Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

Please give this area a break. One of the most beautiful agricultural
areas in Australia and so pretty enticing tourists to share the beauty
we are lucky enough to have..focus on tourism.
Forget about all this mining (not saying we don't need it) but mine in
areas where the impact won't be so harsh on our infrastructure and
beauty.

I totally object to this sand quarry.
I live on Hanging Rock Road and I have been employed and supported by
our pure water industry for the last 25 years, an industry that we
founded and built.
My children grew up here and being both girls moved on.
We live in a most private and beautiful bushland setting, surrounded
with native wildlife of many kinds.
I have been very ill and hospitalised for weeks and now have come home
to hear of this massive quarry proposal not more than one kilometre to
the north east of my home.
If it is allowed to preceed it will ruin the lifestyle of Canyonleigh
and Hanging Rock Road.
They are a private profiteering group that want to swap our sand for
Sydney waste.
If Sydney badly need sand it has acess to huge quanities along the
Putty Road on crown land.
If the preposal is approved we must find out who else stands to profit
from it.
This preposal must be rejected.

I am objecting to the proposed Sand Mine Quarry in Sutton Forest.
The lowering of the Water table will have adverse affects on Bores
which local people depend on for agriculture - NO WATER, NO LIFE! As
well, the pollutants from the mine will flow into Long Swamp Creek
which flows into Warragamba Dam and hence Sydney Water Supply.
This being the driest continent on Earth, we need to conserve our
precious Water.

Dust from the Sand mind, due to the South to South Westely prevailing
winds, will cause Respiratory conditions such as Asthma and and Lung
Cancer.

The noise from blasting, the long line of trucks 24/7 on an already
busy Highway will further deter our visitors.

Southern Highlands is very reliant on Tourism, over two thousand job s
employing the locals. We dont want our beautiful landscape ruined and
resembling the Hunter Valley.

Not enough research has been done as to how we will be affected b;y
this mine, and I am asking the Planning Dept. to look further into the
environmental impact this will have on our beautiful Southern
Highlands.

I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed Sutton Forest Sand Quarry on
behalf of Birdlife Southern Highlands a branch of Birdlife Australia.
Birds are in our Nature: We are a group of individuals who have the
interests of our native birds as an important interest. We are
concerned that this report seems to completely over look the
importance of habitat for our native birds.
The data on the number of potentially endangered or vulnerable Birds
is troubling. It is insufficient to rely on data that was collected
over 5 years ago and primarily in the month of October which is not
the time of year that one would expect to find the Glossy Black
Cockatoo or the Gang- Gang Cockatoo in large numbers in the Southern
Highlands.
The surveys were conducted in October 2012 and the conclusion reached
"There is no reason to suggest that the fauna survey work carried in
2012 and 2013 does not remain relevant in 2016. [ even that is now 2
years out of date] Observations on the site in May 2016 by KMA found
that there had been no change in the habitats present."
As stated in the document "Threatened Biodiversity Survey and
Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Dec 2004).
"ideally, surveys would be undertaken during optimal climatic and
seasonal conditions.... The absence of a species from survey data does
not mean that it does not inhabit the survey area..."
The species of threatened [bird] likely to be in the area,... are also
able to be surveyed for all year round." "We do not believe that there
is any serious limitation to the flora or fauna surveys in terms of
seasonality"
This does not take into account the fact that Glossy Black Cockatoos
and Gang-Gang Cockatoos are mostly winter visitors to the region.
Also, the numbers of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos increases
substantially during the cooler winter months in the Highlands.
The following details on the Gang-Gang Cockatoo have been extracted
from the Office of Environment and Heritage website.
"Gang-Gang Cockatoos
Habitat and ecology
* In spring and summer, generally found in tall mountain forests and
woodlands, particularly in heavily timbered and mature wet sclerophyll
forests.
* In autumn and winter, the species often moves to lower altitudes in
drier more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly box-gum
and box-ironbark assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal areas and
often found in urban areas.
* May also occur in sub-alpine Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora )
woodland and occasionally in temperate rainforests.
* Favours old growth forest and woodland attributes for nesting and
roosting. Nests are located in hollows that are 10 cm in diameter or
larger and at least 9 m above the ground in eucalypts."
It seems to us, incongruous, that the Department of Planning and
Environment (Office of Environment and Heritage) in conjunction with
Wingecarribee Shire Council recently (April 2018) launched a State
Government sponsored programme to encourage local landowners to plant
Casuarina trees to provide an ongoing food source for the vulnerable
Glossy Black Cockatoo. When the very trees that are currently
providing a sustainable food source for these birds, within the area
identified for the proposed Quarry, will be destroyed if the Quarry is
allowed to proceed.
The crux of our objection is that to the extent that the surveys have
any validity, they were carried out over 5 years ago and were carried
out at the wrong time of the year to provide valid data for the Glossy
Black Cockatoo.
The concept that the removed trees would be replaced by new plantings
has no validity as these vulnerable birds require mature "fruiting"
trees to provide a food source.
As stated in the report there will be considerable noise, blasting and
dust created by the operation of this Quarry and this is not conducive
to providing a suitable habitat for our native vulnerable species.
The proposed Sutton Forest Sand Quarry proposed was only brought to
our attention last week and so, to meet the deadline for lodging an
objection, we have had insufficient time to consider it fully and to
consult with others, including experts at Birdlife Australia.
The proposed Quarry site with all its proposed destruction of native
flora and fauna is situated in a direct line with the recently
proclaimed Great Western Wildlife Corridor extending from Bullio to
the Morton National Park.
We reserve our right to make further submission once we have had
adequate opportunity to consider this proposal
We therefore object to this proposal.

I am really concerned with the proposed Sutton Forest Sand Mine. I am not
a weekender, I actually live in the area not too far from the proposed
mine site.
One of the points not really mentioned is the close proximity of an
easement carrying the Moomba-Sydney natural gas pipeline, plus the
water supply from Wingecarribee to Goulburn to provide Goulburn with
water in times of drought. I also believe there is a fibre-optic
communications cable in the easement as well. There is a serious risk
of damage to the pipes due to the effects of blasting.
The Hume Highway is already choked with traffic at peak times, adding
200 plus trucks a day to this can't be good. I have to wait up to 10
minutes sometimes, to get a break to cross the highway safely.
For the sake of our future, please do not allow this mine to proceed.

I strongly object to this project for a number of reasons but
unfortunately do not have the means to go into great detail at this
particular time. However,please find the following summary of my
opposition:
I own a property approximately 10 km from the proposed site and I have
LIVED here FULL TIME permanently for over ten years and before that
was a part time resident since the year 2000
My land is currently registered with the Wingecarribee local council
in it's Land for Wild life program. I am extremely concerned that this
proposal will have a significant detrimental impact not only to myself
but to also the local wildlife.
This relating to the noise, light and air pollution that will be
generated and it is not appropriate for this proposal to be situated
in the this area.
I am alarmed that the EIS submitted is of a flimsy nature and of a
total disregard to actual facts and of the need to provide evidence
that is accurate. I am surprised that it has even been accepted.
This proposed site is right in the middle of the wildlife corridor;
this cannot be approved.
The Southern Highlandds has a large and prosperous tourism industry
that will mean a loss of jobs that are far greater than the jobs
created by this site.
The impact of this mine on the local water supply is of great concern
and has not been properly investigated.
I reiterate that I am strongly opposed to this mine and that there is
enough evidence to justify this opposition to be of a factual reason
and not seen as an emotive response.

I am concerned we are entertaining a project that will endanger the
quality of our Water and Air, we depend on in the Southern Highlands.

This proposal is absolutely horrendous , it has total disregard for
the local Water we drink and the Air we breath.

As for the extra trucks moving through the area ( 400 trucks a day)
already the Highway is hazardous and costing lives.

Another Hunter Valley, no longer a place to visit, we here depend on
ongoing Tourism.

What will happen to the Hole generated by this proposal - a rubbish
dump for Sydney Waste,leaching pollutants into the Sydney Water
supply?.

Will future generations have to pay for the clean-up?.

Planning Services
Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001


Attention: Director-Resource Assessments


Dear Sir/Madam

RE: This is a submission on the Sutton Forest Quarry Project: EIS SSD
6334

I strongly object to this destructive mining project and I have
numerous concerns. This mine will ruin the peace, tranquillity and
spiritual serenity of our place of worship.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park" (Diocesan Shrine of the
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong), has been a place of worship since
1984. Thousands of devoted people and volunteers over the past 34
years, have built and beautified this place of pilgrimage. The Shrine
is a place of spirituality and devotion with local and international
significance, that brings pilgrims, families and communities together
to celebrate and share our faith. This place of peace and quiet will
be completely destroyed by the constant background noise, vibration
and pollution by this enormous mine, working 24 hours a day. How can
we possibly continue to have religious ceremonies, retreats, youth
camps, family picnics and other functions with this industrial noise
and destruction 120 metres from our grotto? There will be blasting and
dust pollution that will affect every person who comes here to worship
at or visit the Shine of Our Lady of Mercy. Are we all going to be at
risk of developing Silicosis lung disease, in the future from exposure
to the mine dust? We have many beautiful multicultural shrines, built
by numerous Australian communities of diverse backgrounds. We fear for
our health and existence here.

Environment

The unique beauty of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, is intrinsically
linked to its surrounding bush and wildlife. Everyone loves the
interaction with the kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and the
many bird species that share this space. This mine will deforest 63
hectares of native vegetation that is crucial to the wilderness
corridor, and these creatures' survival.

Water

Adjacent to our Shrine property perimeter, this mine will dig down 39
metres below the water table creating a pit over 47 hectares. A
serious volume of water will be removed from the aquifer and lower the
table that we rely on. Runoff and leaching from backfill will pollute
the adjacent Long Swamp, resulting in the permanent damage of the
Nepean/Sydney water catchment.

This proposal will destroy all what we love so much here at the Shrine
of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park". I urge the Department of Planning
and Environment and the NSW Government, to reject the Sutton Forest
Quarry Project immediately and never allow a project of this nature to
be considered again.

PS. I wish to maintain privacy in this submission from the
Department's website and I have not made a reportable political
donation.

I oppose this development on the grounds that it is in an inappropriate
location, being right along side Lond swamp creek. it is also the
gateway of the southern highlands. I do not want the Highlands to turn
into a dusty mining bowl. The Aquifer here is one of the purest in
NSW, and I dont want it destroyed by this sand mine.
I feel very strongly that the peace and serenity of the Shrine of Our
Lady of Mercy at Penrose Park should not be disturbed by industrial
noise, bulldozers and blasting!

19 June 2018


Planning Services
Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001


Attention: Director-Resource Assessments


Dear Sir/Madam

RE: This is a submission on the Sutton Forest Quarry Project: EIS SSD
6334

I strongly object to this destructive mining project and I have
numerous concerns. This mine will ruin the peace, tranquillity and
spiritual serenity of our place of worship.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park" (Diocesan Shrine of the
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong), has been a place of worship since
1984. Thousands of devoted people and volunteers over the past 34
years, have built and beautified this place of pilgrimage. The Shrine
is a place of spirituality and devotion with local and international
significance, that brings pilgrims, families and communities together
to celebrate and share our faith. This place of peace and quiet will
be completely destroyed by the constant background noise, vibration
and pollution by this enormous mine, working 24 hours a day. How can
we possibly continue to have religious ceremonies, retreats, youth
camps, family picnics and other functions with this industrial noise
and destruction 120 metres from our grotto? There will be blasting and
dust pollution that will affect every person who comes here to worship
at or visit the Shine of Our Lady of Mercy. Are we all going to be at
risk of developing Silicosis lung disease, in the future from exposure
to the mine dust? We have many beautiful multicultural shrines, built
by numerous Australian communities of diverse backgrounds. We fear for
our health and existence here.

Environment

The unique beauty of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, is intrinsically
linked to its surrounding bush and wildlife. Everyone loves the
interaction with the kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and the
many bird species that share this space. This mine will deforest 63
hectares of native vegetation that is crucial to the wilderness
corridor, and these creatures' survival.

Water

Adjacent to our Shrine property perimeter, this mine will dig down 39
metres below the water table creating a pit over 47 hectares. A
serious volume of water will be removed from the aquifer and lower the
table that we rely on. Runoff and leaching from backfill will pollute
the adjacent Long Swamp, resulting in the permanent damage of the
Nepean/Sydney water catchment.

This proposal will destroy all what we love so much here at the Shrine
of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park". I urge the Department of Planning
and Environment and the NSW Government, to reject the Sutton Forest
Quarry Project immediately and never allow a project of this nature to
be considered again.



PS. I wish to maintain privacy in this submission from the
Department's website and I have not made a reportable political
donation.

19 June 2018


Planning Services
Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001


Attention: Director-Resource Assessments


Dear Sir/Madam

RE: This is a submission on the Sutton Forest Quarry Project: EIS SSD
6334

I strongly object to this destructive mining project and I have
numerous concerns. This mine will ruin the peace, tranquillity and
spiritual serenity of our place of worship.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park" (Diocesan Shrine of the
Catholic Diocese of Wollongong), has been a place of worship since
1984. Thousands of devoted people and volunteers over the past 34
years, have built and beautified this place of pilgrimage. The Shrine
is a place of spirituality and devotion with local and international
significance, that brings pilgrims, families and communities together
to celebrate and share our faith. This place of peace and quiet will
be completely destroyed by the constant background noise, vibration
and pollution by this enormous mine, working 24 hours a day. How can
we possibly continue to have religious ceremonies, retreats, youth
camps, family picnics and other functions with this industrial noise
and destruction 120 metres from our grotto? There will be blasting and
dust pollution that will affect every person who comes here to worship
at or visit the Shine of Our Lady of Mercy. Are we all going to be at
risk of developing Silicosis lung disease, in the future from exposure
to the mine dust? We have many beautiful multicultural shrines, built
by numerous Australian communities of diverse backgrounds. We fear for
our health and existence here.

Environment

The unique beauty of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy, is intrinsically
linked to its surrounding bush and wildlife. Everyone loves the
interaction with the kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and the
many bird species that share this space. This mine will deforest 63
hectares of native vegetation that is crucial to the wilderness
corridor, and these creatures' survival.

Water

Adjacent to our Shrine property perimeter, this mine will dig down 39
metres below the water table creating a pit over 47 hectares. A
serious volume of water will be removed from the aquifer and lower the
table that we rely on. Runoff and leaching from backfill will pollute
the adjacent Long Swamp, resulting in the permanent damage of the
Nepean/Sydney water catchment.

This proposal will destroy all what we love so much here at the Shrine
of Our Lady of Mercy "Penrose Park". I urge the Department of Planning
and Environment and the NSW Government, to reject the Sutton Forest
Quarry Project immediately and never allow a project of this nature to
be considered again.

PS. I wish to maintain privacy in this submission from the
Department's website and I have not made a reportable political
donation.

Submission re Sutton Forest Sand Mine
As a resident of the Southern Highlands, I am very concerned re the
proposal to develop the Sutton Forest Sand Mine. I am concerned about
the potential of the mine to cause harm to the local natural
environment, the farming community, the local tourism industry and the
citizens of the Southern Highlands. The severity of the destructive
impact of this mine on the beautiful Southern Highlands should surely
convince the NSW Government that the Sutton Forest Sand Mine should
NOT be approved.
The concerns associated with this mine are as follows:
* This large sand mine will be excavated to a depth of 39 metres below
the current water table. As a result the water table, on which farmers
and locals depend for a living and for basic human needs, will be
lowered.
* Removal of sandstone which has a critical role in filtering water
and the dumping of 8 million cubic metres of Sydney fill into the pit
* The pollution and damage of Long Swamp and its aquifer which cleans
and supplies the Sydney Nepean water catchment by overflow, as well as
leaching and finings from the pit
* Prevailing winds will carry air born dust which will result in
adverse effects on health (asthma, silicosis, fibrosis, cancer).
* Sixty three acres of land will be cleared of native vegetation which
will severely damage the Great Western Wildlife Corridor and cause
harm to native flora and fauna, including endangered species.
* Additionally this critical habitat will be destroyed by 24/7 noise,
blasting and light pollution
* The peace and tranquillity of the Shrine of our Lade Mercy - Penrose
Park, which attracts 10,000 national and international tourists and
pilgrims annually, will be interrupted
* The entire destruction of the Remembrance Driveway memorial to Bruce
Kingsbury VC, a popular area which commemorates a heroic and esteemed
Australian.
* A dramatic daily increase of at least 400 heavy trucks on the Hume
Highway
* The Wingecarribee Council will be committed to the upkeep of a new
Hume Highway overpass plus local access road for a private business
I urge the NSW Government to put the wellbeing and best interests of
the local community before that of a private venture that will not
only bring no benefit, but actually cause significant harm, to the
local community and environment
I would strongly recommend that the proposal to the develop the Sutton
Forest Sand Mine be opposed by the Department and the NSW Government
Barbara McKendry
19/06/18

My opposition to the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal is based on many
issues. As a nurse I have a responsibility to the community and
therefore need to step up and object to this proposal. The health and
safety impacts are significant and cannot be ignored.
Pollution of our waterways as well as dust, noise and light pollution
will have a detrimental impact on those in the area and those in the
Sydney and surrounds.
There is a concern that the water run off and seepage at the site will
be polluted by the mine and its associated activities. In Australia,
our water supply is limited. The proposal to remove the topsoil and
dig out the sandstone aquifer severely compromises the water quality.
Stockpiles of soil, machinery leakages, accidents at the mine site,
fill from an unknown source all combine to threaten our precious
supply of water.
The cleared area of 63 hectares would see severe erosion of the soil
and run off into the nearby Long Swamp Creek. This creek and the
surrounding swamp land plays a vital roll in a supply of clean water
not just to the local area but to Sydney as well. In Australia, we
should be aiming to improve our water quality and not further
contaminate it. All too often mining or industrial accidents pose
serious environmental threats. The EIS does not adequately cover the
exact measures it will take to protect our water. It gives some very
hazy descriptions as to what might happen and what they might do about
it once it has happened. This is just not good enough. Don't allow
this mining company to move in and destroy yet another beautiful,
pristine and essential native area.
The health risks associated with dust pollution are numerous. The fact
that this proposal is for a sand mine as well as a rock crushing and
processing plant makes the situation even worse. It is inconceivable
that the local residents and the thousands of visitors to the Shrine
of Our Lady of Mercy be subjected to this air pollution. It clearly
states in the EIS, 5.9.4.5 that "... activities that involve cutting,
grinding or breaking of these materials can result in the liberation
of particles in multiple size ranges". This is a rural area where
people come for the clean fresh air not to breathe in the dust created
by the mine. The fact that the company would `employ a number of best
practice mitigation measures on site' indicates that there will be air
quality issues that will be of concern. Why is it that large
corporations think they have the right to dictate to others how clean
the air they breathe will be?
In the course of my day to day work I spend a considerable time on the
road. Safety is also a major concern in regards to traffic in the mine
site area. I regularly travel on the Hume Highway and The Great
Western Highway and other roads in and around Sydney. Large numbers of
trucks on the road undoubtedly increase the risks of fatalities.
On my regular trips out of Sydney I have witnessed accident scenes
where trucks have collided with other trucks or cars or have run off
the road.. Over the years, I have noticed a huge increase in the
number of trucks on the road as well as accidents involving trucks.
Accidents involving trucks have a high fatality rate. Even if the mine
drivers are tested for safety, there are insufficient checks on other
truck drivers that use the Hume to ensure that they will share the
road in an acceptable manner with the extra few hundred trucks a day.
The demanding hours of work for truck drivers cause driver fatigue
leading to poor decision making. This poses a huge threat to this
already busy and notoriously dangerous section of The Hume Highway.
The proposal states an extra an 300 a day of heavy trucks exiting on
to the Hume Highway. I know this section of road well. The combination
of the lack of visibility from the south, the trucks merging onto the
highway and the vehicles slowing, changing lanes and exiting from the
Highway at the Sally's Corner service centre (all done within 500m.)
is a disaster waiting to happen . Do not let this be a `we'll wait and
see' how many people are injured or killed there before some action is
taken. As I stated earlier, I'm a nurse. It is my role to be an
advocate for people's health and safety.

I am very saddened to see that this mine proposal will be responsible
for irreversible environmental damage. Thirty years worth of
destruction of this native habitat, in an area that has been
identified as a wildlife corridor is not acceptable. By clearing 63
hectares of native bush you undoubtedly harm the native flora and
fauna, including endangered species. Noise, blasting and light
pollution will severely affect our native animals natural patterns for
survival.
This article says it all
http://theconversation.com/land-clearing-isnt-just-about-trees-its-an-animal-welfare-issue-too-80398
We, our government and the Australian people need to be doing more to
protect our native species rather than being a major cause of their
decline. Responsibility is needed by the Government and a firm NO must
be given to this ill thought out proposal that puts individual wealth
and convenience head of conservation.

As I stated earlier, I'm a nurse. It is my role to be an advocate for
people's health and safety. This mine proposal is an entirely
unacceptable proposition. Put the health and well being of all
Australians first.

Your project is damaging to the Environment and will permanently affect
the water resource and make it impossible for rehabilitation
as well as jeapordising the health of residents.

I support the Sutton Forest Quarry Project.

I am a life time local resident in Moss Vale. The project presents as
well planned. The project will be beneficial to the local, state and
federal economy. The project will also provide necessary construction
material resources into the construction market.

Our essential water, on what ALL our systems rely on, or some money into
the profits of a small few?

Easy answer if you ask anyone who isn't profiting off this one.
I'm surprised that organisations like Sydney Water aren't following
this yet!

I attended a public meeting about the proposed Sutton Forest sand mine on
15 June. I am very concerned about the proposed mine with its huge
potential for destruction and detrimental effects on both the
immediate area and on the entire Southern Highlands.

The risks of enormous damage to the environment including a critical
piece of wildlife corridor and habitat for both wildlife and humans,
effects on the watertable and significant swamp and aquifers which
feed into the Sydney-Nepean water catchment, and the noise, blasting,
light pollution and dust blowing over the entire Southern Highlands
are totally unacceptable.

The proposed mine will have major adverse effects on the quality of
life in the Southern Highlands for residents and the large number of
visitors to the region as well as wildlife. A massive industrial
development such as this is totally inconsistent with and a real
threat to the peace and tranquility of a beautiful natural area that
is home to many residents and a refuge for Sydney-siders.

I strongly urge the government to reject this proposal
Yours sincerely

I was so disappointed to hear that there is a large sand quarry proposed
near my mum's property in Sutton Forest. Although I live in Melbourne,
I visit mum's farm often for some time out. I have some serious mental
health issues including depression and anxiety and respond well when I
go to rest at mum's property. I'm worried that the extra noise
(particularly from explosives), traffic and light pollution is going
to impact on my recovery. I also understand that the water may be
affected. I love that animals like kangaroos, possums and wombats come
to visit. I also love all the beautiful birds, the cockatoos, the
crimson and king parrots and eastern rosellas. I'm worried this will
all be lost. Please don't let this mine go ahead!

I have just heard from my very dear friend that lives in Sutton Forest,
about the proposed quarry/mine. As a frequent visitor to there I am
appalled that this would even be considered and thats without taking
into consideration the knock on effect something of that size would
have to the local environment and the Sydney water! You have to stop
this going ahead; it would be a long term disaster!

As a regular (twice a year and often at Xmas time) visitor to the
Southern Highlands and Sutton Forest, I have to object to the proposed
quarry and mine! I find it incomprehensible that such a fragile,
beautiful place would be even considered for such a beautiful spot.
Surely they can mine our deserts or even Kurnell where the refinery is
closing and there is sand galore! To then consider filling the
holes/pits with any sort of product other than that being taken out is
madness; it will cause endless environmental problems.