Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

Re Sutton Forest Sand Quarry (SSD - 6334). OBJECTION
I note to date there are 441 objections to this project. I also note there are 7 in support however 1 of which seems to defend religious freedom. The remaining 6, for whatever reason, have exercised their right to anonymity.
I have many environmental, ecological, cultural, religious, traffic movement and manufacturing efficiency (read - common sense) issues for which I reserve the right to extrapolate on, following this brief 28 day Submission Period.
However at this time I ask you as my elected advocating body to be reminded of the callous actions of a Western Australian Mining Company regarding destruction of our country's priceless indigenous heritage just a few years ago. It is the responsibility of us all not to less this , in any magnitude, happen again.
Somewhat ironically I am currently preparing a submission to another of your/my Government's Departments - Local Land Services. My property, as well as other adjacent properties, are deemed to be eligible for the 'Koala Habitat Restoration and Protection Grant'. All properties neighbouring the area and directly affected by the mines environmental and ecological destruction are in the 'Areas of Regional Koala Significance' (ARKS).
Finally, for now, I question the integrity of a Mining Corporation/Company with a history of 'flaunting the system', accruing 24 EPA penalties in NSW and 33 new EPA charges in Victoria. I implore you as DPE, my advocate, not to entrust such a body to start mining and then basically self regulate the control and mitigation of silica dust, noise and pillaging of any environment.
Fred Latham
(Resident 32 Hanging Rock Rd Sutton Forest.)

Destruction of environment with potential detriment to Sydney water supply along with impact to the wildlife corridor from Blue Mountains to South Coast

There are so many objects to this submission but the key ones include:
There are major environmental concerns, this sand mine will
- impact the biodiversity in the area
- impact the corridor in which wildlife travel through as part of their migration and abilities to access food.
- impact the water table and not only impact local residents but any one in the great area that access this water system.
- cause dust pollution impacting the local home but impacting the air quality in the area and with multiple schools and early learning centres near by impact child who may already have respiratory issues.

How can government be so narrow minded short sighted in regards to the long term environmental and health impacts this will have? The financial gains that some corporation wants to make will not offset these long term impacts.

Attached is a letter of concern on behalf of four members of the Sutton Forest and Southern Highlands community who do not have easy access to internet or capacity to provide a submission individually. Their names and contact addresses are included in the letter for information.

It is both a submission objecting this proposal and an 'Open Letter to the Prime Minister, Federal Opposition Leader, NSW Premier and NSW Opposition Leader'.

I oppose this mining project as it jeopardizes the well-being of my family in this picturesque region. Concerns include environmental harm from water runoff, endangering a vital wildlife corridor, threatening the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, risking health through pollution, affecting Sydney's water catchment, and disturbing indigenous heritage. Additionally, the plan poses risks like noise, vibration, and traffic safety issues, while nearby sand mines already meet demand.
Thanks
Simon

see attachment

I strongly object to the project for the reasons below:

# environmental destruction through water runoff and aquifer pollution,
# location at the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a region targeted for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, which is listed as a threatened ecosystem.
#endangering threatened fauna and flora species identified on site and surrounds,
air and water pollution with serious health, farming and environmental consequences,
polluting the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment,
#Long term health risks to neighbouring and Highlands residents from dust through mining and high-grade silica rock processing and transporting,
#disturbing on-site indigenous heritage rock-cave art, deemed highly significant by the OEH and local indigenous communities
#Pollution damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solar panels and residences,
removal of sandstone with its critical role in the ground water hydrology of the wider area,
lowering water table an undetermined and unpredictable amount affecting local water supplies,
noise, vibration and light pollution.
#24/7 disturbing the peace and tranquillity of local residents, wildlife and The Shine of Our Lady of Mercy, a large church and monastery on the mine boundary,
traffic safety and danger with up to 344 trucks a day (250 average), 24/7 for the next 30 years leaving and entering the Hume Highway,
the visual horror of a 110-hectare pit replacing native bushland and farmland,
there is no need for this mine as nearby Green Valley sand mine extracts token amounts just to keep its licence active.
Also the mine company “Hi-Quality” has an appalling record with 24 EPA NSW penalties and, now that it has established in Victoria, it and the company director, Patrick Hallinan, already face 33 new EPA charges. This is not a fit and proper operator that can be trusted to abide by governing regulations. Please stop this immediately.

Please find my attached submission

This project will have a devastating environmental impact. The project has already been rejected. It should be rejected again as there is no compelling reason for it to go ahead in circumstances where we need to prioritise the preservation of wildlife and vegetation in this area.

I support this project

I strongly OPPOSE the proposed sand mine at Sutton Forest. This rural area contains residences, small farms, state
forests and places of worship and I cannot agree to the ecology of the area being seen as secondary to the
destructive mining process.

I also fear that the extra trucks on the road will make this a very accident prone area.

The removal of sandstone and its critical geological role in filtering water will affect the purity of water not just in
the area but the water flowing into the Nepean Catchment area which forms part of The Sydney water supply. We
should be confident that our water supply remains clean and free from contaminants and should not be under any
threat at all from man-made contamination and/or disruption. There are always mishaps that are a threat to our environment and therefore this area should not be risked or mistreated.

The increase in heavy trucking on the Hume Highway will cause additional stress on an already busy and dangerous road. As a frequent user of this highway I have seen the difficulties faced especially by motor-bike riders when travelling around long trucks especially. In congested traffic, trucks tend to change lanes without warning and are not often aware there is a bike in their blind spot. An increase in heavy, sand laden trucks will certainly increase this risk for motor-bike riders and also for other motorists.
That part of the Highway is notorious for truck accidents. South of the truck exit onto the highway there is a slight incline where trucks, cars and motorbikes speed up there doing at least 110km/hour. The trucks would exit in between this incline and the Sally’s Corner Service Centre where vehicles slow to change lanes and exit the Highway. An extra 300 trucks a day exiting onto the
Highway and increasing speed as cars slow and change lanes to exit puts the lives of all motorists at risk. This should
not be considered a safe exit for trucks. It might look a really easy solution on paper but in reality it is very dangerous.

The Monastery at Penrose Park is also under threat from this proposal. Why is there no consideration that this is a sacred place for
thousands of people?? How can a mining company put in a proposal to create a huge mine with all its associated noise, air and water pollution so close to an established place of worship?? I strongly object to a well established, place (viewed as sacred by so many local, national and international visitors) being regarded as secondary over a mining company's commercial interests . This is not an acceptable place for a sand mine.

We live in the Southern Highlands and moved here from Melbourne 2.5 year ago due to the counttry atmosphere and the relaxed pace of life. We breathe fresh air here, enjoy all the bush amenities in the area and visit wineries and other tourist attractions. All
this would change if this proposal goes ahead and I am very concerned about the effects of mining on tourism in the area. The local livelihoods are not just the farmers but local business owners all of which would be under threat from the air, water and noise pollution created by the proposed mine. It would not be unreasonable to assume that vistor numbers to the Southern Highlands would also drop off considerably thereby having a detrimnental effect on local businesses.

This proposal should be rejected outright. The Southern Highlands is not the place for a huge sand mine as it is residential rural country and should remain that way.

Please refer attached Letter

I am writing to express my vehement opposition to the proposed Sutton Forest sand mine, a project that resurfaces after five years of community resistance. As an expert in New South Wales land law, I find it imperative to address the numerous concerns surrounding this venture, which threatens our community's environment, biodiversity, and overall well-being.

The scale of the proposed mine is staggering, intending to clear 110 hectares of precious native bushland and delve 60 meters below ground level, reaching well below the water table. This extensive excavation plan raises immediate red flags, particularly considering the environmental implications, including water runoff, aquifer pollution, and the endangerment of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor and Long Swamp ecosystem.

The proposed sandstone processing plant, operating incessantly for 30 years, presents alarming risks such as air and water pollution, jeopardizing the health of residents, local farms, and the Sydney water catchment area. The potential disruption to indigenous heritage rock-cave art further accentuates the cultural and environmental recklessness of this project.

Hi-Quality, the company behind the proposal, carries a troubling record with 24 EPA NSW penalties. Recent developments in Victoria, where the company and its director face 33 new EPA charges, underscore their questionable commitment to adhering to governing regulations. Trusting such an entity to execute a project of this magnitude poses a substantial risk to our community.

Moreover, the environmental damage, noise pollution, and visual degradation caused by the proposed mine are wholly incompatible with the rural-residential nature of the Southern Highlands. The mine's colossal size, surpassing even established operations, raises the question of necessity, especially when a nearby sand mine, Green Valley, merely extracts token amounts to maintain its license.

In conclusion, the Sutton Forest sand mine, led by Hi-Quality, poses an imminent threat to the ecological integrity of our community. As we witnessed in 2018, united community opposition can effectively challenge such projects. I urge you to consider the comprehensive array of concerns presented and act in the best interest of the Southern Highlands, safeguarding our environment and future generations.

Sincerely

Andy

environmental destruction through water runoff and aquifer pollution,
location at the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a region targeted for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, which is listed as a threatened ecosystem.
endangering threatened fauna and flora species identified on site and surrounds,
air and water pollution with serious health, farming and environmental consequences,
polluting the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment,
long term health risks to neighbouring and Highlands residents from dust through mining and high-grade silica rock processing and transporting,
disturbing on-site indigenous heritage rock-cave art, deemed highly significant by the OEH and local indigenous communities
pollution damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solar panels and residences,
removal of sandstone with its critical role in the ground water hydrology of the wider area,
lowering water table an undetermined and unpredictable amount affecting local water supplies,
noise, vibration and light pollution. 24/7 disturbing the peace and tranquillity of local residents, wildlife and The Shine of Our Lady of Mercy, a large church and monastery on the mine boundary,
traffic safety and danger with up to 344 trucks a day (250 average), 24/7 for the next 30 years leaving and entering the Hume Highway,
the visual horror of a 110-hectare pit replacing native bushland and farmland,
there is no need for this mine as nearby Green Valley sand mine extracts token amounts just to keep its licence active.
The mine company “Hi-Quality” has an appalling record with 24 EPA NSW penalties and, now that it has established in Victoria, it and the company director, Patrick Hallinan, already face 33 new EPA charges. This is not a fit and proper operator that can be trusted to abide by governing regulations.

This is being done to our beautiful Southern Highlands by a Sydney developer without benefit to our community and only damage to our environment. A mine like this has no place in any environmentally sensitive or populated area.

This proposal raised significant community concerns when it was first lodged in 2018, and there does not appear to be any significant change in the proposal. It is planned to clear about 110 hectares of bushland which will destroy significant endangered flora and fauna, as well as possibly threatening the environmentally important Long swamp ecosystem. There will also be significant human impacts with up to 344 trucks per day as well as the excavation producing dust, noise, vibration and light pollution. It is expected that there will be significant pollution damage to surrounding bushland and residences.
The proponent has a very poor track record of environmental compliance and assurances from them cannot therefore be relied on.
If the proposal were to be seriously considered it should only be after all environmental conditions are properly specified and after commencement these are independently and publicly monitored. Any breach of these conditions should be treated as a strict liability offence which then triggers an immediate shutdown of the operation and the transfer of all assets to the community.

I object to the Sutton Forest Sand Quarry development strongly. I live in the UK with my wife and two children (2.5 years old and 3 months old) but when I am back in Australia it is to stay in Sutton Forest where I have friends and family. Specifically around Hanging Rock Road. I strongly oppose the development because of what it will do to traffic and risks to my family around that (heavy vehicles, pollution, noise), as well as quarry noise, sand and dust disturbance in the air and risks to water quality in this area which is so special and close to Sydney. A wonderful feature of this area is also the unique Australian fauna (including Kangaroos and Koalas) which will surely be disturbed and displaced by such a big project. The idea that this area should be developed for quarry is wrong and disproportionate – it should be preserved for local residents' and visitors' welfare, tourism and food. The same resources are available to be quarried in more remote areas. Me and others will simply have to avoid visiting this area which will impact enjoyment, tourism and the economy and I am worried for the health of the family and friends of mine who live in the area and became residents there long ago because of the area's unique mix of healthy environment and peaceful surrounds within 2 hours of Sydney.

I objected to the project back in 2018 and whilst there have been some minor concessions made in the amended proposal, they are insignificant in the overall scheme of what they are proposing.

A mine like this has no place in any environmentally sensitive or populated area. This was proven recently when the Hume Coal mine was refused after years of informed and passionate community advocacy. The Southern Highlands is emerging as an agricultural powerhouse, wine and food bowl, major regional tourism asset and home to thousands of residents raising and educating their families; whose property value and quality of health and life is now under threat.

The Sutton Forest Sand Quarry will dig a massive hole in one of Australia's most loved, historic and aesthetically beautiful rural regions and have an adverse affect on the local community and habitat. This submission is also on behalf of Sydney residents who may not understand how compromised their water supply is by this proposal.

If approved, this would be one of the biggest sand mines in the country and its creation will cause a number of significant environmental issues such as:

• Removing sandstone at a critical point in the natural filtration process, polluting the key filter for water entering the Nepean water catchment [Sydney's water supply], Long Swamp and its aquifer
• The 34 hectare pit will sink well below the current water table. Partially refilling with waste will force contaminants into Sydney's water supply
• lowering the water table at Sutton Forest, decimating the bores on which many locals depend for agriculture and life
• Creating adverse health effects through airborne dust carried by prevailing winds right across the high population areas of the Highlands
• Pollution damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solare panels and residences
• Clearing vast swathes of native bush right at the most fragile section of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, harming native flora and fauna, along with many endangered species. As the company wishes to have the right to operate the mine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the site will be noisy and highly lit at night - the fragile ecosystem is at risk of such an onslaught.
• A dramatic increase in heavy trucking in the region, and on the Hume Highway. Up to 344 trucks A DAY will be required to transport the sand out of the region
• Shattering the tranquillity of The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy - Penrose Park - an internationally renowned spiritual retreat and place of pilgrimage
• There are no assurances regarding remediation

A significant number of EPA NSW penalties and additional EPA charges relating to the mine company are on the public record, indicating that the operator is not to be trusted by governing regulations.

It is noted that the Minister has not directed that a public hearing be held. The impact of this development is highly significant for the area - a public hearing should definitely take place.

This proposal has not identified the baseline impacts on the Long Swamp that will result when the water licences that are held by existing, approved sand mining proposals are enacted and fulfilled, alongside any other industrial approvals. For example, the Green Valley sand mine and the licences for taking water for CocaCola-Amatil.

When such factors are considered, this proposal is untenable as it puts the fragile environment of the Long Swamp at high risk of destruction, and will destroy koala habitat and a key wildlife corridor.

My submission is attached. I am concerned over the project in general, but particularly at the short time frame made available for evaluation of the extensive documentation of this amended proposal.

Our family is a direct stakeholder by owning land that boundaries on the other side of long swamp creek.
This project should not go ahead given that this was already objected to once before I find it hard to believe that the idea can be entertained again.

In our opinion the studies are inaccurate and out of date with houses planned to be built with some already built on the other side of long swamp creek which the presented studies have not allowed for. I have attached a letter that outlines our family and neighbours concerns in more depth regarding this project.

This project will not only affect the native flora and fauna but also create potential problems for businesses, families and people using the highway. Most of them being local businesses that are small businesses owned and operated by locals within the community and families that are local that choose to live in this wonderful community.

This is a community that our family want to move into out of Sydney. If this project goes ahead we may as well stay in Sydney as the approval of this quarry will make it like Sydney with the noise, lights, pollution and dust.

Thank you for reading and taking the time to understand our concerns and for considering them in your decision.