Stone Ridge Quarry Project

please accept this as an additional submission on behalf of VOWW.
please see attachment

Please see attached submission. I object to the Stone Ridge quarry project.

I strong object this project because 79.2 hectares of koala habitat will be completely cleared in 3 stages to mine 1.5 million tonnes of rock per year, for at least 30 years! This is not acceptable and this is unsunstainable.! Koalas are an Endangered specie and the destruction of koalaa habitat must stop if we want save koalas from extinction. Offsets are are a disguise to destroy habitats and do not give certainty for the safety and safety of the koalas!
Biodiversity . threatened fauna and flora will be directly impacted . Squirrel glider, brush tailed phascogale and koalas were all photographed during surveys! The whole forest is koala habitat!
Noise and vibration from clearing initially, then Drilling, Blasting and Crushing! This is not acceptable!
Social impact- way of life , community cohesion accessability, culture health and wellbeing (traffic and safety) surrondings, livelihoods. They will be heavy and not tolerated by the community.
A quarry to be approved within State Forests is NOT ecologically sustainable!.
The EIS and BDAR reports list many issues, but provides insufficient details about management or mitigation processes.

Therefore for all these reasons I strong oppose this project.
Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely.

My main objections to this project are environmental. Loss of biodiversity, threats to species loss of vegetation when we need every tree and more emissions from so many truck movements. We are in a climate emergency and should be focusing on restoration rather than more destruction and more emissions .
My secondary opposition is to the truck movements that this will add to an already very busy and dangerous road.

Stone Ridge Quarry Project, NSW

SSD-10432
EPBC ID No 2022/9368

To whom it concerns: NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

I write to urge the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to REJECT the Stone Ridge quarry proposal to extract up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum of hard rock from the Wallaroo State Forest site at Italia Road, Balickera, north of Raymond Terrace in the Port Stephens LGA.

The Stone Ridge Quarry proposal, if accepted, will result in numerous destructive environmental impacts:
1. It will destroy the remaining natural forestry corridor from Kings Hill to Wallaroo State Forest through to the Wallaroo National Park
2. It will risk the reduction of already threatened native species travelling through or resident in the proposed quarry area of the Port Stephens LGA; and
3. It will further endanger the already critically endangered koala population in the proposed quarry area of the Port Stephens LGA.

In relation to 1 above: destruction of the remaining natural forestry corridor from Kings Hill to Wallaroo State Forest through to the Wallaroo National Park

Three types of “climate corridors” (moist, dry and coastal) overlap across this state forest. This land was not burnt in the 2019-2020 bushfires and remains valuable wildlife habitat. In order to survive as the climate warms, threatened species are likely to travel through or take up residence in this area in search of a new suitable habitat. These include Squirrel Glider, Brush Tailed Phascogale and Koala. Each of these species has been observed in the area of the Wallaroo State Forest where this quarry is proposed.

The proposed Stoneridge Quarry entry road cuts through this endangered forest area. The proposed construction of a weybridge and associated administrative buildings, the installation of an on-site processing plant (crusher) and associated equipment, and the large volume of heavy haulage trucks, estimated to be in the hundreds per week for many hours a day, along the new road, will destroy this natural habitat.

ARDG’s claim that this “project [will] significantly ameliorate the existing and forecast medium-to-long-term supply side pressures of quarry materials for the LHCC region, as well as provide direct access to the Sydney market if required” is totally unsubstantiated and unjustified. This is especially the case given the many other quarries in the planning phases proposed in the Port Stephens LGA.

Under NSW planning legislation, our forests are to be sustainably managed. This quarry development proposes clear felling and destruction of the entire subject area for 30 years.

In relation to 2 above: reduce already threatened species travelling through or resident in this part of the Port Stephens LGA

The EIS for the Stone Ridge Quarry project itself notes that the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (“DCCEEW”) has identified this quarry project is likely to have a significant negative impact on the following threatened species: Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus) and Grey-Headed Flying-Fox (Pteropus Poliocerphalus); Swift Parrot (Lathamus Discolor); Spotted-Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus Maculatus) - south-eastern mainland population; Yellow-Bellied Glider (Petaurus Australis) - south-eastern population; New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys Novaehollandie); and South-Eastern Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus Lathami).

In relation to 3 above: further endangerment of the already critically endangered koala population in the Port Stephens LGA

Nationally, the Koala is in a rapid phase of decline. In the Port Stephens LGA, the Koala are in a critically rapid state of decline. Due to the proposed clearance of approximately 79.02 hectares of suitable koala habitat in this proposal, the proponent, Australian Resource Development Group Pty Ltd (ARDG) in its own assessment of Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, already identifies that this proposal will have a significant negative impact on the listed Koala population.

One of the conclusions of the Assessment for Serious and Irreversible Impacts on Biodiversity Values contained in the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) was that no koalas were seen breeding in the proposed quarry area and therefore the proposal is unlikely to interrupt Koala breeding. Koalas, however, have been observed and recorded in this area in surveys. Furthermore, the proposed quarry, resulting in the loss of approximately 79.02 hectares of known koala habitat will modify, destroy, isolate and decrease the availability of quality Koala habitat and irrevocably contribute to further Koala decline.

Conclusion

The first principle for assessment of this proposal must be whether “the impact will cause a further decline of the species or ecological community that is currently observed, estimated, inferred or reasonably suspected to be in a rapid rate of decline”. As stated above, the Koala is in a critical phase of decline nationally, Koalas in the Port Stephens LGA are in a critically rapid state of decline, and other wildlife species will be detrimentally affected if this proposal is accepted.

State Forest quarries must be ruled out.

I, Dr AnneMarie Clements, object to the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry Project hard rock quarry located within Wallaroo State Forest at Balickera, From the Australian Resource Development Group website (assessed 18 June 2023). The proposal is for the extraction, processing and transportation of approximately 1.5 million tonnes per year of quarry products from the site over a 30-year period.

Objection reason 1 – None of the products are from recycled material, nor from sustainable resources; all of the proposed quarry products are derived from virgin rock materials.
The proposed products are aggregates for concrete, High-PAFV (Polished Aggregate Friction Value) asphalt aggregates, sealing aggregates, gabions, Armourstone, road-base and crushed rock products.

Objection reason 2 – The proposal requires clearing of approximately 80 ha native vegetation. This vegetation is the known habitat of threatened entities listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and /or the Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 including:
• at least two endangered ecological communities of coastal floodplains and possibly Lower Hunter Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion. The BDAR fails to assess the presence of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion despite 45.63 ha of vegetation being mapped as PCT 1590 Spotted Gum - Broad-leaved Mahogany - Red Ironbark shrubby open forest;
• vulnerable listed orchid species, Pterostylis chaetophora (Rusty Greenhood orchid) and probably Corybas dowlingii (Red Helmet orchid). ;
• endangered listed Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus);
• vulnerable listed Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa);
• vulnerable listed Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis).

Objection reason 3 - Clearing of 80 ha of known habitat of iconic nationally significant species Koala is likely to lead to a Serious and Irreversible Impact, and place this species at risk of extinction.

Note: The koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) was listed as endangered on 12 February 2022.

Objection reason 4 – inadequate assessment of the cumulative impacts of quarries within the Wallaroo State Forest.

We are extremely worried about the effects of this quarry will have on our standard of living and health,we feel the dust will contaminate our drinking water and the surface runoff will affect the quality of water in our dams, noise impact from stone crushing is already impacting us from the existing quarry, especially for my husband as he is a shift worker, so having another directly opposite will be much worse! Our grandchildren also live on our property and their health and lifestyle should also be taken into account ,traffic is also another big issue! having lived on this property for over 40 years (which is part of a family property since the 1930s )we feel this project will be an intrusion of our lifestyles and the destruction of the natural environment in the forest opposite needs much closer scrutiny, on top of the above the wildlife in the area will be severely impacted by this encroachment! Should the project proceed we feel we are left with limited choices, 1 to sell up at a drastically reduced value (who wants to live in between two quarries?)or stay and succumb to the living and health problems mentioned above!

I object to this proposal for the following reasons.
1. This proposed, extensive annihilation of crucial habitat and biodiversity is senseless. Complete destruction of threatened ecological communities and displacement of all wildlife, especially endangered wildlife is irreversible.
2. The impact of the dust and associated health risks with reduced air quality will have a major impact on neighbouring communities and wildlife alike.
3. Noise from blasting & vibrations will also affect neighbouring communities and wildlife.
4. Increased traffic on already appalling roads will pose significant risks to all who use them, displaced wildlife are at greater risk of death
5. Pollution of surface and ground water will impose long term affects on the environment and again, will affect all wildlife.
And lastly, I oppose this because it’s a State Forest. It was declared a State Forest because it is a significant area - why destroy this significant area for another quarry??

I object to a forest being converted to a quarry.
Forests seem to be viewed as expendable, because no-one lives there and that are not private property. In fact the forest is home to thousands of animals that will likely die when the trees are cleared and the land becomes a hole.
I don't believe the proponent has shown the need for another quarry. There are already several in the area. Better they are exhausted before a new one is opened. Maybe in a decade or so a quarry will be desperately needed, or maybe by then, the value of habitat for Koalas and Squirrel Gliders and Threatened Ecological Communities will be worth more that any royalty gained from the rock.
Wallaroo forest is public land. The assets of the community should not be allowed to be exploited in this way for private profit. The Forestry Corporation has shown itself to be a poor manager of public land. It manages the rest of the native forest estate as a loss because the royalties of the wood are so low. If the true cost of the destruction to our catchments was factored in, this loss would be much much greater. So why would they manage this 'deal' any better, when it coming to the return to the public?
The site is known Koala habitat. Death of a thousand cuts for the Koala. With each arm of it's family tree that gets cut off, the likelihood it will survive in the wild diminishes. Every decision-maker that allows Koala homes to be bulldozed carries the weight of that decision as their legacy.
"What did you do to stop Koalas going extinct?" You either hurry it along or you slow it down.

The amount of wildlife to be slaughtered in the process of ripping down their habit will be critical to their numbers after having lost so many with the last fires. Our world depends on our animals, no the $ I object to the project!

I object to the proposal for the Stone Ridge Quarry Project (SSD-10432) for the following reasons.
• Loss of natural habitat and biodiversity (consider including details of endangered species included in the EIS). You can also find a copy of those listed on the Save Balickera Facebook page.
• Vastly increased traffic resulting in noise, road damage and safety implications
• Noise Vibration and dust from blasting and impact on buildings, animals and mental health.
• Loss of air quality and associated health concerns
• Pollution of surface and ground water
• Change to the ambience and character of rural living
• Loss of natural and cultural heritage
I also object for the loss of use for recreational and sporting reasons eg 4WD, dog tracking, motorbike riding, orientation, bush walking, and bird watching.
I would appreciate if you could please acknowledge receipt of this submission
Regards

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I wish to object to both the expansion of Borals Seaham Quarry and the establishment of the Stone Ridge Quarry.

My family have owned the property "Balicka", the name by which the surrounding area is now known, since the 1890's, and we do not wish to see the area with further degradation by quarry operations being further expanded and the quality of life that the family have enjoyed for the past approximately 130 years taken from us.

I feel your EIS and NIS reports seem to have been fabricated in a Sydney Office, how otherwise could you come to a conclusion that there are no known cattle and grazing lands in close proximity. From my great grandfather to my father, cattle grazing and breeding was their sole source of income with which they raised their families. My brother now continues this operation since my father's passing.

At day/night time while crushing is in operation the noise is clearly audible from our house, and that is while the ridge is still in existence at the Boral Quarry.

We and the local people along Italia Road are not in favour of these proposals and therefore our objections must be taken into account. Locals tend not to like outsiders coming into their environment and trying to run roughshod over their lives. I'm sure we've all seen these situations brought to the public's attention by media outlets such as the ABC's Four Corners program and others.

Let's hope a fresh look at these proposals can come to a better outcome for the local community that suits their wishes for a clean and protected state forest for all flora and fauna that inhabits this area.

Yours sincerely

Bob Kerr

28 years of my working life was spent in the Bitumen resurfacing, concrete and extractive industries in NSW, VIC and SA. During this period, I have witnessed many quarries reach the end of their extractive life without replacement. Mother nature does not always provide suitable rock sources that can provide high quality aggregates and crushed rock product that meet stringent State and Australian Standards test methods which are close to major transport routes and within a region with high infrastructure and building materials demand, however in this case all the boxes are ticked.
This is a long term, essential raw materials supply project which is extremely well positioned to minimise transport costs and provide the region with building and construction materials to facilitate the predicted growth of the region.

The social and environmental impacts of the proposal are far too significant to permit a quarry in the Wallaroo State Forest.

See detailed letter dated 19.07.2023

I object to the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry project. It's destroying the habitat for native animals you can't find anywhere else. And they could just find rock somewhere else, like a barren desert without much animal species instead of a lush state forest of plants, trees and animals. I am ten years old and I want to protect the native life we have. This is where I live and I want to protect my home and the koalas too.

I am writing to protest the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry inside the Wallaroo Stste ForestItalia Road Balickera.
This proposal will lead to the direct loss of about 80 hectares of state forest and the downgrading of another 60 to 70 hectares of the same forest with provision of roads and parking infrastructure.
I note there will be a significant impact on known and sighted Koala population in the vicinity. Other impacted species will be squirrel gliders, Phascogales and assorted birds, bats and numerous land dwelling reptiles.
Clearly there will be a significant impact on a range of flora including a number of native orchids. Other threatened ecological communities listed under to Biodiversity and Conservation Act ( BC )act.
Nationally listed endangered communities such as eucalypt floodplain and forested woodlands of NSW North Coast and SE Queensland are also to be cleared.
Why is a quarry sustainable in a state forest? Clearly State Forests are "guilding the lilly" on their submission. What financial benefit will State Forests receive from the Quarry? Certainly not from the clear felling of the timber!
There are a number of quarries which are less destructive than the one proposed for Stone Ridge. Lets actually decide to keep forests for what they are intended. Sustainable wood harvests, clean water and clean air.
Sincerely Bernard Griffin

I strongly object to this project proposal.

I am a local resident and a member of the following groups:
V.O.W.W. - Voice of Wallalong and Woodville Including localities of Rural West Ward
Koala Koalition EcoNetwork Port Stephens

I fully support and echo their reasons for objecting. Enough is enough in our area!

I object to this quarry being developed in a state forest that is part of precious and essential wildlife corridor.
However, if the DPE does recommend approval, then there are many conditions that must be applied. See the attached document for the details

Port Stephens Koala Hospital object in the strongest possible terms to the proposed greenfield 79-hectare Stone Ridge Quarry Project proposed for the Wallaroo State Forrest.
Abutting the Wallaroo National Park, it is difficult to imagine a project more destructive to virgin ecological habitat. It is vital to the survival of endangered and vulnerable wildlife resident in the proposed site, such as, but not confined to:
Koalas
Grey Headed flying fox
Swift Parrot
Spotted tailed quoll
Yellow Bellied glider
New Holland mouse
S.E. glossy black cockatoo
Powerful Owl
Brush Tailed Phascogale

During the Project staged clearing will occur for all vegetation including, but not confined to, native food and shelter trees:
Spotted gum
Red ironbark
Cabbage gum
White stringy bark
Smooth bark apple
Prickly leaf paperbark
Red mahogany
Brown stringy bark
Red bloodwood

This proposal, if approved in any form, will cause injury and death to displaced resident wildlife as a result of vehicle strike on Italia Rd Balickera, and the adjacent section of the Pacific Highway.

The Project, if approved in any form, poses an equally grave threat to critical connectivity between the Wallaroo State Forest and the Wallaroo National Park for wildlife.