I object to the project as I am very concerned about the impact to our community regarding the negative health aspects of the dust produced by the quarry. I also have three young adult drivers in my family and am concerned about the safety impact of the 500 extra heavy vehicles on our local roads daily. This project absolutely should not be approved in our local area.

To whom it may concern,
I object to the Monaro rock quarry being done due to my point that follow,
Quarry operations generate fine particulate dust (silica dust) that can travel long distances through wind. Inhalation of this dust is known to cause respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and long-term lung damage. There are serious concerns about the health and safety of those living downwind of the site, especially vulnerable populations. Adequate mitigation measures are often unreliable and difficult to enforce over time, particularly in remote or rural areas.
And secondly,
The operation of a quarry will inevitably produce excessive and continuous noise from blasting, crushing, truck movements, and heavy machinery. This level of industrial noise is incompatible with the rural character of the Monaro region and poses a significant disruption to the quiet lifestyle currently enjoyed by residents. Prolonged exposure to such noise levels can also have long-term psychological and physiological effects, particularly on children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
As these are only two of many of my concerns as a resident with health conditions I hope that it does not take place.
Thank you.

I write to formally oppose the proposed Monaro Rock quarry development at Royalla. While the supply of construction materials is important for regional growth, the location, scale, and impacts of this project pose unacceptable risks to community safety, health, and infrastructure.

1. Road Safety and Capacity
The proposed quarry would significantly increase the number of heavy vehicle movements along Old Cooma Road. Current estimates indicate that quarry operations could generate hundreds of additional truck trips per day. Old Cooma Road is not designed to handle this volume of heavy traffic.

The road is narrow, contains sharp bends, and has limited overtaking opportunities. Shoulders are often absent or inadequate, meaning there is little margin for error in the event of breakdowns or evasive manoeuvres. The interaction of quarry trucks with commuter, school, and agricultural traffic will create a dangerous mix of vehicle types with very different operating characteristics.

Old Cooma Road is already recognised by local residents as hazardous. Increased heavy vehicle traffic will exacerbate risks of collisions, particularly head-on and rear-end incidents on bends and at intersections. It will also reduce travel time reliability and compromise access for emergency services. No amount of signage or minor road upgrades can mitigate the fundamental design limitations of this road.

2. Public Health Impacts – Silica Dust
Quarrying operations are associated with the generation of respirable crystalline silica dust. Inhalation of silica dust is a well-documented occupational and public health hazard. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Prevailing winds in the Royalla area mean it is unrealistic to assume dust emissions will remain contained within the quarry boundary. Nearby residential areas, schools, and recreational spaces are at risk of exposure. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly susceptible to harm. Given recent national attention on the health impacts of silica exposure, permitting a quarry of this nature in close proximity to residential communities would be negligent.

3. Community Amenity and Environmental Impact
Royalla and its surrounds are valued for their semi-rural amenity. Residents have chosen this area for its quiet character, open space, and relatively low levels of industrial activity. The operation of a major quarry will introduce continuous noise, vibration, dust, and traffic, permanently altering the character of the community.

Heavy vehicle movements will contribute to noise pollution along Old Cooma Road and surrounding areas. This will impact not only residents but also local wildlife. The cumulative environmental burden, combined with safety and health risks, far outweighs any economic benefits claimed by the proponent.

4. Infrastructure Burden
The increased truck traffic will accelerate wear and tear on Old Cooma Road and adjoining routes. Local councils and taxpayers will bear the costs of premature maintenance and upgrades to infrastructure that was never designed for sustained heavy vehicle use. This constitutes an inequitable transfer of costs from a private operator to the public.

Conclusion
In summary, the proposed Monaro Rock quarry is fundamentally incompatible with the Royalla area and its existing infrastructure. The increased truck traffic on Old Cooma Road presents unacceptable road safety risks. The generation and dispersal of silica dust pose serious long-term health hazards to the community. The quarry will erode the semi-rural amenity and place an unsustainable burden on public infrastructure.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the relevant authorities to reject the proposal in the interests of public safety, community health, and environmental protection.

To Whom it May Concern
I am writing to formally oppose the development of the Monaro Rock Quarry due to the significant health risks it poses to local residents, workers, and the surrounding environment. After reviewing the proposed quarry operations and associated risks, I have serious concerns regarding the following health issues, which warrant urgent attention.
1. Air Quality and Respiratory Health

One of the primary concerns with the operation of the Monaro Rock Quarry is the impact on air quality. Quarrying activities such as blasting, drilling, and transportation of materials produce significant amounts of particulate matter, including dust and fine particles, which are known to contribute to respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to airborne dust can exacerbate or lead to chronic conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions would be especially at risk.

The dust generated by such operations could easily spread to surrounding residential areas, posing a direct health threat to the local community. Without a comprehensive air quality management plan that includes robust dust control measures, there is a strong possibility of health deterioration in the affected population.

2. Noise Pollution and Its Impact on Mental Health

The construction and operational phases of the quarry will result in elevated noise levels due to blasting, machinery operation, and transportation activities. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise has been shown to have a detrimental effect on mental health, increasing stress levels, anxiety, and even contributing to sleep disturbances. Research also suggests that prolonged noise exposure can lead to cardiovascular problems, particularly for those living in close proximity to the source of noise.

In addition to its physical effects, constant noise pollution disrupts the general well-being of the community and diminishes the quality of life for local residents, especially those who rely on a peaceful environment for health and recreation.

Conclusion
Considering the significant health risks associated with the Monaro Rock Quarry, including air and noise pollution, water contamination, and increased traffic accidents, I strongly oppose the project. I urge the relevant authorities to prioritize the health and well-being of the local community by reconsidering the approval of this development.

I request that an independent, thorough health impact assessment be conducted, considering both immediate and long-term effects on the population. Additionally, I encourage the adoption of alternative methods or locations for mining operations that will not put public health at risk.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

My husband and I purchased our property before it was officially listed, after the land owner personally took us on a tour of the land that would become our family's sanctuary. We were drawn to the tranquillity, native wildlife and natural beauty and chose this location with the intention of building our forever home. A peaceful haven to raise our 4 children & 8 grandchildren. This has become the heart of our family, with many milestones celebrated here, including our daughter's wedding, host family gatherings & care for our grandchildren. The proposed quarry threatens to shatter this family lifestyle.
We are concerned about the noise, dust pollution and shock blasting which will affect our everyday life but also the physical and emotional wellbeing of our family, particularly our grandchildren some of which have major physical allergies to dust. If the quarry proceeds the social and emotional toll on our family and ability to enjoy our home will be irreversible.

I question the necessity of having another quarry so close the the other quarries in the region which supply the region and have a capacity to meet demand over an estimated 30 year lifespan of the proposal.

The proposed quarry so close to our home will lead to a significant decline in air quality. At present we enjoy clean air, free from industrial pollutants the proposal threatens to change this dramatically. Quarrying generates large quantities of dust, fine particulate matter and diesel emissions from heavy machinery and transport vehicles, the pollutants won't remain confined to the quarry site. They will be carried by wind into nearby homes, settle on roofs, gutters and eventually into our rain water tanks that we rely on for all our water needs. Of particular concern is the production of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RSA). It is known to remain airborne for extended periods and can travel significant distances, silica dust poses unique risks because it is so fine that it can penetrate deep into the lungs. The cumulative effect of quarry dust, diesel emissions and fumes represents a decline in the air quality that we depend on for a safe and basic healthy living environment.

The health impacts of this proposal cannot be understated, exposure to the pollutants produced by the quarry can have serious consequences. RCS is a toxic airborne pollutant that can lead to a range of long-term & irreversible health conditions. EG Silicosis, Lung Cancer, Bronchitis and Exacerbated Asthma. Daily low- level exposure over time is just as harmful as occupational exposure. A greater concern for me is the impact this will have on our grandchildren that suffer from dust allergies and respiratory sensitivities. They are regularly cared for at our home but I worry that may no longer be possible if the air is compromised by dust and fumes. The increased levels could trigger these allergies and sensitivities putting their health at risk and ultimately stop some family members visiting, significantly disrupting our family connection and life.

Currently we enjoy a tranquil environment with no issues related to noise pollution, The proposed 12 hours a day, 6 days a week operating times will bring prolonged disruptive noise from large capacity, high powered crushing plant, blasting, heavy machinery and a steady flow of haulage trucks. As my husband and I are retired we are home a majority of that time we will have no reprieve from the noise and limit our regular family gatherings.

It has been mentioned the proposed quarry may have secured an agreement with a private leaseholder to construct an access road linking the quarry site to the Monaro Highway, this route intersects a section of highway notorious for serious accidents and high speed traffic. It is unclear whether the ACT Govt. would support the creation of a new heavy vehicle entry point at such a dangerous location, given the risk to public safety. The only alternative is Old Cooma Road, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) also appears reluctant to permit this route due to the anticipated damage from increased heavy vehicle traffic which would result in substantial maintenance costs to ratepayers. More importantly Old Cooma Road is not designed to accommodate high volumes of heavy haulage trucks, the increase onto this narrow rural road could create a serious and constant road safety hazard.

From my research and understanding of biodiversity the quarry proposal could be in conflict with specific zoning classifications in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Local Environmental Plan 2022 (QPRLEP 2022) Under the plan, land zoned C2 Environmental Conservation is subject to objectives that include.
"To protect, manage and restore areas of high ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic values.
To prevent development that could destroy, damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on those values.
To protect threatened species and rivers, creeks and gully ecosystems within Queanbeyan.
To Identify and protect escarpment areas that enhance the visual amenity of Queanbeyan and possess special aesthetic or conservational value.
To protect water quality by preventing inappropriate development within catchment areas."
In my opinion, these objectives are designed to limit or exclude industrial activities that would generate habitat destruction, noise, dust, traffic and ecological harm. The quarry will do clearing, cause ongoing disturbance, noise and pollution that would affect flora, fauna and the ecosystem of the area which is what the objective of C2 are in place to prevent.
In my understanding, RU2 Rural Landscape zoning has expectations of maintaining the landscape's character and protecting environmental values. Under RU2 development must be consistent with rural landscape objectives including preserving scenic quality, biodiversity and limiting adverse impacts.
QPRLEP 2022 stated aims include " To keep and protect important natural habitat and biodiversity.
To protect water quality, aquifers and waterways"
I am concerned the proposed quarry could lead to fragmentation of habitat, impact waterways with dust and sediment runoff, is a risk to possible threatened species and loss of native vegetation.

As I write this I am looking out onto our property, the winds are 30k today which is pretty normal out here, the thought that I may not be able to go outside 6 days out of 7 for fear of inhaling silica dust is frightening. When and eventually if our children and grandchildren come to visit we will have to sit inside which is saddening. I fear the effect on the mental health of my husband and myself of prolonged noise and limitations on our lifestyle through no doing of our own.
Thank you for considering my submission, the proposed quarry if allow to go ahead, will negatively affect the lives of many residents in the immediate area and nearby ACT homes and businesses also.

I live in the Australian Capital Territory in a suburb in close proximity to the proposed development. I have survived radical cancer surgery and treatment for an asbestos related cancer. This was caused by the polluted environment that I either lived in, was educated in or worked in. Silica dust has been proven to cause disastrous health outcomes for the public. The health risks for people living near this development are too high to allow the development to go ahead. Silica dust which will be produced during the processes used in quarries has been proven to cause significant negative impacts on human health. Having my own personal experience of the ongoing health problems caused by environmental pollution is enough to make me feel strongly about reducing public health risks in the future. We should be learning lessons from the past. Please consider the significant negative outcomes for public health when making planning decisions for the quarry.

Hi.
I oppose the Monaro rock quarry as my understanding is this land was reserved as an environmental conservation protected area and both the natural flora and fauna should be left alone to thrive in their natural habitats, undisturbed or killed by a quarry digging it up. I moved to Royalla to enjoy the natural wildlife. The animals in particular wombats and echidnas which can be seen around this area. By destroying this conservation area you are showing that monetary gain is more important than safeguarding our natural treasures (in animals and plants). I find it very disturbing that a land can be deemed naturally important and in need of safeguarding and yet this decision can be overturned for monetary gain for a private company.

I also have concerns about safety on the Monaro Highway with the massive increase of trucks (200-500 per day) entering and exiting the highway every day. This is dangerous with the slowing down for trucks at an already dangerous intersection. I have lived in Royalla for a few years and have seen numerous accidents in this intersection already. Introducing hundreds of trucks a day will only cause more accidents and damage to the roads condition.
Thank you for reading my concerns.
Yours Sincerely,
Karina Luke

I object to the proposal of a new quarry in Royalla.

I am a resident of Royalla and I vehemently oppose the new quarry; it is contradictory to government policy and will have a critical impact on my life and that of my family.

In a time of climate change with the need for responsible environmental management, the development of a quarry adjacent to an urban area is non sensical and misaligned.

Having been a resident since 2016, we did so to be able to live in a country setting with clean air and away from the impacts of the city. This would also include a quarry that will impact the noise, traffic, water sources and air quality. If I knew a quarry would be considered for the area back when we were looking to buy out here I would never have decided to live in Royalla.

Almost every property in this region is built with energy conservation and water management in mind. Houses and sheds have solar panels and properties manage homes and live stock with water tanks, dams and bores as part of a semi rural living strategy. The area was designed without town water provision and as such relies totally on rainwater for survival. The volume of water proposed to be used by the quarry will definitely impact the local water quality and quantity. Whether it be groundwater or rainwater, the quarry will reduce the amount and quality of water available for local residents to use and live off.

In line with the Governments policy on renewable energy, almost every property has solar panels to maximise the energy from the sun and reduce the burden on the electrical system; not increase it like the quarry will do. The quarry will impact the efficiency of solar collection and the quality of water with the dust settling on solar panels, rooftops and getting into water tanks.

The impact on traffic is a key concern. I have witnessed several road accidents along the Monaro highway and have been affected by several accidents where lives have been lost. With the number of truck movements and the volume of trucks on the highway and crossing the highway, it is only a matter of time until more accidents occur. As the father of kids that are about to begin their driving life, I am scared by the fact that there will be so much more heavy vehicle traffic on roads that are already dangerous due to their poor state of repair and the number of vehicles that currently use them.

I completely understand the need for mining, but not near residential areas where the impacts are so great. If I purchased a house/property near a quarry, then I would be doing so with full awareness of the impacts. However, I purchased here in Royalla because there was no quarry, none planned and there should not be one in the vicinity of people and properties. The benefits (if any) to the community are far outweighed by the negatives. There is a lack of consideration for the cumulative effects on the community impacted by the quarry. Where issues are identified, it requires the developer to deliver a wide range of mitigations that are broad in scope with questionable achievability. What if it does not or cannot meet a mitigation requirement?? The community does not want the quarry in the proposed location - the region has other locations more suited without the impacts to community and the environment.

I am concerned about the cumulative impacts of the proposed quarry. The scoping report highlights cumulative impacts of other quarries but is silent on cumulative community impacts. What is the cost to the local community in property values? Water quality? Noise pollution? Air quality? Road crashes? Hours of operation and testing (which can be done outside of operation)? The lack of focus on the community demonstrates a clear lack of consideration for anything except money. There is a complete lack of corporate social responsibility in the submission for the quarry and it should not be considered further. The fact that, in my view, issues are raised and cannot or will not be properly mitigated and managed clearly demonstrates that those proposing a quarry do not care for the impacts on the community and that a quarry should not be developed in the proposed location.

I love where I live and I would not live here if I knew a quarry was to be built nearby. There are other areas, with less impacts to a community that could be used. The misalignment of the proposal and government environmental, climate and energy policies is stark. Please do not approve the proposed quarry in Royalla.

I live in Royalla Country estate.
My objections to the proposed new Monaro Rock Quarry is as follows
1 -Transportation, The movement of up to 500 Heavy truck movement per day, six days per week on a country road.(Old Cooma road)
This road is used every day by motor cars and a lot of heavy vehicles, adding more movements of heavy vehicles weighing up to 50.5 tonnes and 20 meters in length. I can see a recipe for accidents to happen. Putting trucks with these lengths and weights on a road never designed for this type of truck movements
Old Cooma road is a narrow road and has tight turns, Crossing over a unused railway line before entering a very busy Monaro highway .(A lot of passenger vehicles use this Highway every day} This intersection has been known to have accidents and a lot of close calls.
Also as a rate payer in the Queanbeyan Palerang council area will I be required through rate increases to pay for the extra damage done to Old Cooma road.
2- Environment
Where I live in Royalla, my houses is also already covered in dust from an operating Quarry in Willimsdale. I can hear the rock crushing plant operating and the blasting of rock. So approving another Rock quarry so close to one already operating will put my property in the middle of extra exposure to more dust and noise
I'm also concerned about the destruction of the hill known as Enchanted hill, this hill to covered in Flora and fauna that is unique to this area.
A another concern is the amount of electricity and water to operate such a large Quarry, Groundwater will not be sufficient to even to try to keep dust down. This will also affect the water table in the area.
3- Economics
This quarry will only benefit two wealthy family's with minimal economic benefit to Queanbeyan community.
We already have Four Quarries in a 30km radius of this proposed quarry, That have a life span of at least 100years.
4- Social
This proposed quarry will affect up to 49,000 people and more in the future.
So I believe the monetary benefit of the few, should not outweigh the benefit of the majority.
Finally I moved to a country estate for my mental and physical wellbeing.
I already suffer though the dust and noise and extra traffic from one operating quarry near me . I don't support approval for another one so close to an operating quarry in a region that is already well serviced by quarries.

The proposed Monaro Rock quarry near Royalla concerns me greatly.
As a recent resident of this area, I moved here for the rural and peaceful lifestyle.

My main concern with the new quarry is that an area listed as Ru2 or C2 Protected land could be utilised for a rock quarry, concrete and asphalt production. I am disappointed that even preliminary assessments and drilling has occurred on protected land within the Queanbeyan-Palerang Council. As a teacher of environmental sciences for many years, I am aware of the damaging and negative impacts that will result from this quarry.

My second concern is the long-term health impacts from silica dust landing on the rooftops of residences. Given the rural nature of Royalla, our primary source of water is collected from our rooftops. Other health concerns include a documented increase in a number of cancers in areas close by quarries in Australia.

My third concern is the effect on traffic on the Monaro Highway and the associated increased risks of accidents.
I am also concerned that this projected has been deemed a State Significant Project, which means that consideration has been taken out of the hands of our local council. It seems that the financial gain from this project will go to two companies, and not necessarily be significantly beneficial to NSW at all. I imagine most of the rock extracted from the quarry will be used in places like the Molonglo Valley. This rock could be sourced from existing quarries in NSW with additional transport costs associated. This seems a better idea than a new build quarry in the middle of tens of thousands of residents.