My objections to this project are not limited to those listed below:
*the huge increase to traffic on local roads and intersection and one way bridges
* the impacts on air quality along with the long term exposure to dust and increase in exposure to diseases
* blasting impacts via dust, noise and vibration on the local and wider area
* the impact on local wildlife and plants
* the risk of possible ground water contamination
* the amount of water that would be used by the operation the could be better used else where
*the effect on land use and immediate surrounding residents
* the social impact on all surrounding residents including those anywhere along the materials haul route

Object as per attached letter

Strongly oppose as per the below attachment.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry and associated increase in heavy vehicle movements in the Branxton and surrounding communities.

As a resident of the area, I have significant concerns regarding the potential impacts this development will have on the health, safety, amenity, and quality of life of local residents.

1. Health Impacts from Dust and Air Quality
One of the most concerning aspects of the proposal is the generation of dust, including fine particulate matter and crystalline silica associated with quarrying operations.

While workplace exposure to silica is well documented, residents living near quarry operations may also experience ongoing exposure to airborne dust. The long-term health impacts of dust inhalation, particularly for children, elderly residents, and those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, should not be underestimated.

The Hunter Valley already experiences cumulative air quality pressures from mining, transport, and industrial activities. Introducing another significant source of airborne dust has the potential to further degrade local air quality and place additional strain on community health.

Many families have chosen to live in this area for its rural lifestyle and cleaner environment. Residents should not be expected to accept increased health risks as a consequence of this development.

2. Increased Heavy Vehicle Traffic
The proposal's projected increase in truck movements is a major concern.

The local road network was not designed to accommodate a substantial increase in heavy vehicle traffic. Roads servicing the area are predominantly rural roads with limited capacity, narrow shoulders, and sections that already experience congestion during peak periods.

An increase in heavy vehicle traffic will:
Increase travel times for local residents.
Create additional wear and deterioration of local roads.
Increase maintenance costs ultimately borne by taxpayers.
Reduce the safety and accessibility of roads for residents, school buses, cyclists, and agricultural vehicles.

3. Road Safety Risks
Road safety is one of the most significant concerns for our community.
Many of the roads surrounding the proposed quarry contain:
Narrow rural road sections.
Single-lane bridges.
Limited overtaking opportunities.
Poor lighting or no street lighting.
Intersections with restricted visibility.
School bus routes and regular local traffic.
Introducing large numbers of heavy vehicles onto these roads substantially increases the risk of accidents.
Local families regularly travel these roads with young children. School buses, learner drivers, elderly residents, horse floats, farm equipment, and recreational users all rely on this road network. Increased truck traffic creates an unacceptable safety risk for all road users.

4. Noise and Loss of Amenity
Quarry operations and associated transport activities generate significant noise impacts.
Residents may be subjected to:
Blasting noise and vibration.
Crushing and processing noise.
Reversing alarms and machinery operation.
Continuous truck movements throughout the day.
The cumulative impact of these activities will diminish the peaceful rural character that attracts families to this area.

Many residents have invested substantial amounts of money in building homes within the region. They should be able to enjoy reasonable levels of peace, quiet, and outdoor living without industrial noise becoming part of their daily lives.

5. Impact on Children and Community Wellbeing
The proposal has the potential to negatively affect children living within the surrounding communities.
Increased truck movements create additional hazards for children travelling to and from school, riding bicycles, walking, and participating in outdoor recreation.

Furthermore, ongoing dust, noise, and traffic impacts may reduce opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities and the rural lifestyle that many specifically moved to the area to obtain.

6. Incompatibility with the Area's Growth and Residential Development
The Branxton and Huntlee region continues to experience significant residential growth.
Thousands of families are moving to the area, and substantial investment is being made in housing, schools, community facilities, and supporting infrastructure.

Approving a large-scale industrial quarry operation in close proximity to expanding residential communities appears inconsistent with long-term planning objectives and risks undermining the liveability and attractiveness of the region.

Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly oppose the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry.

The proposal presents unacceptable risks relating to:
Community health and air quality.
Increased heavy vehicle traffic.
Road safety.
Noise and amenity impacts.
Community wellbeing.
Compatibility with the future growth of the Branxton region.
I respectfully request that the application be refused, or at the very least subjected to a far more rigorous assessment of its cumulative impacts on local residents and infrastructure.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours faithfully,
Monica Polkinghorne
Branxton, NSW

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Blue Rock Quarry development due to the significant impacts it is likely to have on the local community.

My key concerns are outlined below.

1) Heavy Vehicle Noise and Early Morning Disturbance
The proposal indicates that the first loads would leave the quarry at approximately 6:00 am. In reality, this means quarry operations and truck movements would need to commence much earlier, potentially from 4:00 am, to allow for vehicle preparation, loading, and dispatch.

This would create unacceptable noise impacts for nearby residents during hours when the community expects peace and quiet. The constant movement of heavy vehicles, engine noise, and breaking, would significantly reduce residential amenity and quality of life.

2) Inadequate Road Infrastructure
The roads through Branxton were not designed to accommodate the volume and frequency of B-double truck movements proposed for this development.

Existing roads already experience congestion and safety issues. Introducing a large number of additional heavy vehicles will accelerate road deterioration and increase risks for all road users.

The proposal's contribution of approximately $1 million towards road maintenance is, in my view, wholly inadequate. The ongoing wear and tear caused by heavy quarry traffic over many years is likely to far exceed this amount, leaving ratepayers and Council responsible for future repair costs.

3) Safety Concerns at the Bridge and 90-Degree Turn
A particular concern is the bridge section that includes a sharp 90-degree turn. This area already presents challenges for larger vehicles.

Regular use by B-double trucks will increase the likelihood of traffic conflicts, vehicle manoeuvring difficulties, delays, and potential accidents.

4) Increased Congestion Through Branxton
The proposal would result in a substantial increase in truck traffic travelling through Branxton.
This will contribute to:
• Increased traffic congestion.
• Longer travel times for residents.
• Reduced road safety.
• Increased noise and dust impacts.
• Greater pressure on existing infrastructure.

The township should not become a freight corridor for quarry operations at the expense of local residents and businesses.

5) Risk to Cyclists
The increased movement of B-double trucks presents a significant hazard to cyclists who regularly use local roads.
Heavy vehicles create risks associated with reduced visibility, wider turning paths, wind turbulence, and limited stopping distances. These risks are particularly concerning on roads that lack dedicated cycling infrastructure.

6) Safety of School Children on Elderslie Road
Perhaps most importantly, the proposal raises serious concerns regarding the safety of school children who walk along Elderslie Road.

The increase in heavy vehicle traffic will expose children to greater risks during their daily journey to and from school. The presence of frequent B-double truck movements on roads used by pedestrians is not consistent with maintaining a safe community environment.

For the reasons outlined above, I strongly oppose the Blue Rock Quarry proposal. The anticipated impacts on residential amenity, road safety, traffic congestion, local infrastructure, cyclists, and school children outweigh any perceived benefits of the development.

I respectfully request that the relevant decision-makers reject this proposal.

The orderly availability of construction materials is an essential piece of the supply chain for land development in the Hunter Valley. I have been directly involved in the development of residential subdivisions, and industrial business parks in the Hunter for 35 years.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project.
My husband and I live in Radford Park and are raising our three children here. We chose to build our home in this area because it offered a peaceful, rural lifestyle where our children could grow up safely. After reading the Environmental Impact Statement, I do not believe this project is appropriate for our community. The proposal would fundamentally change the character of the area and create unacceptable impacts on road safety, public health, local infrastructure, the environment and the quality of life of the families who live here.
Road safety
Elderslie Road is already a busy local road used every day by families, school buses, commuters, cyclists, farm vehicles and residents travelling to Branxton, Singleton and the Hunter Expressway. It is not an industrial haul road. Adding around 220 truck movements every day (approximately 1,100 truck movements each working week) will completely change the way this road is used.
This figure appears to relate only to quarry haulage and does not include additional heavy vehicles such as fuel deliveries, machinery transport, contractors, maintenance vehicles, water trucks and other servicing. The actual number of heavy vehicle movements is therefore likely to be higher.
Many children catch buses along Elderslie Road, and every school day children are getting on and off buses at various points. Introducing hundreds of heavy trucks onto this road creates unnecessary risks for school children, parents and bus drivers.
Our oldest child has recently started working in the main street of Branxton. At the moment, she can travel independently. If Elderslie Road becomes a haul route for quarry trucks, I will not feel comfortable allowing that because I will not believe the road is safe enough.
Turning onto Elderslie Road is already difficult at busy times. More heavy vehicles will make this worse, increasing congestion and reducing safe gaps in traffic. I am also concerned about Elderslie Bridge and the narrow sections of road, which were not designed for this level of heavy vehicle use over a long period of time.
Flooding and access
The lower section of Elderslie Road already floods during heavy rain. If this occurs during quarry operations, there are serious unanswered questions about access and safety.
There is no practical alternative route for many residents. If the road is blocked due to flooding, a crash, a broken-down truck or maintenance, it raises serious concerns for emergency access and community safety. I do not believe this has been adequately addressed.
Dust and air quality (including silica)
This proposal involves blasting, crushing, screening, stockpiling and transporting hard rock over a 30-year period, all of which generate dust.
I am particularly concerned that the Environmental Impact Statement does not clearly explain whether respirable crystalline silica has been specifically assessed for nearby residents.
Respirable crystalline silica is a known health hazard when fine particles are inhaled over time and has been linked to serious diseases including silicosis and lung cancer. While workplace standards exist, I am concerned about how nearby families, especially children, would be protected in a community setting over such a long period.
Our family spends a lot of time outdoors. During dry and windy conditions, I worry that dust could travel beyond the site into nearby homes, gardens, rainwater tanks and waterways.
I have not seen enough information to be confident that dust can be properly controlled during droughts, strong winds or extended dry periods, or how independent monitoring will be managed and reported to the community.
Water management
Runoff from the site during heavy rain could enter local creeks and eventually the Hunter River. I do not believe enough detail has been provided to show this risk has been properly managed, particularly during major storm events.
Once sediment or contaminants enter the system, the impacts can spread far beyond the site boundary.
Roads and infrastructure
Heavy vehicles cause significant wear on roads, intersections and bridges. I understand a contribution of around $900,000 is proposed for council infrastructure.
Given the scale of the project and the number of truck movements over 30 years, I do not believe this is sufficient to cover the long-term cost of maintaining the road network. Local ratepayers should not be left carrying these costs.
Property values and amenity
Like many families in Radford Park, we invested in this area for its rural lifestyle and peace. This proposal would permanently change that.
Increased truck traffic, dust, noise and industrial activity would reduce the amenity of the area and is likely to affect property values. These changes cannot be undone once the project begins.
Long-term impacts
This is a long-term project operating for around 30 years. Children currently in primary school will be adults before the impacts end.
The cumulative effects on safety, health, infrastructure, environment and lifestyle need to be considered over that full timeframe.

SUMMARY OF OBJECTION POINTS
• Elderslie Road is a residential and rural community road, not a haulage corridor
• 220 truck movements per day (likely higher with additional vehicles not included)
• Safety risks for school buses, children, cyclists and local traffic
• Children’s independence impacted due to unsafe road conditions
• Elderslie Bridge and narrow road sections not suited to long-term heavy haulage
• No clear alternative access if Elderslie Road is blocked or flooded
• Flooding risk at lower Elderslie Road not adequately addressed
• Insufficient clarity on respirable crystalline silica assessment for residents
• Concerns about long-term dust exposure affecting homes, gardens and rainwater tanks
• Unclear independent monitoring and reporting of air quality
• Potential runoff impacts on creeks and the Hunter River catchment
• Long-term road and bridge damage costs likely exceed proposed contributions
• Local ratepayers may bear ongoing infrastructure costs
• Loss of rural amenity and likely reduction in property values
• 30-year duration means impacts are permanent for current generation of children

For these reasons, I strongly object to the Bluestone Hardrock Quarry Project. I do not believe the proposal demonstrates that it can operate safely or without unacceptable impacts on the local community. In my view, the risks and long-term consequences are too great, and the project should not proceed.

To whom it may concern
My name is Luke Thrift, and I live on Rusty Lane, just off Elderslie Road, with my wife and our four young children.
I am writing to formally object to the proposed Bluestone Hard Rock Quarry at Elderslie.
Although my family has only lived on Rusty Lane for several years, I have spent my entire life in the Elderslie district. I grew up on my parents' farm on Elderslie Road, where my father still lives today. My family has farmed this area for over 120 years, and I am proud to now be raising my own children here because we believed it offered a safe, peaceful rural lifestyle.
Unfortunately, this proposal threatens that lifestyle.
Safety of My Children
As a father of four young children, my greatest concern is their safety.
Every day my family uses Elderslie Road to travel to school, childcare, sporting activities, medical appointments, shopping and work. We also regularly walk, ride bikes and spend time outdoors around our home.
The proposal to introduce approximately 220 heavy truck movements each day on Elderslie Road is deeply concerning.
Elderslie Road is already becoming busier every year. It is a relatively narrow country road with very limited shoulders and virtually nowhere for pedestrians or cyclists to safely move away from traffic.
Our children deserve to be able to ride their bikes, catch the school bus and enjoy growing up in a rural community without being exposed to the dangers of constant heavy vehicle traffic.
No amount of traffic management can change the fact that increasing heavy truck movements on a road like Elderslie Road will increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
Rusty Lane Intersection
Our family enters and exits Elderslie Road via Rusty Lane every single day.
This intersection is already difficult.
When turning right into Rusty Lane from Branxton there is no dedicated turning lane, often forcing following traffic to stop unexpectedly.
When exiting Rusty Lane, visibility towards Branxton is limited by the crest of the hill. Vehicles often appear with little warning, making it difficult to judge safe gaps in traffic.
Introducing hundreds of heavy truck movements each day will significantly increase the risks at this intersection.
As someone who will use this intersection multiple times every day with four young children in the car, I find that prospect extremely worrying.
School Bus Safety
Children use Elderslie Road every school day.
School buses stop at numerous locations along the road, with children getting on and off throughout the morning and afternoon.
The increased number of quarry trucks travelling during these same periods creates an obvious and unnecessary safety risk.
Parents should never have to question whether the trip to or from the school bus has become more dangerous because of an industrial development.
Quality of Life
My wife and I chose to raise our children in Elderslie because it offered space, peace and a safe country environment.
The proposed quarry would fundamentally change that.
The increase in truck traffic, noise, dust and general industrial activity will permanently alter the character of our community.
It is difficult to understand why families who have invested in this area should be expected to accept such a significant reduction in their quality of life.
Traffic and Daily Access
Like many local families, we rely on Elderslie Road every day.
The Elderslie Bridge already creates delays and driver frustration, particularly during busy periods. We regularly witness impatient and aggressive driving around the bridge as motorists attempt to avoid waiting.
Adding approximately 220 truck movements every day will inevitably increase congestion and make everyday travel more stressful and less safe for local residents.
Property Values
Our home is our family's largest investment.
While we have no intention of moving, there is little doubt that locating a major hard rock quarry so close to residential properties will negatively affect property values.
Families like ours should not have to bear that financial loss for a project that provides us with no direct benefit.
Is This Quarry Necessary?
This proposal has been declared a State Significant Development, yet the local community has not been provided with sufficient information explaining why this quarry is required.
Before any approval is granted, I believe the community deserves to know:
• Why additional Bluestone production is needed.
• Whether existing quarries can meet future demand.
• What alternative sites or options have been considered.
• Why this location has been chosen despite the obvious impacts on nearby families.
Without this information, it is impossible to properly weigh the costs against the benefits.
Conclusion
This objection is not simply about protecting our own family.
It is about protecting every family who lives along Elderslie Road today, and those who choose to call this community home in the future.
My wife and I deliberately chose to raise our four children in a rural environment because we believed it offered a safer, healthier and more peaceful lifestyle.
Approving a quarry that introduces hundreds of heavy truck movements each day will permanently change that environment.
I respectfully ask that the safety of local families, particularly our children, be placed ahead of the interests of this development.
Once this decision is made, there will be no way to undo its impacts on our community.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my submission.
Yours sincerely,
Luke Thrift