There is a very high risk that respirable crystalline dust will be emitted which are cause for great concern for both our family and livestock welfare. The noise disruption and road maintenance required by the possible 250 trucks per day are also another huge concern and are unacceptable. Locals move to rural areas for a quiet healthy life , not to be stressed or in constant fear of health problems for family and livestock. There are already four existing quarries within 30 kilometres of proposed site. That’s surely enough on the local infrastructure. Build elsewhere!

Objection to the New Quarry Project
I’m writing to object to the proposed new quarry near my home in Tralee. I understand the need for development, but this project would have a big impact on my family, my health, and the community.

I live in a small family home in Tralee, close to Royalla. One of the main reasons I moved here was for the quiet, semi-rural feel. I love seeing the open fields, wildlife, and having space to walk with my baby. The thought of a quarry so close really worries me.

I have an autoimmune condition, and I’m already careful about my health. The silica dust from a quarry is a real danger, not just for me but for my baby too. Even small amounts of dust could cause long-term harm, and knowing that trucks and blasting would put our family at risk every day is really frightening.

Water is another concern. Living near Canberra, we’ve seen droughts many times. The quarry would take millions of litres from the groundwater, and even though we mostly use town water, I worry about the impact on the environment and the broader community.

Traffic and safety are also huge worries. I drive on the Monaro Highway to get to work, family, friends, and other essentials. Hundreds of heavy trucks every day would make the road unsafe, noisy, and stressful. Within Tralee, where I walk my baby, the dust and noise from the quarry could still affect our local streets and the peaceful environment we enjoy.

There are already quarries nearby. I don’t understand why we need another one here, in an area that is meant to protect rural and conservation values. It feels unnecessary and unfair to the people who live here.

Even if I can’t see the quarry from my home, I visit family who would have it in full view. It would be ugly, noisy, and lower property values. We’ve worked so hard to buy our home here and planned for a future in this community, and a quarry threatens that.

Tralee is meant to be a growing, welcoming community. The amenities being built and the future growth are part of why people move here. A quarry would make people think twice about moving in and could stop the community from growing.

For all these reasons, I ask that the Department reject the new quarry project. The risks to health, the environment, property values, and the future of our community far outweigh any short-term benefits.

Thank you for listening to my concerns. I hope you will consider the impact this project would have on families like mine and the community we are trying to build.

Sincerely
Sarah Janse van Rensburg

I am objecting to this project on a number of grounds;
These are all extremely important points, in no particular order.
Although there is plans to build an intersection with the Monaro Highway, trucks will turn left out of the quarry at certain times of the day, and then head down Old Cooma Road towards Queanbeyan, this will increase the number of trucks that will use and potentially damage the road. Wait until the electric trucks start using these roads, these trucks will be allowed to carry more payload, and then with the extra battery weight, the damage to the road will be significant. There will be a constant long line up going down the Monaro highway towards Johnson drive roundabout, and serious accidents are going to occur.
If the ACT government decide not to allow an intersection, then the traffic on Old Cooma Road will be chaotic at best.
My house is close to the quarry, and is built on a rock seam, so I am expecting a lot more siesmic activity during blasting and potential house damage occurring, so I am sure that I will be in a dispute about damages, and I am also sure that this process will drag out while waiting for some compensation.
This will have an enormous effect on my family, which is unfair. We moved out here to enjoy the country life, not expecting to put up with some quarry activity.
Royalla is a very windy area, especially in Spring, so the dust that will blow over my property will be a health hazard, The winds can come from all directions, so this will also affect over 40,000 residents in the ACT.
The ACT borders the quarry, but as it is in NSW, there has been NO community contact with the ACT people.
I also use bore water on my property, and I bet that this will diminish if the quarry goes ahead. Not only is it a quarry, but a concrete recycling plant, asphalt production and industrial estate.
No matter how good the safeguards are supposed to be, there will be "accidents, spills, etc " and a paltry fine may be imposed, and then business as usual.
So this is a State Significant Development, but have you considered that this will be a State Significant Health risk???Can you imagine the health risks that can come from silica dust, engineered stone has been banned for that reason, silica dust.
I will have a property inspection done of my house if the proposal goes ahead ( in consultation with Monaro Rock ) and then we will see what damage is done as blasting occurs, I will also have a seisomometer on my property to monitor vibrations.
Local residents near the Williamsdale quarry ( not far away )have had ongoing dust problems and have been advised to have health checks, small comfort if the damage to health is already done.
My drinking water comes from rainfall on the roof, if the roof gets silica dust on it then the water will be of no use what's so ever,
not even for washing, bathing, and definitely not drinking.
And on another note, the other quarries that are close by are not at full capacity, not by a long shot.
I believe that this proposal is short sighted, and only benefits a few , but will endanger the lives of thousands, and I need to mention the biodiversity issues, with endangered flora and fauna, which I believe is Federally protected in this area, or does money trump everything?

The quarry project will have significant negative environmental impact on the region.
The increase heavy vehicle traffic will ruin the already damaged roads, the noise level will drastically interrupt the ambiance of why many residents live here, the dust will create multiple health issues especially to those with existing respiratory concerns.
Not only is this quarry unnecessary as there already are 2 working quarries in the area, it is ridiculous to build in this area so close to existing homes and estates.

Objection to the Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807), Royalla NSW
To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Cc: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC); NSW EPA; Transport for NSW; ACT Government
Project: Monaro Rock Quarry – extraction up to 1,000,000 tpa for ~30 years
________________________________________
1) Summary position
I oppose the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry at Royalla. The project is inconsistent with the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022 (QPRLEP 2022), fails to meet objectives of the Palerang Development Control Plan 2015 (as amended 2022), and is strategically unnecessary given the two existing regional quarries already operating.
I request the Department refuse this application. Alternatively, it should be referred to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for public hearings due to the scale, cross-border significance, and level of community objection.
________________________________________
2) Key grounds of objection
A. Health and dust (silica risk)
• Extraction and crushing of 1 Mtpa of hard rock will generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a proven health hazard.
• The EIS does not adequately model worst-case meteorology or cumulative emissions.
• The prevailing winds carry dust toward Royalla and Tuggeranong, exposing thousands of residents.
Request: Independent health risk assessment for RCS; real-time monitoring with public dashboard; stop-work thresholds.
________________________________________
B. Traffic, road safety and Monaro Highway
• The quarry will generate up to 200 truck movements per day, impacting Monaro Highway (a classified arterial road).
• QPRLEP cl.7.18 requires development near arterial roads to minimise visual and acoustic impacts and protect road function. This proposal fails to do so.
• The DCP requires safe access design for classified roads — not satisfied by the current haulage plan.
Request: Cap truck numbers, ban haulage in school peaks/weekends, require left-in/left-out with acceleration lanes, GPS-based compliance reporting.
________________________________________
C. Biodiversity and water
• The site and surrounds include habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Striped Legless Lizard and other endangered species.
• QPRLEP C2/C3 zone objectives require protection of ecological values and water quality. The scale of clearing, blasting and runoff risks direct conflict.
• Tuggeranong Creek and local bores are at risk from sediment and groundwater drawdown.
Request: Targeted threatened species surveys; avoidance buffers; strict groundwater and surface water controls; independent ecological peer review.
________________________________________
D. Noise, blasting and amenity
• Thirty years of blasting and crushing conflicts with the Palerang DCP General Provisions (Noise, Amenity, Landscaping).
• Residents and livestock will experience ongoing disturbance.
Request: Shorter operating hours, stricter blast vibration limits, independent compliance auditing.
________________________________________
E. Visual impact and scenic protection
• QPRLEP cl.7.14 Scenic Protection requires consent authorities to minimise visual impacts and incorporate conservation measures.
• The quarry would cause permanent scarring of a rural landscape valued for its amenity and cross-border vistas.
Request: Independent visual simulations from ACT and NSW vantage points; enforceable rehabilitation benchmarks.
________________________________________
F. Existing supply and strategic need
• There are already two major hard-rock quarries servicing the ACT/Queanbeyan region:
1. Holcim – Cooma Road Quarry (NSW), a significant regional supplier.
2. Boral – Mugga Mugga Quarry (ACT), Canberra’s largest hard-rock quarry.
• QPRLEP cl.7.16 even recognises the Cooma Road Quarry in its buffer provisions, proving Council already accounts for its long-term role.
• The proponent has not demonstrated unmet demand. The project is primarily about vertical integration, not community need.
Request: Independent alternatives and supply analysis comparing existing quarries’ capacity; refusal if no overriding demand is proven.
________________________________________
G. Cumulative and cross-border impacts
• The district already hosts quarries; adding another compounds dust, traffic, noise and amenity loss.
• The ACT population directly downwind will bear impacts but has no planning consent authority.
• The Palerang DCP requires cumulative impacts to be considered when assessing large proposals.
Request: Comprehensive cumulative impact assessment across ACT and NSW quarries and haul routes; IPC hearing with ACT Government input.
________________________________________
3) LEP / DCP non-compliance summary
• QPRLEP 2022:
o C2 / C3 objectives conflict with quarrying.
o cl.7.14 Scenic Protection, cl.7.16 Cooma Road Quarry buffer, and cl.7.18 Arterial Roads are not satisfied.
• Palerang DCP 2015 (amended 2022):
o Part B General Provisions (biodiversity, roads/parking, stormwater, erosion, landscaping, waste) not met.
o Variations inconsistent with LEP aims are not permitted.
________________________________________
4) Relief sought
1. Refuse SSD-27223807 due to non-compliance with LEP/DCP and lack of strategic justification.
2. Alternatively, refer to the IPC for full public hearings.
3. If approved despite objections, impose strict conditions: truck caps, RCS monitoring, threatened species protection, rehab bonds, independent audits.
________________________________________
5) Closing
This proposal is inconsistent with the local planning framework, unnecessary given two existing quarries, and imposes unacceptable cumulative impacts on a densely settled cross-border community. I respectfully request refusal.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the EIS. We were residents of Monaro Station Road for some 17 years (and still live nearby at Googong) from its initial sale hence we do know the location well.
The EIS is a well-presented document with great attention given to statistics and the history of the surrounding area.It appears to place reliance on many other authorities. It also presents critical comments on the proposed Monaro Hard Rock Quarry in great detail. What it does not do in over 100 pages, in our view, is provide convincing or even satisfactory answers to those criticisms it has so eloquently expressed. In my view, it pays lip service but nothing substantial. There are a wealth of platitudes.
My broad objection to the project is that it is profit-based and not based on any need. On the one hand the EIS claims it "may" create various jobs in different areas but on the other hand, if there is increased supply, there must be over supply to some degree - hence reduced demand for labour and materials. The existing hard rock quarries in the region meet current demand and the proponents are simply directing their project at lessening their input costs. Even if the long term demand may exist, there are many hard rock sights within a reasonable distance which would have virtually no impact on the local community certainly to the extent which this particular site has! Hence why chose such a provocative site close to so many people and facilities. Have we not learnt from the problems associated with the existing local quarries?
Back to the EIS. I do not believe the 117 page document addresses many of the concerns it has collected from complainants. More significantly it does not much more than give "consideration" to those concerns. It simply states that they have been taken into account (and, in my opinion, appears virtually discard them). Nowhere do I see any true commitment or guarantee which would safeguard any of the arguments raised. For example, it claims that the latest proposal has re-directed all heavy traffic to the Monaro Highway. Firstly, that route was also in the original proposal. It continues to state that only workers and light vehicular traffic will use Monaro Station Road and Mates Drive. However, there is no guarantee that the proponents would not use Monaro Station Road and Mates Drive at the drop of a hat in the event that they chose to. Why not lodge a guarantee with a severe penalty clause.
Section 6.4.3 goes into great detail quoting other authorities on traffic and the impact of a significant increase in the number of heavy vehicles. What it does not mention is the destination of those heavily laden trucks. If they were travelling North they need to either travel through Canberra or along the Old Cooma Road to Queanbeyan! Further, there is no mention of the dangers associated with loose rocks falling from heavily laden trucks and their effect on other vehicles. Further, how can there possibly NOT be a much higher risk of accident with 500 extra trucks entering a major highway each day at the top of a hill where there is a 100Km speed limit?
Similarly, the project claims to have a minimal impact on the water table and the water supply in general. There are bores within one or two kilometres of the site but little discussion appears on the risks of an already dwindling water table and certainly no commitment to compensation in the event that the water table becomes depleted because of the need to utilise water to minimise silicon dust at the site!
We find the EIS best described as a "Swiss Cheese". To us, it is full of holes and does not suit the purpose of convincing an impartial reader that the Monaro Rock Quarry Project should go ahead at the location selected.

I am one of the developers of Royalla Reserve, the direct neighbour of the proposed quarry.

We have 3 blocks left in our development and it has taken us 3 years to try and sell the blocks due to the quarry.

We have had in excess of 50 offers accepted however once the buyers find out about the proposed quarry they withdraw.

This has resulted in me having lost over $100,000 so far due to ongoing holding costs and I won't make a cent of profit because no one wants to live near a quarry. My financial loss is directly as a result of the proposed quarry.

I strongly oppose the quarry being approved.

My family and I (several people) respectfully object to the Monaro Rock project. We object on the following grounds.

1. The proposed quarry is very large and very close to existing residential and rural properties - including our own home which is close - as the crow flies - to the proposed development. Our understanding is that quarries of this scale are, and should be, located much further away from existing residential properties and houses and sensitive areas.

2. We are deeply concerned by the noise impact and respirable silica dust emissions that would emanate from the proposed site. We are concerned that the strong southerly winds that are prevalent during parts of the year would drive these emissions right over our property. We are also concerned about the aggravating health and other impacts of the combination of silica emissions, woodsmoke and air traffic across our property. We are not satisfied that the scientific analysis has addressed these risks. It has looked at a small number of factors in isolation divorced from the wider context. Nor has the analysis been adequately explained to the community. A member of our family is a disabled NDIS client with respiratory vulnerabilities. On a very personal level we are concerned by the impact on her.

4. The proposed quarry is in a bushfire zone. We are concerned about activity there compounding bushfire risks (trucks and operations sparking fires) and that the silica dust will mix with bushfire smoke and dust prevalent in the area during summer.

6. The traffic impact - including noise and emissions - which will see significant numbers of trucks turning off and on the Monaro Highway and using the narrow Old Cooma Road will pose unacceptable risks to public health and safety risks.

5. The vibrations and explosions from the quarry will irrevocably damage the habitat and watercourses in the region (with particular concern about Jerrabomberra Creek which flows into the environmentally sensitive - and beautiful - Jerrabomberra Wetlands). We have undertaken two Land Care tree plantings on our land (and helped to remove willow trees on the banks) to try to preserve for the future the habitat for black cockatoos alongside Jerrabomberra Creek. We have been delighted to see 10 black cockatoos on our land in recent days. Numerous steps have been taken by the NSW Government, QPRC and the local community to preserve and protect the environment along the Creek. This is reflected in the planning and zoning of the area. We simply cannot understand how the proposed quarry can be in any way reconciled with these environmental efforts and the money expended on them in the past by the NSW Government, the QPRC, community groups and individuals.

6. We consider that over time the explosions, vibration and seismic impact at the proposed quarry will damage the substructure in the area affecting the environment and the foundations of homes including our own.

7. Consultation regarding the proposed development has been infrequent and inadequate with all stakeholders and owners. There is a perception that it has been perfunctory and represents the bare minimum.

Against this backdrop we respectfully urge the NSW Minister and Government not to approve this project. If the NSW Minister and Government is not disposed to do so despite the factors enumerated above we urge that the most stringent and lasting conditions be attached to the project including to limit and monitor emissions, time limit quarry operations and truck movements, prevent any expansion, require ongoing remediation of the surrounding environment and protect flora and fauna and watercourses.

Thank you for considering this submission and our concerns.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed quarry development near Royalla, New South Wales. While I recognize the potential economic benefits that such a project may bring, I believe the long-term social, environmental, and economic costs far outweigh these benefits.

1. Environmental Impact

Royalla is located in a region that is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and ecological value. The development of a quarry would have severe consequences for the local environment. The disruption of local ecosystems, the clearing of native vegetation, and the potential for soil erosion and water contamination are just a few of the risks that would accompany this project.

Royalla’s water systems, including nearby streams and aquifers, could be significantly impacted by the proposed extraction processes. The risk of dust pollution is also a major concern, particularly during dry periods, as it would affect air quality and pose health risks to both humans and wildlife in the area.

2. Impact on the Royalla and Southern Canberra Communities

The Royalla community is a peaceful, rural area, and many of us moved to this region precisely for its tranquility and proximity to nature. The proposed quarry would introduce significant noise pollution, traffic congestion, and general disturbances that could drastically reduce the quality of life for residents.

The impact of this quarry is not limited to Royalla alone but would also affect the broader Southern Canberra region. Royalla lies in close proximity to the growing suburbs of Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, and Woden, and the proposed quarry would directly influence these communities.

The traffic generated by quarry trucks and machinery would place considerable strain on the already congested roads linking Royalla to the southern suburbs of Canberra, particularly the Monaro Highway and the Cotter Road. These roads are vital for the daily commuting needs of residents in the area, and the increase in heavy vehicle traffic would pose safety risks, degrade road conditions, and contribute to further congestion. Moreover, the added dust and noise pollution would affect both the quality of life and the health of residents in these nearby suburbs, many of whom moved to the area to enjoy cleaner air and a more peaceful environment.

3. Economic Considerations

While proponents of the quarry may argue that it would create jobs and stimulate the local economy, it is important to consider the type of economic development that is being promoted. Royalla’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with local farmers relying on a stable and healthy environment to maintain their livelihoods. A quarry could undermine the agricultural potential of the area, through soil degradation and water contamination, which may have long-term negative effects on local farming operations.

In addition, the tourism and local services industries, which also contribute to the region’s economy, would be adversely impacted. The proposed quarry would make the area less attractive to tourists and potential new residents, particularly those who are drawn to the quiet rural lifestyle.

Furthermore, the southern suburbs of Canberra, including areas like Woden and Tuggeranong, have seen significant growth over the past decade, and as the population in these areas continues to increase, so too does the demand for a clean and sustainable environment. The expansion of a quarry in Royalla could severely hinder the future growth and liveability of these suburbs by introducing environmental degradation and reducing the overall quality of life for nearby residents.

4. Lack of Consultation and Transparency

The community’s concerns must be given proper weight in decision-making processes, and it is critical that consultation with local residents and stakeholders is conducted thoroughly. Thus far, there has been limited transparency regarding the full extent of the environmental and social impacts of the quarry. A proper Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that takes into account all possible consequences—especially on the quality of life for residents in both Royalla and the surrounding suburbs of southern Canberra—is essential before moving forward with such a development.

Conclusion

For all of the reasons outlined above, I strongly oppose the proposed quarry development in Royalla, NSW. The environmental, social, and economic risks posed by this project are too significant to be ignored. I urge decision-makers to consider the long-term impacts on both the local community in Royalla and the broader southern Canberra region, and to explore alternative, more sustainable economic opportunities for the area.

Thank you for considering my submission.

To whom it may concern,
I acknowledge the need for building materials for the construction industry and development, however as a director of a construction company i am acutely aware to the need to perform risk assessments on both where and how these materials are sourced.
Currently silica dust and its health implications are a priority in how to manage and eliminate the risks.
The location of the proposed site relative to not only Royalla homes but the rapidly growing township of Googong housing homes schools and places of business, with the suburb of Theodore within the ACT all within a short relative distance.
Exposing these homes and residents to the potential of dust / silica needs far more detailed consideration, is it indeed worth the risk i have several family members living in Googong along with my wife and i in Royalla.

The additional traffic on an already underdeveloped road infrastructure needs heightened consideration, the roads in the area regrettably already have a high accident rate without the addition of high frequency heavy vehicles.
The impact on local wildlife would appear to be restricted to the site only, road deaths in the area are higher than other areas in the region.

I have lived in Royalla for over 15 years, toward the southern end, there are two quarry sites located in Willamsdale on Knowles lane a relatively short distance away. Both are on a smaller scale than the one proposed. I am well placed to comment on the impact of regular blasting, sadly it go's a little further than straightening up the odd picture frame. Along with dust blown across the valley, and the dimming of lights when the crusher starts up.

i object to the development based on the above items Silica is a long term killer with no cure, the land was not zoned for this development when sold it should retain its original zoning or a a more palpable use for the broader community.
Yours Sincerely
Doug Prail