Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Conder
,
Australian Capital Territory
Message
This is in an area surrounded by houses. New housing development has just been built. The noise from the quarry and trucks is not appropriate for the area. Also the dust may carry across to the Tuggeranong Valley, which could possibly sit in the air, affecting hundreds if people. It is also close to Melrose Nature Reserve, which has a large variety of precious flora and fauna. I don’t think this is an appropriate development for Royalla
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
ROYALLA
,
New South Wales
Message
Please see my Submission attachment below, I strongly object to this Project.
Attachments
Brett Cooper
Object
Brett Cooper
Object
Gordon
,
Australian Capital Territory
Message
Quarry is too close to existing homes. Will bring little to the community except 500 trucks per day travelling up and down an already congested road, excessive blast noise at all hours of the day and increased health risks by introducing silica dust to the air.
Queanbeyan landcare Group
Comment
Queanbeyan landcare Group
Comment
Queanbeyan East
,
New South Wales
Message
Major Projects Team
NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
I am writing to you on behalf of members of the Queanbeyan Landcare Group in relation to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807).
Queanbeyan Landcare Group has been in existence for over 35 years, to conduct environmental improvement projects and activities within the broader Queanbeyan region, aimed primarily at restoring and enhancing the ecological resources of the region and in doing so, directly involving the community. Queanbeyan currently has over 80 members and activities are conducted cooperatively with Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council and the Molonglo Conservation Group.
Queanbeyan Landcare wishes to state up front that it has had dealings with the nearby Holcim Quarry (previously Readymix) over a long period.
We are aware that there is lot of interest in this project because of potential impacts on lifestyle and health of nearby residents of rural residential developments and also potential impacts on biodiversity. Also, the project is less than 10 kilometers from a major and growing population in the eastern Tuggeranong suburbs in the ACT.
As we understand, the principal rationale for the project is to maintain supplies of hard rock for 30 years to fill the anticipated shortfall from the four other suppliers in the Canberra Region. The explanatory statements for this and the graphs are lacking in confirmation of the accuracy of extrapolations of demand and supply. Currently there is anecdotal evidence of a general slackening in demand for hard rock. A final EIS must address this shortcoming, utilising an independent assessment of the future of this important local industry, to include the ability of other quarries in the region to meet future demand.
It is disappointing that the project is now taking on a greater range of activities including batching concrete and hot mix asphalt production, adding to environmental and human impacts, including persistent odours and enhanced opportunities for pollution.
Sand: The proposed production of manufactured sand is concerning, given that there is an enormous supply of sand in the Murrumbidgee River west of Canberra, which over white settlement, floods have filled in the many huge and valuable aquatic refugia along the river. This sand can be extracted at times of low flow, in time restoring lost aquatic biodiversity.
Biodiversity: Much of the vegetation of the subject land is high conservation box woodland. We are concerned about the clearance of 22 hectares of the endangered Box Gum Grassy Woodland ecosystem, containing well over 200 species of flora and fauna, yet there has not yet been a referral under the Commonwealths EPBC legislation. A further 55 hectares of native vegetation will disappear, and with it, loss of distinctive landscape features. A final EIS must incorporate the outcome of a referral, and made public.
The EIS also requires a commitment that the native vegetation in the unaffected areas will be managed sustainably, requiring control of invasive weeds, treatment of erosion and judicious management of wildfire risk. This standard is undertaken by the nearby Holcim Quarry.
Dust: The EIS recognises that dust will be a major management issue – Dust carried on the wind can directly impact on residents in many ways. For this reason, no access roads should be gravel. Health risks from respirable silica dust has now become a major health issue.
Water Supply: It would seem that the planning for water contains uncertainties because of the massive quantity of water required for dust suppression, over 40 million litres for dust suppression and the production of concrete and asphalt production. Water will also be required for washing trucks and equipment. Relying on groundwater is notoriously uncertain because of the nature of the region’s fractured bedrock. The EIS needs to explain how shortfalls will be addressed.
The reduction of water in local ephemeral creeks flowing east and west needs to be adequately recognised in the EIS.
Blasting – We note that the issue of noise, vibrations and dust from blasting and heavy trucks has been addressed. It will be important to satisfy nearby residents that these levels of standards can be achieved. We note that visual and acoustic shielding will be implemented, further impacting on the landscape of Enchanted Hill.
Wildfire Risk: A Fire Management Plan must be developed, involving the RFA and the community, because of the enhanced risk of outbreaks from varied industrial activities.
Truck movements: The EIS states a maximum of 200 vehicles per day. There are other estimates coming forth, of movements far in excess of this with the inclusion of other activities. A definite, licenced limit on daily truck movements is the only way to manage noise and traffic issues to acceptable levels. Consideration should be given to restricting truck movements to and from the site at peak times, such as when children are travelling to and from school. This practice occurs at the Dargues Mine at Majors Creek.
Indigenous Artifacts: We are satisfied that indigenous objects and areas of archaeological deposits would be protected.
Section 355 Committee contribution: The proposed contribution of 12 cents per tonne of product, to benefit the community via section 355 Committees, we estimate to be an amount to $276,000 in the first year, is welcome compensation for project impacts.
Energy source: In line with Australia’s climate change strategies and commitments, a renewable energy source at the site would help to compensate for industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Upon completion of the project, such a facility could revert to the local community to support a decentralised power network.
End of Life of the Project: As part of end-of-life Plan, the potential for transition of the site for other renewable energy, eg pump hydro should be addressed.
Yours sincerely
Ian Johnnson
Chairperson
24 September 2025
NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
I am writing to you on behalf of members of the Queanbeyan Landcare Group in relation to the proposed Monaro Rock Quarry Project (SSD-27223807).
Queanbeyan Landcare Group has been in existence for over 35 years, to conduct environmental improvement projects and activities within the broader Queanbeyan region, aimed primarily at restoring and enhancing the ecological resources of the region and in doing so, directly involving the community. Queanbeyan currently has over 80 members and activities are conducted cooperatively with Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council and the Molonglo Conservation Group.
Queanbeyan Landcare wishes to state up front that it has had dealings with the nearby Holcim Quarry (previously Readymix) over a long period.
We are aware that there is lot of interest in this project because of potential impacts on lifestyle and health of nearby residents of rural residential developments and also potential impacts on biodiversity. Also, the project is less than 10 kilometers from a major and growing population in the eastern Tuggeranong suburbs in the ACT.
As we understand, the principal rationale for the project is to maintain supplies of hard rock for 30 years to fill the anticipated shortfall from the four other suppliers in the Canberra Region. The explanatory statements for this and the graphs are lacking in confirmation of the accuracy of extrapolations of demand and supply. Currently there is anecdotal evidence of a general slackening in demand for hard rock. A final EIS must address this shortcoming, utilising an independent assessment of the future of this important local industry, to include the ability of other quarries in the region to meet future demand.
It is disappointing that the project is now taking on a greater range of activities including batching concrete and hot mix asphalt production, adding to environmental and human impacts, including persistent odours and enhanced opportunities for pollution.
Sand: The proposed production of manufactured sand is concerning, given that there is an enormous supply of sand in the Murrumbidgee River west of Canberra, which over white settlement, floods have filled in the many huge and valuable aquatic refugia along the river. This sand can be extracted at times of low flow, in time restoring lost aquatic biodiversity.
Biodiversity: Much of the vegetation of the subject land is high conservation box woodland. We are concerned about the clearance of 22 hectares of the endangered Box Gum Grassy Woodland ecosystem, containing well over 200 species of flora and fauna, yet there has not yet been a referral under the Commonwealths EPBC legislation. A further 55 hectares of native vegetation will disappear, and with it, loss of distinctive landscape features. A final EIS must incorporate the outcome of a referral, and made public.
The EIS also requires a commitment that the native vegetation in the unaffected areas will be managed sustainably, requiring control of invasive weeds, treatment of erosion and judicious management of wildfire risk. This standard is undertaken by the nearby Holcim Quarry.
Dust: The EIS recognises that dust will be a major management issue – Dust carried on the wind can directly impact on residents in many ways. For this reason, no access roads should be gravel. Health risks from respirable silica dust has now become a major health issue.
Water Supply: It would seem that the planning for water contains uncertainties because of the massive quantity of water required for dust suppression, over 40 million litres for dust suppression and the production of concrete and asphalt production. Water will also be required for washing trucks and equipment. Relying on groundwater is notoriously uncertain because of the nature of the region’s fractured bedrock. The EIS needs to explain how shortfalls will be addressed.
The reduction of water in local ephemeral creeks flowing east and west needs to be adequately recognised in the EIS.
Blasting – We note that the issue of noise, vibrations and dust from blasting and heavy trucks has been addressed. It will be important to satisfy nearby residents that these levels of standards can be achieved. We note that visual and acoustic shielding will be implemented, further impacting on the landscape of Enchanted Hill.
Wildfire Risk: A Fire Management Plan must be developed, involving the RFA and the community, because of the enhanced risk of outbreaks from varied industrial activities.
Truck movements: The EIS states a maximum of 200 vehicles per day. There are other estimates coming forth, of movements far in excess of this with the inclusion of other activities. A definite, licenced limit on daily truck movements is the only way to manage noise and traffic issues to acceptable levels. Consideration should be given to restricting truck movements to and from the site at peak times, such as when children are travelling to and from school. This practice occurs at the Dargues Mine at Majors Creek.
Indigenous Artifacts: We are satisfied that indigenous objects and areas of archaeological deposits would be protected.
Section 355 Committee contribution: The proposed contribution of 12 cents per tonne of product, to benefit the community via section 355 Committees, we estimate to be an amount to $276,000 in the first year, is welcome compensation for project impacts.
Energy source: In line with Australia’s climate change strategies and commitments, a renewable energy source at the site would help to compensate for industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Upon completion of the project, such a facility could revert to the local community to support a decentralised power network.
End of Life of the Project: As part of end-of-life Plan, the potential for transition of the site for other renewable energy, eg pump hydro should be addressed.
Yours sincerely
Ian Johnnson
Chairperson
24 September 2025
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Banks
,
Australian Capital Territory
Message
I write as a a proud lifelong resident of the Tuggeranong area. I was born and raised here, have brought up my own children here, and intend to continue to live here for the rest of my life. The idea that I—or my neighbours—might have to relocate, or endure diminished quality of life, due to the proposed quarry off the Monaro Highway deeply concerns me. I oppose this proposal for a number of reasons grounded in health, environment, community well-being, and safety.
Key Concerns
1. Health risks: silica dust & air quality
• Hard rock quarries produce silica dust. Chronic exposure to silica can cause serious and irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis, decreased lung function, and exacerbate asthma. The long-term health effects simply cannot be downplayed.
• Dust does not respect property boundaries; even those some kilometres away could suffer health consequences. Our children, elderly and those with preexisting respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
2. Noise, blasting, vibration
• Blasting and crushing operations will generate vibrations, loud noise, must‐carry through the air and ground, and could damage buildings—cracks in walls, windows. These are not trivial inconveniences; they represent real risk to homes and peace of mind.
• Continuous noise can also affect mental health, quality of sleep, stress levels, and reduce enjoyment of life.
3. Water / groundwater impacts
• The proposal involves use of groundwater. Lowering of water tables could cause bores to dry up, affecting nearby residents who rely on them for water supply.
• Additionally, water runoff / wastewater from the quarry is planned to discharge into Tuggeranong Creek, which flows through suburbs into Lake Tuggeranong. This poses risk to water quality for ecosystems and residents, potential pollution, sedimentation and alteration of natural water regimes.
4. Environment / biodiversity
• The area to be cleared includes 22 hectares of critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland, and overall 78 hectares of vegetation. This is significant habitat loss.
• Over 300 species of flora and fauna are present—many likely sensitive / habitat-specific. Loss of habitat threatens local biodiversity, potentially contributing to local extinctions or loss of ecological services (pollination, soil stability, carbon sequestration, etc.).
5. Traffic, road safety and community amenity
• The proposal estimates hundreds of fully laden trucks per day entering either the Monaro Highway or Old Cooma Road. This will dramatically increase heavy vehicle traffic on roads not built for constant heavy loads, increasing risks of accidents.
• Slow moving (or accelerating/decelerating) trucks merging with ordinary commuter traffic will make existing road hazards worse. Commuters, school traffic, local services will all be more at risk.
• Noise, dust, and safety concerns from heavy traffic degrade surrounding neighbourhoods and reduce amenity and livability.
6. Electricity / infrastructure strain
• The quarry requires substantial electrical power. There is reportedly no plan to increase supply accordingly. This could result in voltage swings, brownouts, damage to sensitive domestic equipment or pumps. Residents already in Royalla, for example, experience damaging voltage fluctuations—this proposal may worsen those conditions.
7. Impacts on property, community, quality of life
• Beyond physical health and environmental harms, there is the intangible yet real harm: loss of peace, enjoyment of one’s own property, ability to rely on clean water and air, the stress and anxiety about damage, and potential property devaluation.
• Many of us have chosen to live here for the semi-rural / natural amenity; this quarry threatens to eat away at that fundamental reason.
Given the above, I strongly request that this proposal be rejected in its current form, and that alternative options for other locations further away from suburbs be seriously considered. If it is approved, it should only be with very strict conditions (if that is even sufficient) that address:
• rigorous air quality monitoring, limitations or prohibitions on blasting times
• buffer zones far larger than currently proposed
• protections for groundwater and water quality
• traffic management (routeing, limits on truck numbers and times)
• mitigation of noise, vibration and dust impact
• biodiversity offsets that are meaningful, verifiable, and permanent
• compensation for residents of Tuggeranong who will have to cope with decrease in the value of our homes and the ongoing environmental and health concerns this quarry will bring
I believe the quarry should not proceed at this site given the scale of risk. The costs to health, environment, and community far outweigh the benefits and need to be considered.
As someone who was born, raised, and now raising children in Tuggeranong, I do not want to be forced to move or to compromise our health, well-being, or environment. I respectfully submit this opposition and request that decision makers turn down this proposal.
Thank you for your careful consideration.
Key Concerns
1. Health risks: silica dust & air quality
• Hard rock quarries produce silica dust. Chronic exposure to silica can cause serious and irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis, decreased lung function, and exacerbate asthma. The long-term health effects simply cannot be downplayed.
• Dust does not respect property boundaries; even those some kilometres away could suffer health consequences. Our children, elderly and those with preexisting respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
2. Noise, blasting, vibration
• Blasting and crushing operations will generate vibrations, loud noise, must‐carry through the air and ground, and could damage buildings—cracks in walls, windows. These are not trivial inconveniences; they represent real risk to homes and peace of mind.
• Continuous noise can also affect mental health, quality of sleep, stress levels, and reduce enjoyment of life.
3. Water / groundwater impacts
• The proposal involves use of groundwater. Lowering of water tables could cause bores to dry up, affecting nearby residents who rely on them for water supply.
• Additionally, water runoff / wastewater from the quarry is planned to discharge into Tuggeranong Creek, which flows through suburbs into Lake Tuggeranong. This poses risk to water quality for ecosystems and residents, potential pollution, sedimentation and alteration of natural water regimes.
4. Environment / biodiversity
• The area to be cleared includes 22 hectares of critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland, and overall 78 hectares of vegetation. This is significant habitat loss.
• Over 300 species of flora and fauna are present—many likely sensitive / habitat-specific. Loss of habitat threatens local biodiversity, potentially contributing to local extinctions or loss of ecological services (pollination, soil stability, carbon sequestration, etc.).
5. Traffic, road safety and community amenity
• The proposal estimates hundreds of fully laden trucks per day entering either the Monaro Highway or Old Cooma Road. This will dramatically increase heavy vehicle traffic on roads not built for constant heavy loads, increasing risks of accidents.
• Slow moving (or accelerating/decelerating) trucks merging with ordinary commuter traffic will make existing road hazards worse. Commuters, school traffic, local services will all be more at risk.
• Noise, dust, and safety concerns from heavy traffic degrade surrounding neighbourhoods and reduce amenity and livability.
6. Electricity / infrastructure strain
• The quarry requires substantial electrical power. There is reportedly no plan to increase supply accordingly. This could result in voltage swings, brownouts, damage to sensitive domestic equipment or pumps. Residents already in Royalla, for example, experience damaging voltage fluctuations—this proposal may worsen those conditions.
7. Impacts on property, community, quality of life
• Beyond physical health and environmental harms, there is the intangible yet real harm: loss of peace, enjoyment of one’s own property, ability to rely on clean water and air, the stress and anxiety about damage, and potential property devaluation.
• Many of us have chosen to live here for the semi-rural / natural amenity; this quarry threatens to eat away at that fundamental reason.
Given the above, I strongly request that this proposal be rejected in its current form, and that alternative options for other locations further away from suburbs be seriously considered. If it is approved, it should only be with very strict conditions (if that is even sufficient) that address:
• rigorous air quality monitoring, limitations or prohibitions on blasting times
• buffer zones far larger than currently proposed
• protections for groundwater and water quality
• traffic management (routeing, limits on truck numbers and times)
• mitigation of noise, vibration and dust impact
• biodiversity offsets that are meaningful, verifiable, and permanent
• compensation for residents of Tuggeranong who will have to cope with decrease in the value of our homes and the ongoing environmental and health concerns this quarry will bring
I believe the quarry should not proceed at this site given the scale of risk. The costs to health, environment, and community far outweigh the benefits and need to be considered.
As someone who was born, raised, and now raising children in Tuggeranong, I do not want to be forced to move or to compromise our health, well-being, or environment. I respectfully submit this opposition and request that decision makers turn down this proposal.
Thank you for your careful consideration.
Morgan Holland
Object
Morgan Holland
Object
Theodore
,
Australian Capital Territory
Message
Good afternoon,
I live in Theodore, directly opposite the proposed quarry on the Monaro. I am opposed to the opening of this quarry as it will directly affect the health of not only my family, but the thousands of people who live in the area. As a new parent, I do not want to put my daughter's health at risk, with mining dust a lead cause in lung cancer, asthma development, and further respiratory issues. I have family members and friends who have respiratory issues, meaning they will likely not be able to visit for long periods, or at all. Moving past my personal reasons, within Thedore and Calwell, there are three primary schools and one high school. I would like to know how the government can justify opening a quarry so close to schools, with the risks to respiratory health very apparent. As we are in a valley, the dust will settle, meaning the already poor air quality in the region will get worse.
We chose to live in Theodore for its beautiful surrounds and connection to the land, and a quarry ravaging this area would be an eye sore at a minimum. I understand the need for the expansion of mining for resources, but to be putting this near a residential area seems inconsiderate, careless, and greed driven. The proposal outlines that explosive works will take place throughout the day, with heavy vehicles running past normal business hours. The Monaro is already a significant noise source, and the addition of 500 heavy vehicles will only exacerbate this further. The running of machinery and maintenance outside of normal business hours will disrupt many households. The mining company has stated in its impact statement they acknowledge silica dust will become airborne and can be incredibly dangerous. They also recognise the correlation between silicosis and COPD, lung cancer, and further respiratory issues. Putting tens of thousands of people's health at risk for the gain of one company does not appear to be serving the people of Australia.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my objection to the Monaro Quarry. I hope you make the correct decision for the benefits of all Australians, not just the mining companies who line the pockets of government.
I live in Theodore, directly opposite the proposed quarry on the Monaro. I am opposed to the opening of this quarry as it will directly affect the health of not only my family, but the thousands of people who live in the area. As a new parent, I do not want to put my daughter's health at risk, with mining dust a lead cause in lung cancer, asthma development, and further respiratory issues. I have family members and friends who have respiratory issues, meaning they will likely not be able to visit for long periods, or at all. Moving past my personal reasons, within Thedore and Calwell, there are three primary schools and one high school. I would like to know how the government can justify opening a quarry so close to schools, with the risks to respiratory health very apparent. As we are in a valley, the dust will settle, meaning the already poor air quality in the region will get worse.
We chose to live in Theodore for its beautiful surrounds and connection to the land, and a quarry ravaging this area would be an eye sore at a minimum. I understand the need for the expansion of mining for resources, but to be putting this near a residential area seems inconsiderate, careless, and greed driven. The proposal outlines that explosive works will take place throughout the day, with heavy vehicles running past normal business hours. The Monaro is already a significant noise source, and the addition of 500 heavy vehicles will only exacerbate this further. The running of machinery and maintenance outside of normal business hours will disrupt many households. The mining company has stated in its impact statement they acknowledge silica dust will become airborne and can be incredibly dangerous. They also recognise the correlation between silicosis and COPD, lung cancer, and further respiratory issues. Putting tens of thousands of people's health at risk for the gain of one company does not appear to be serving the people of Australia.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my objection to the Monaro Quarry. I hope you make the correct decision for the benefits of all Australians, not just the mining companies who line the pockets of government.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Googong
,
New South Wales
Message
I am a relatively new resident of Googong and delight in the benefits of living in such a beautiful and well planned suburb and the community it has developed. I note there is some noise from construction work and dust that settles on my property but I tell myself it is only temporary as the construction will finish and peace will prevail. I am 70 years old and have never had any respiratory issues until I moved to Googong from the Central Coast. I believe these issues are caused by construction dust. which in time will conclude and not be an issue.
I am currently staying , for a period of 5 weeks , with a family member in Lorn NSW ( near Maitland). I have been surprised and saddened the impact that industry has had on the quality of life in the relatively short time I have been visiting, and these same poor qualiity issues will prevail in Googong if the development of the Royalla Quarry goes ahead. I will note my concerns in point form.
* Blasting noise
I was startled by loud blasting noises which I initially thought was thunder, so much so that I searched the location of nearby mines and the noise that would prevail. These mines are some distance from Lorn -
"Distance Considerations
A significant factor in determining the impact of blasting at mines and quarries on residences and other sensitive sites is the separation distance between the blast site and the sensitive sites Ground vibration and airblast limits for mines and quarries - Resources Victoria. While Lorn itself appears to be at some distance from the major mining operations (which are concentrated more in the Singleton/Muswellbrook area), the sound from large-scale mining blasting can potentially carry considerable distances depending on weather conditions and topography.
Given Lorn's location in the lower Hunter Valley and the concentration of major mining operations in the upper Hunter Valley around Singleton and Muswellbrook, residents may experience some audible effects from larger blasting operations, though the intensity would likely be much reduced compared to areas immediately adjacent to the mines."
Given that the Royalla Quarry project is withinh 5km of Googong the impact of blasting noise will be considerable and in my experience in the Lorn area of blasting at a greater distance, it will be most distressing.
*Dust pollution
As I previously mentioned the issues with construction dust in Googong, which will be temporary. I have noticed during my visit to Lorn the amount of black dirty dust deposits on my car while parked on the street. I assume this is environmental due to mining operations and the nearby passage of trains carrying uncovered coal loads. The close proximity of the Royalla project to the Googong residential area will expose residents to increased exposure to dust especially silica.
"Silica Dust - The Most Dangerous Component
Crystalline silica is particularly harmful because the health risk arises when silica particles are small enough to get into the deepest parts of the lungs, especially the alveoli where inhaled air passes into the bloodstream Danger in the Air | Environmental Working Group.
Serious Health Conditions:
Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica cause adverse health effects, including silicosis (acute silicosis, accelerated silicosis, simple chronic silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis), nonmalignant respiratory diseases (e.g., emphysema and chronic bronchitis), lung cancer, and kidney disease. Each of these effects is chronic, irreversible, and potentially disabling or fatal Respirable Crystalline Silica | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Studies of miners have linked it to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and kidney damage Danger in the Air | Environmental Working Group
Vulnerable Populations
Everyone can be affected by PM but some people are at higher risk including: children under 5 years; people 65 years and older; pregnant women; people with heart or lung conditions; and people who do a lot of outdoor physical activity Mine dust and you - NSW Health
Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses such as COPD, emphysema, asthma, and progressive lung disease will be most impacted"
Given the expanding population in Googong (currently around 8,000 and expected to reach around 18,000) and the high incidence of young familes it would be disastrous to expose the health risks of quarrying operations to such a community.
* Traffic
My home is Googong is relativley close to Old Cooma Road, and I do hear traffic noise. When I drive into Queanbeyan I am extra vigilant at the intersection where mining trucks join Old Cooma road on the way down the hill. They barrel out onto the Old Cooma road and on the way up the hill extra care needs to be taken as they move from the left lane into the right hand turning lande to return to their quarry site. I have seen a few near misses at this corner.
Ttruck activity due to quarry operation puts residential communities at greater due to the increased heavy vehicle traffic in areas where travelling by car is the main form of transport.
I believe the proposed Royalla Quarry will cause a serious negative impact both in terms of quality of life and health issues to the community of Googong and surrounds.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment,
I am currently staying , for a period of 5 weeks , with a family member in Lorn NSW ( near Maitland). I have been surprised and saddened the impact that industry has had on the quality of life in the relatively short time I have been visiting, and these same poor qualiity issues will prevail in Googong if the development of the Royalla Quarry goes ahead. I will note my concerns in point form.
* Blasting noise
I was startled by loud blasting noises which I initially thought was thunder, so much so that I searched the location of nearby mines and the noise that would prevail. These mines are some distance from Lorn -
"Distance Considerations
A significant factor in determining the impact of blasting at mines and quarries on residences and other sensitive sites is the separation distance between the blast site and the sensitive sites Ground vibration and airblast limits for mines and quarries - Resources Victoria. While Lorn itself appears to be at some distance from the major mining operations (which are concentrated more in the Singleton/Muswellbrook area), the sound from large-scale mining blasting can potentially carry considerable distances depending on weather conditions and topography.
Given Lorn's location in the lower Hunter Valley and the concentration of major mining operations in the upper Hunter Valley around Singleton and Muswellbrook, residents may experience some audible effects from larger blasting operations, though the intensity would likely be much reduced compared to areas immediately adjacent to the mines."
Given that the Royalla Quarry project is withinh 5km of Googong the impact of blasting noise will be considerable and in my experience in the Lorn area of blasting at a greater distance, it will be most distressing.
*Dust pollution
As I previously mentioned the issues with construction dust in Googong, which will be temporary. I have noticed during my visit to Lorn the amount of black dirty dust deposits on my car while parked on the street. I assume this is environmental due to mining operations and the nearby passage of trains carrying uncovered coal loads. The close proximity of the Royalla project to the Googong residential area will expose residents to increased exposure to dust especially silica.
"Silica Dust - The Most Dangerous Component
Crystalline silica is particularly harmful because the health risk arises when silica particles are small enough to get into the deepest parts of the lungs, especially the alveoli where inhaled air passes into the bloodstream Danger in the Air | Environmental Working Group.
Serious Health Conditions:
Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica cause adverse health effects, including silicosis (acute silicosis, accelerated silicosis, simple chronic silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis), nonmalignant respiratory diseases (e.g., emphysema and chronic bronchitis), lung cancer, and kidney disease. Each of these effects is chronic, irreversible, and potentially disabling or fatal Respirable Crystalline Silica | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Studies of miners have linked it to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and kidney damage Danger in the Air | Environmental Working Group
Vulnerable Populations
Everyone can be affected by PM but some people are at higher risk including: children under 5 years; people 65 years and older; pregnant women; people with heart or lung conditions; and people who do a lot of outdoor physical activity Mine dust and you - NSW Health
Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses such as COPD, emphysema, asthma, and progressive lung disease will be most impacted"
Given the expanding population in Googong (currently around 8,000 and expected to reach around 18,000) and the high incidence of young familes it would be disastrous to expose the health risks of quarrying operations to such a community.
* Traffic
My home is Googong is relativley close to Old Cooma Road, and I do hear traffic noise. When I drive into Queanbeyan I am extra vigilant at the intersection where mining trucks join Old Cooma road on the way down the hill. They barrel out onto the Old Cooma road and on the way up the hill extra care needs to be taken as they move from the left lane into the right hand turning lande to return to their quarry site. I have seen a few near misses at this corner.
Ttruck activity due to quarry operation puts residential communities at greater due to the increased heavy vehicle traffic in areas where travelling by car is the main form of transport.
I believe the proposed Royalla Quarry will cause a serious negative impact both in terms of quality of life and health issues to the community of Googong and surrounds.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment,
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
WERAI
,
New South Wales
Message
I bring my competition horses down to Canberra and South of Canberra frequently for training and events. The side effects of the air pollution from the construction of this quarry would have significant consequences on my horses’ air quality and performance, not to mention my own health in the process. The traffic on the Monaro Highway is already dangerous to a lot of float drivers with horses in tow, adding 500 trucks to the road would be a disaster, especially with the younger drivers and riders such as myself still learning to tow a float as Canberra has junior events that are accessible for the younger generation. If you cannot confirm that there will be no health effects from this construction then you should not go ahead with the quarry.