW construction industry is facing many challenges in coming years. This includes pressures from a growing population, a huge number of major infrastructure projects (current and planned), labor shortages and the rising cost of materials. For our construction industry and State to remain competitive it is essential that we have access to a reliable supply of quary products such as concrete, asphalt and others. The project will also create and support local jobs and provide significant revenue to the NSW Government via royalties. Also advantageous is the efficiencies from close proximity to the pacific highway for trucks and the fact that it is being developed in an area where there vey few impacted properties.

I object to the proposal for the Stone Ridge Quarry Project
Many wild animals such as deer and wallabies are already being struck by vehicles and suffering slow painful deaths on the road side. This will increase if their natural habitat is allowed to shrink.
The proximity of the existing Boral quarry from our residence is approximately 2km (line of site) . The proposed quarry will be a 700m from my front door step. This is way too close.
The proximity of Boral quarry and its activities already produce noise , vibration and dust which we tolerate . The proposed quarry without any doubt will add to the noise , vibration and dust , thus destroying our way of life.
Our air quality will be reduced bringing on associated health impacts. Additional noise will impact our mental health.
My family and I enjoy a quiet, peaceful and healthy lifestyle at our home on Italia Road and have done so for the past 27 years.
The proposed quarry will bring this lifestyle to an end and can only cause us future harm.

The water and air quality for local residents will be affected by dust, this will cause numerous health issues. The natural habitat for native fauna such as koalas and eagles would be lost, and these animals would be killed. Traffic will increase significantly, and locals fear that this will make the area more dangerous for road users, pet owners and parents of small children. The increased noise, dust and vibration will cause stress for people and animals in the once peaceful rural area. The bush land that will be demolished to make room for the project is a popular area for walking and horse riding, the inability to access these activities will negatively affect the mental and physical health of residents. This beautiful landscape is the reason why many people moved to the area, this appeal will be lost if this project moves forward.

I sincerely object to the Stone Ridge Quarry Project.
This project will have a major impact on air quality, whereby dust will blow onto homes, water and vegetation, which will greatly affect humans, wildlife and all flora and fauna. Noise pollution from blasting and drilling, is a cause for major concern for all inhabitants in this region. Groundwater, water drainage and runoff of sediments into the creeks that flow into the dam is causing immense worry and anxiety, health issues will no doubt come from any contaminants in the water.
Threatened flora and fauna, like the endangered Koala, Squirrel Glider, Brush Tailed Phascogale and many trees and plants, this quarry will cause immense damage to the biodiversity of the national park.
Socially the community will be affected, their way of life, accessibility, culture and health.
Corridors and connectivity for koalas and wildlife will be broken as there are other quarries in the area, the only Corridor across Italian Road is over the Balickera tunnel, where this quarry is proposed.
This quarry is not ecologically sustainable, within this State Forest.
Everything possible must be done to protect this area and its biodiversity for a healthy environment for humans and wildlife.
This quarry will have a negative impact on the community, wildlife and environment, it is very important that you do not approve this quarry.
Thank you.

I am writing this submission to express my strong objection to the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry Project - SSD-10432. I believe that this project should not proceed due to several significant reasons that I would like to outline below:

Firstly, the project would result in the loss of vital natural habitats and a significant decrease in biodiversity. The destruction caused by the quarry would directly impact various species, including the already vulnerable Koalas, squirrel gliders, brush-tailed phascogales, as well as several threatened species of birds, bats, and orchids identified in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This loss of habitat would have long-lasting effects on the local ecosystem and undermine conservation efforts.

Furthermore, the clearance of land for the quarry poses a substantial threat to the existing ecological communities in the area. These communities play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, and disrupting them could have far-reaching consequences for the local flora and fauna.

The noise and blasting activities associated with the quarry would also have a detrimental impact on the surrounding wildlife. The loud noises and vibrations from the blasting would cause disturbance and potential harm to animals in the vicinity, further disrupting their natural behaviours and potentially driving them away from their habitats.

In addition to the harm caused to wildlife, the project would contribute to air pollution, posing risks to both wildlife and human health. Dust and other particulate matter generated during quarry operations would contaminate the air, adversely affecting nearby vegetation, plants, and trees. Moreover, the release of harmful pollutants into the air would pose a threat to the respiratory health of both wildlife and local communities.

The establishment of the quarry would disrupt connectivity and corridors for wildlife. Many existing quarries are located near the only corridor across Italia Road, which serves as a crucial pathway for the movement of wildlife. Disrupting this connectivity would impede the natural migration and dispersal of species, potentially isolating populations.

Developing a quarry within a State Forest is not ecologically sustainable and contradicts conservation and preservation principles. State Forests are designated areas meant to protect and conserve natural resources, and siting a quarry in such an environment undermines the very purpose of their existence.

Moreover, the proposed site is on Aboriginal land, raising concerns about potential cultural and social consequences. The project could adversely impact the cultural heritage of the local Aboriginal community.

Additionally, the quarry's operation may negatively impact nearby communities' health and quality of life, creating social and recreational challenges.


Considering the many environmental, ecological, and cultural concerns associated with the Stone Ridge Quarry Project, I urge you to reconsider and reject this proposal. It is essential to prioritise the long-term well-being of the environment, wildlife, and local communities over short-term economic gains.

I confirm that I have not made any reportable political donations within the past two years. I acknowledge and accept the Department's Disclaimer and Declaration.

I object to the Stone Ridge Quarry Project.
My objection is based on the impact of the significant increase in heavy vehicles turning left onto the Pacific Highway from Italia Road, and heading north to the Tarean Road interchange.
While the EIS contains an assessment of the impact on the Italia Road intersection, it does not take into account the impact of the significant increase in heavy vehicles on the intersection of the Bucketts Way and the Pacific Hwy.
As a regular commuter on the Bucketts Way to travel to Medowie and Newcastle, I am greatly concerned about the impact on the Bucketts Way intersection.
The excessive amount of truck movements at the intersection will have unreasonable and unacceptable impacts for the many residents of Booral, Stroud, Gloucester and surrounds who use the intersection to attend their work places, medical appointments, shopping and social activities. The statement that there will be ‘only’ 30 trucks an hour in peak times is laughable – one truck every two minutes. That is hardly ‘only’.
The intersection of the Bucketts Way and the Pacific Highway cannot cope with the current volume of traffic during the 12 weeks of school holidays and every long weekend, with significant traffic queues for vehicles turning right onto the highway.
The Traffic impact assessment in the EIS only takes a snapshot of the traffic at a single moment in time. It does not take into account the huge increase in traffic on the highway in school holidays particularly on Saturdays, when the quarries will also be operating.
In addition there are two proposed quarries on the Bucketts Way, at Deep Creek and Maytom’s Lane. Deep Creek quarry is proposing 110 truck movements a day and Maytom’s Lane 350 truck movements a day. These trucks will also be using this intersection. What hope will regular commuters have at this intersection of a safe journey? As a minimum the quarry should not be allowed to operate on a Saturday, and that would at least give the neighbouring residents one extra day without the noise, blasting and pollution.

The increase in truck numbers will also significantly affect the Medowie Road/Pacific Hwy intersection which is also a busy and dangerous intersection.
A grade separated interchange at Italia Road is the only acceptable answer as Dr David Gillespie has advocated, and the previous government provided $9 million for this improvement.
I am also greatly concerned by the loss of koala habitat.

I support the Stone Ridge Quarry Project because:
1. It will provide a long-term source of much needed aggregate and hard rock quarry products to road building, property and construction projects in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
2. The supply of this material will help stabilise construction costs and reduce project time frames.
3. It will provide jobs to the region.
4. It is close to major road transport routes (eg. Pacific Hwy).
5. It will help generate revenue for the NSW Government via royalties paid to the Forestry Commission.
6. It will have minimal environmental impact.
7. The region is fast growing and needs a reliable source of aggregates.
8. The quarry is in a good location to supply aggregates to projects in the region.

The volume of trucks and traffic on an already very dangerous road would not be in the best interests of the local community.

The noise and dust impact would not be in the best interest of the community.

Seaham already has 1 quarry as well as proposed solar and battery installations. Another quarry would totally destroy the quiet rural environment that we love.

The loss of flora and fauna on top of all the other major proposed projects would destroy our peaceful enjoyment.

My road is already too busy from trucks rumbling past every day.

More trucks would completely surround us and make our entry and exit to Seaham a living nightmare.

I strongly object.

I fully support the Stone Ridge quarry project as there's a limited number of quarries currently available to provide the essential construction materials required for major infrastructure projects such as the M1 Motorway to Raymond Terrace, Hexham Straight Widening, Newcastle Inner City Bypass Rankin Park to Jesmond, Singleton Bypass and Muswellbrook Bypass. Additionally, the ongoing construction and maintenance of the regional traffic network, including local and residential roads are (and will be in the future) heavily dependent on quarries such as the Stone Ridge quarry project.
We also need to ensure future generations are assured the opportunity to flourish in well constructed and interconnected communities, the likes of which can only exist with the certainty provided by long term, well managed and ecologically sustainable quarrying operations, such as the Stone Ridge quarry project.

Please see letter attachment in support of the project

The proposed project will provide a strong economic benefit to the state and the local area, and will provide a significant quantity of high quality material required for construction projects. The likely benefits of the project outweigh the potential impacts and the project should be approved on its merits.

Both the Hunter and Sydney regions are experiencing significant expansion in terms of infrastructure and housing. This rapid growth necessitates a steady supply of building materials sourced from various resources. The Stone Ridge Quarry presents a unique opportunity as a new supplier conveniently situated near the high-growth areas. Its proximity will significantly reduce the need for long-haul transportation on the road network, unlike many larger quarries located at greater distances. These distant quarries often suffer from limited availability and higher purchasing costs, thereby increasing overall expenses.

The establishment of the Stone Ridge Quarry promises direct and indirect benefits in terms of revenue, business opportunities, and employment for the local area. This development plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of the Hunter Region in the near future and for many years to come.

I consider this a vital project for the Lower Hunter. The area is expanding greatly and a reliable supply of quarry projects into the future is badly needed. It would be a win for the state in providing much needed income from royalties, a win for the general population in the supply of much needed aggregates and a win for the economy with more jobs for local people.
I believe it is in a remote location well off the Pacific Highway so any environmental impact would be minimal.

I work in the industry. With the lack of volume in quarry materials in the area this project is a needed quality resource with the Martins creek quarry being refused. There is little to no impact considering the quarry will be located so close to a major highway more than capable of handling a few extra vehicles on the road

We need this quarry for the future


Bring it on 👍🏼

Living on Italia Road has become less safe and less desirable. The quarry trucks start about 4.30am every morning most of the homes are close to road and not build with noise reduction. During my time on the road myself my family and neighbours have all had incidents of being run off the road by trucks heading to the quarry. Italia Road is a narrow not well maintained road that is not suitable for the large amount of increased trucks that this quarry will bring. I can not even allow my 10 year old to cross the road from his bus stop due to the amount and the speed at which traffic including trucks speed along this road. Aside from the increased truck flow we have a beautiful state forest full of beautiful wildlife and flora. I regularly see a magnificent pair of wedgetail Eagles flying over and last week saw them feeding out front of the proposed site. Despite being very hard to find in their habitat I have seen koalas in my time here. And do have the port stephens koala.rescue gather koala food from my property. The loss of that massive amount of wildlife habitat would kill off all the wildlife living in that area and also prevent koala populations from returning to the area after the bushfires. My family and I regularly enjoy a bush walk and a horse ride in the forest area which we will not be able to enjoy and this was the main reason for us moving here. The value of residence properties will decrease in value dramatically with a new quarry on the road .