Stone Ridge Quarry Project

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.

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.

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.

I am making this submission as a close neighbour to the proposed project, identified as residential receptor R13. I work in construction in the local area and I understand the dire need for quarry material in the area.

My partner and I operate a dairy goat dairy and also have breeding cattle and horses on our property. This has not been identified in the blast impact assessment .
We have invested a considerable amount of time and money over the past 10 years focusing on importing top goat genetics out of the United States and as a result have a long list of clients eager to purchase yearly prodigy, our main concerns with the development is the impact it will have on our animals, I understand testing and calculations have been completed and ground vibrations, noise and dust will all be within Australian standards however it is still of major concern, especially during kidding and calving season when the animals are heavily pregnant.

I also ride my horses ( 4-5 times per week) in the state forest and adjoining national park, including using the tracks that traverse the proposed development. Attached is a typical ride that I complete weekly. I often come across other horse riders, people bushwalking, orientating club events, 4WD drivers and motor bike riders. As a loss of trails and forest to users I feel the development and state forest should put something back into the forest community, weather it be funding for a car park to be created big enough for cars with horse floats and trailers adjacent to Nine mile creek road, funding to clean up and possibly create eco toilets at the area known as “the Common” and funding and providing materials to repair the fire trail network throughout the state forest, as if a bushfire was to start, I feel in the trails current state, access by fire brigades would be near impossible.
The blast impact assessment also states the evacuation of near by residents but fails to discuss how it will manage the risk of fly rock during blasts to forest users who may be in close proximity during blast periods.
I feel the traffic management proposal is sufficient and I really hope Transport for NSW prioritises their plans for an overpass.
I am neither against or for the development, my hope is that if it is approved the above mentioned concerns are addressed and there is on going communication between the local residents and the operators.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this State Significant Development in Port Stephens. The number and size of the documents provided for comment are such that I am not in the position to address every part of this project proposal. The lack of comment on aspects of the proposal therefore does not automatically indicate support for statements made.

This looks like a prime example of 'development at all costs'. At the cost of the environment, at the cost of the local community's health and wellbeing, and at the cost of local road infrastructure not equipped to deal with increased traffic. What has happened to “Sustainable Forest Management?”

Since coming to live in Port Stephens 6 years ago, I have found that there continue to be an endless number of rock quarries (and sand mines) being expanded or commenced in the Port Stephens LGA. At the same time, residential developments have also been expanding such as in Medowie, and there is a flourishing tourism industry throughout this LGA. These heavy extractive industries are not compatible with our residential towns, villages and holiday destinations, located in close proximity.
This week the Brig O’Johnston Bridge in Clarence Town was closed due to damage by an over-sized truck, severely inconveniencing the locals and a repair bill yet unknown. There are already too many large trucks on roads, intersections and bridges that were never designed to carry them. One truck can do as much damage to a road surface as 10,000 light vehicles.

The construction of roads, railways, ports, bridges, power stations, wind and solar farms, power lines, pipelines etc uses a huge quantity of concrete, steel, timber, rock, sand and precious minerals. There was a lack of forward planning by the previous State Government with an unprecedented number of infrastructure projects being rolled out. I had (have) great hope that the new Labor Government will look to more sustainable options especially in the Hunter Region which is proud to be a leader in the move to renewables and other new technologies. When is the Government going to provide more support to enterprises to develop sustainable industries based on a circular economy?

Continuing to destroy state forests and other natural sites to quarry for rock, sand or other natural resources is not sustainable. There are new or alternative technologies available to build roads and other infrastructure using materials such as Recycled Asphalt Pavement which can be easily and cheaply added to road mixes, reducing emissions and material use. Recycled plastic waste, used printer cartridges and many options already exist that do not damage the earth and its inhabitants.

The impact of ‘neighbours’ such as noisy and dusty quarries on people's mental health is not widely documented but I believe we should not underestimate how stress can lead to chronic health problems. Surely one of the responsibilities of state forest management is to take into account the adverse effects on the local community? Such large-scale extractive industries appear to take precedence over people's lives and that of the natural environment that sustains flora and fauna.

It astounds me that in this day and age, yet another rock quarry of this magnitude in Port Stephens would even be considered in an area known for its koala population and other threatened species utilising the forest as a wildlife corridor as well as adding extra truck movements to an already inadequate road network. Surely it is at odds with many State and Local Government initiatives such as koala protection, tourist development and road safety?

I am totally opposed to yet another quarry in this region especially one in a state-owned forest intended for public recreational purposes and as a safe place for threatened species.

I respectfully urge the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to REJECT the Stone Ridge proposal to extract up to 1.5 million of hard rock from the Wallaroo State Forest site.
If the proposal is accepted, it will result in numerous major environmental impacts, specifically:
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.
3. It will further endanger the already critically-endangered Koala population in the proposed quarry area.
As a volunteer at Port Stephens Koala Hospital I witness at first hand the appalling physical and mental injuries and suffering caused to the local Koala population by the mindless destruction of their habitat, as well as from motor vehicles and industy. It is a fact that the state’s Koala population has already been decimated, and is rapidly headed for extinction.
No more excuses: State Forest quarries like Stone Ridge cannot proceed.

For the attention of: Director – Energy and Resource Assessments, NSW Planning
I am writing to express my objection to the proposal of the Stone Ridge Quarry Project – SSD-10432.
My main concern is the 79.2 hectares of precious koala habitat that will be destroyed if this project goes ahead. Koalas are on the verge of extinction.
Not only will koalas be affected so will squirrel gliders, brush-tailed phascogales, as well as threatened species of birds, bats and orchids which have been identified on/near the development site.
I honestly believe that this site is unsuitable and not only because of the impact it will have on our already threatened species, Stone Ridge Quarry is not a sustainable development considering it will only create 10-15 jobs which will not outweigh the cost to the local communities of Balickera, Nine Mile Creek and surroundings.

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.
Regards

Please see my attachment.

I object to the proposal for the Stone Ridge Quarry Project (SSD-10432) for the following reasons:
- Potential loss of natural habitat for vulnerable species particularly the Koala and Brush-tailed Phascogale
- Potential impact to threatened microbats in the nearby Balickera Tunnel
- Potential impact to Aboriginal Heritage identified within the boundaries of the site
- Significant negative impact to nearby residents and commuters that use Italia Road, due to the dangers of high volume heavy vehicle road movements particularly at the intersection with the Pacific Highway. The current levels of movement from the operating Boral Quarry already create dangerous situations when leaving the Boral site and queuing at the intersection to enter the Pacific Highway especially when heading South. The trucks create significant damage to the road (Italia Rd near the Pacific Highway was resurfaced a couple of years ago and is already showing extensive signs of failure) which can cause damage to vehicles. The trucks are extremely noisy using exhaust brakes and empty trailers bumping over the numerous potholes. Lastly, they can flick up rocks that cause windscreen damage.
- The area is rural in nature and this project along with others being considered will negatively impact the rural feel if it subject to a significant increase in truck movements along with the potential dust and noise impacts from the quarry operations.
I confirm that I have not made any political donations in the last two years.

I object to the proposal to establish a quarry at Stone Ridge, Balickera.

My concerns include:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:-
Our native forests are remnants of the original cover. We are battling to protect habitat not only for the iconic koala but for many other species of endangered animals, birds, plants and insects. State Forests are a valuable resource, sustainable, but not when the vegetation is permanently removed. To clear nearly 80 hectares of prime, unburnt koala habitat is a huge blow to biodiversity in this Lower Hunter ecological community.
What allowance has been made for wildlife corridors?

TRAFFIC:-
There are multiple quarries in this vicinity, including sand and rock, and already a large volume of heavy transport on the roads. The cumulative effect of increased traffic will have a deleterious impact on not only the immediate residents but on surrounding communities of the rapidly expanding Lower Hunter Valley.

AMENITY OF RESIDENTS;-
The effects of blasting, noise and vibration, and particularly the problem of DUST , affect the health and well-being of local residents.

I object to this proposal of yet another quarry as being unnecessary, inappropriate and destructive.

See attached.

Please find attached my objection to the Stone Ridge Quarry Proposal

See attached

I have deep concerns and objection to the proposed quarry at Italia Road, Balickera. The extraction of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum of hard rock from the site over a 30 year period will have vastly more negative impacts than positive for people and nature, and future generations.

While I acknowledge the need for construction materials, I believe there are alternative solutions that should be considered before proceeding with this project. In this day and age we don’t need to be extracting more natural resources for economic and development means. Instead, we should be looking to innovative and climate-positive solutions for construction materials. Coal-ash waste can be used for manufacturing concrete and road base. We have an abundance of coal-ash waste of over 200 million tonnes in NSW, which is not only polluting the Lake Macquarie estuary, but also posing a threat to sediment, groundwater, and aquatic species. Let’s clean this up and put the waste to good use. This is a valuable opportunity to reduce pollution and environmental impact while simultaneously meeting our construction material requirements.

The project area in Wallaroo State Forest is home to a diverse range of threatened species, including the Squirrel Glider, Brush-tailed Phascogale, and Koala, all of which have been observed in the vicinity. The overlapping of all three types of "Climate Corridors" across this State Forest signifies the importance of the area for these species as they navigate through changing climatic conditions. The proposed quarry operations would disrupt their habitats, obstructing their movement and exacerbating the threats they already face due to climate change.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acknowledges that the project is likely to have a significant impact on the Koala and the Grey-headed Flying-fox, both of which are already classified as threatened species. Additionally, the EIS suggests that other threatened species, such as the Swift Parrot, Spotted-tailed Quoll (southeastern mainland population), Yellow-bellied Glider (southeastern), New Holland Mouse, and South-eastern Glossy Black Cockatoo, may also be adversely affected by the project. Considering the importance of protecting these species and their habitats, it is crucial to prioritise their conservation over short-term industrial interests. The potential long-term consequences of disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems and the cumulative impact on these vulnerable species cannot be understated.


I urge you to reconsider the proposal to extract hard rock from the Forestry site at Italia Road, Balickera. I strongly believe that exploring alternative solutions should be given precedence. We must prioritise the protection of our environment and the conservation of our threatened species, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will give careful consideration to the objections raised.

Sincerely,
Danielle Coleman

Please see objection attachment.

Please register my strong objection to the planned Stone Ridge Quarry proposed to be located within State Forest at Balickera, NSW. I make this objection on behalf of the Kerr family, owners of the historic property ‘Balickera’ since the 1890s. ‘Balickera’ is a direct neighbour to the existing Boral quarry (also proposed for significant enlargement) and located within close proximity to the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry. ‘Balickera’ has historical significance as one of the original land grants in the district, featuring a sandstone homestead dating back to the 1820s.
Aboriginal heritage: Investigation of soil extracted during replacement of power poles on the ‘Balickera’ property in recent years demonstrated evidence of historical Aboriginal habitation in this area.
The present Boral quarry operations already create significant environmental damage, noise and vibration pollution and traffic congestion where Italia Road joins the highway. The proposed Stone Ridge Quarry will greatly exacerbate those adverse effects, particularly if coupled with an extension to the Boral Quarry which will remove the ridgeline which presently stands between that quarry and our home. That ridgeline acts as a visual and partial sound and dust buffer between the existing Boral quarry and the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry and our property. Its removal would render Balickera homestead unliveable and the property unsaleable.
Creation of the large Stone Ridge Quarry would obliterate a significant wildlife and flora habitat, particularly if coupled with removal of the existing ridgeline by the proposed Boral Quarry extension. These quarries would completely destroy the bushland landscape of that end of the valley. Instead of the outlook over bush-covered hills which is presently enjoyed by those who live and drive along Italia Road, an enormous open-cut scar would dominate the vista. In addition to the visual catastrophe created by creation of the Stone Ridge Quarry, there would be nothing to buffer the noise and dust from the quarry workings for all those living between the Williams River and Italia Road. The noise from the Boral quarry workings is already very audible, and particularly noticeable at night, for those living in the immediate vicinity. Creation of the Stone Ridge Quarry, particularly if coupled with Boral’s proposed removal of the adjacent ridgeline, would exacerbate that noise to an intolerable extent, particularly as the Boral quarry extension proposal features 24 hour operation. Additionally, the ridgeline that would be mined by the Stone Ridge Quarry and the Boral Quarry extension presently deflects highway noise that would otherwise carry straight into the valley.
The proposed Stone Ridge Quarry site lies squarely within the Hunter Water catchment area which feeds Grahamstown Dam. The Balickera channel and Balickera pumping station occupy land resumed from the Kerr family property in 1960, and our location within the catchment area requires us not to undertake activities which might adversely affect water quality within the catchment. The effects of the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry (and Boral Quarry extension) on water quality (ground water and run-off) within this part of the catchment should be subject to the same stringent controls.
State Significant Development (SSD) projects typically involve undertaking assessments of:
• Aboriginal heritage
• Historical heritage
• Noise and vibration
• Air quality and greenhouse gas
• Traffic
• Biodiversity
• Surface water
• Ground water
• Land and soils
• Social
• Visual amenity
In all those categories, the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry will have significant adverse effects.
Please acknowledge receipt of this formal objection to the Stone Ridge Quarry Project by return email.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Kerr

Hello, I strongly object to the proposed Stonewall Ridge Quarry project. Our natural habitat is far more important than any quarry.

I object to this quarry going ahead. Wallaroo state forest is a corridor for koalas, and other precious species, such as the squirrel glider and the brush tailed phascogale. I don’t believe this project has been considered through an environmental analysis point of view. And if it has, the arguments work against it.
Through this climate crisis, it’s important we value our biodiversity. Species of plants and animals are continuously declining while we could be supporting their habitat, and their survival, and helping them to thrive even!
In addition to this being impactful on flora and fauna, this will also greatly impact the surrounding area for residents of the region, and the community’s health impacts at large.
Italia road is a well-used road from Seaham and Clarence Town to the Pacific Highway. There are people who live in this region and commute to Newcastle and the surrounding region.
This large increase in trucks hauling with greatly decrease the desire for families to live in this region. With heavy machinery breaking up the ground and picking up dust, the air quality will decline. Asthma and allergies become a health risk for children and families living in regions where these large-scale mining operations take place.
I simply do not support this quarry going ahead.

I ask that we have a community meeting with the local Worimi Elders
with an open heart and mind to learn and understand their traditional cultural position on
this proposal and their foresight of the fate for this part of Balickera Forest and how that
relates to traditional Aboriginal Culture.

OBJECTION LETTER :STONE RIDGE QUARRY PROJECT (SSD-10432)

I strongly object to the Stone Ridge Quarry project. This proposal would have such a negative impact on the landscape and community. We know the negative impacts of quarrying (Boral) we DO NOT want more.

My objections are:

* Blasting: the reverberations affects all buildings on our property, everything shakes.

* Noise:  not only the above mentioned but the constant noise of the machinery crushing the rock is heard quite clearly inside the house not to mention outside and into the night.

* Stress:  noise affects our sleep thus increasing our stress levels.

* Dust: air quality from earth works and blasting dust in our homes and on our roofs which then ends up in our water tanks. Silicosis.

* Water quality: see above. The water table being effected by the blasts/excavating.

*Increased truck traffic, heavy vehicle traffic adding to congestion , noise and funnily enough poor air quality. Entry and existing the highway will be death defying.

* Hunter Water Catchment setting up Solar farm, concerns that dust will impact their solar production and secondly that the water supply will be compromised by dust.

* Environmental: the impact on the voiceless native animals and trees, well, it is priceless and in this day and age where we are trying to look after the planet they are discarded, easily dispensable. Shameful.

* Cattle/Livestock: our cattle are subjected to all of the above, excessive noise, earthing moving blasts, poor air quality.

* Significant Native trees and  indigenous sites are at danger.

Regards,