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

I am writing to oppose the proposed Royalla quarry.

As a resident of Theodore, my residence is less than 5km away from the proposed site. I am concerned about air quality issues arising from the quarry for all residents in adjacent valleys to the quarry, as well as the likelihood of run-off entering Tuggeranong creek. Substantial remediation work is underway in downstream catchments of Tuggeranong creek which will be undermined by the introduction of sediments, particulates and other contaminants from this proposed quarry.

The increased traffic on the Monaro Highway is also an issue for residents of Eastern Tuggeranong given its use as a major connection to other areas of the city, and from the noise to residents in Chisholm, Richardson, Calwell, and Theodore as well as residents of South Jerrabomberra and Royalla.

I am writing to you to express my concerns about the proposal to develop a further rock quarry in the immediate vicinity of our property in the Royalla Station Country Estate.

We already have 2 quarries in close proximity to our homes, and 1 a bit further removed between Nimmitabel and Cooma. I question the need for this quarry. These quarries are not operating at full capacity, so there is no excess demand and there is capability to achieve further economies of scale.

I am concerned for my health, and for that of my partner and neighbours. Operation of a quarry produces dust which can cause cancers. This is very well known. It can also affect air quality.

I am concerned for the beautiful environment we have out here; the impact on flora and fauna. I understand that we have both on the critically endangered list.

I am concerned about the effect of quarry operations on ground water/water table. Quarrying uses a significant of water. The water table here has dropped significantly over the recent years.

i am concerned about the increased traffic movements as trucks enter and leave the quarry. My understanding is that there will be up to 200/250 movements a day. The amount of road kill out here is already horrendous.

I am concerned about noise pollution from blasting and other quarry activities.

I am concerned that land which has been zoned for a specific purpose can easily be re-zoned for other purposes if money is to be made or vested interests considered.. I would have thought that declaring something as critically endangered would be enough in itself to prevent any destruction of the environment!

I am concerned that management/owners can make unsubstantiated claims to argue their case. For example, 'there are no significant concerns of nearby residents which need addressing'. 'And the quarry will significantly reduce the cost of construction for housing an other projects]. ] And that 30 new jobs will be created' (will they be local people?)

I am concerned about the integrity of the proposal when it is claimed that the local community has been consulted. There are 500 homes in Royalla. Some 126 leaflets were distributed here. How they were chosen is unknown. But areas impacted by the quarry, using a 10 k radius, extend from North Fyshwick in the North to Carwoola in the East to Calwell/Condor in the West and to The Angle and Williamsdale in the South. It is unknown whether any of these areas were consulted.

I am concerned that the venture will not adhere to all the rules/regulations and requirements that they will have to follow to operate.

I am concerned about the fairness of this whole process. The quarry proponents have had significant time and professional resources to put together their proposal. We have 28 days to respond to lengthy and complex documents for which most of us would be unskilled to fully understand and contribute the required amount of time and dilgence.

y And lastly I am concerned because I feel like Im being treated with contempt in respect to how my opinions are sought, heard and dealt with. It feels like the attitude is "We'll just build a quarry. Doesnt matter that it is near houses. They might complain but we have resources to fight them. And we know the processes to be followed and any 'noise' will soon pass. They'll give up."

I retired out here. Its beautiful. I love it. Why can someone come and destroy it? If we need the hard rocks so desperately, go find it somewhere removed from residential areas.


Thank you.
john hyland

As a resident of Conder since 1996 having built our home in this unique and beautiful area with an abundance of wildlife at our doorstep , we are located backing nature reserve near the power station on Tuggeranong Hill, are concerned the impact this Quarry will have on not only the environment but also the impact of blasting and silica dust and the increased traffic congestion of heavy machinery leaving the site.

Our house is estimated to be only 3-4 km away based on where the escavation is located on the proposal.

Blasting on the sites will definitely be felt at our home and could cause movement or subsidence and property damage. On the proposal and environmental submission, monitors were being placed in all suburbs for vibration and noise. One monitor is placed next to the power station near us. This is a major power station providing power to Lanyon Valley and adjacent suburbs. Explosions in the area has a probability of affecting our power grid. Also what is the expected Db from the site and how will this impact those living closest? More studies need to be done!

Explosions would be heard as we currently hear loud trucks on the monaro highway especially when entering into the roundabout off Monaro to Johnson Drive. As this is only a single lane on Monaro congestion will be an issue as well as noise from heavy trucks breaking going downhill to traverse the roundabout. During peak snow season the situation would be more congestion. The proposal indicated additional 500 trucks per day and current road structure may not support this and may require expansion and traffic lights to enter and exit the site.

Further the impact of dust and pollution will impact residence. Coastal breezes would push dust particles over the Lanyon Valley as well as Theodore Calwell and adjoining suburbs. We live in a windy area being on the tablelands with mountain ranges. Silica dust is a concern if not properly managed with sprinkler systems.
I am a novacastrian lived in Newcastle where mines and polution was a big issues being an industrial area. My parents home recently underwent soil testing due to a Gas works once existed on the property next door to them. The result was they were inside acceptable levels but other homes were demolished and the land detoxified by the local council which resulted in 35 homes having excessive level of toxins including petroleum products and arsenic. They were also advised not to consume and fruit or vegetables grown on their land.

I mine of this magnitude would require a depot to store feul and other toxic materials that would affect waterways with run-off. Environmentally this could affect local and endangered wildlife as well as residences in Royalla. Run-off can also impact local streams that feed areas of heritage significance such as London Bridge in Burra Or worse still run off into local water supply in Googong Dam and Tuggeranong.

Location of this Quarry would impact 31,000 residents in ACT / NSW in close proximity and 92,000 in 10kms. It is situated too close to residential areas.

If you look at Boral Quarries Seaham in Balckera which is a 30-40 million ton mine for asphalt and aggregates for concrete in Newcastle it shows pictures of the type of mining activity that would take place in Royalla. The proposal here is similar but it is located near a major residential areas unlike the Boral mine. The proposed site is 67.6ha mine site being 21ha with auxiliary processing plants for asphalt, concrete mixing and recycling.

When looking at emissions and impact of mine the contours reach as far as the Rob Roy Range facing monaro hwy. Homes are less than 1km away from this point so am concerned about pollution should wind gusts exceed the model used in the epa study.

BLAST NOISE IS ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERN.

If we can here Train whistle from locomotive on the railway line to Royalla we would surely hear a blast. Which could dramatically impact certain residences and individuals with PTSD or sensory processing issues as well as respiratory issues.

My concerns have not entirely been satisfied therefore I object to the project.

Regards
Carmelina and Gregory Stokoe
Resident of

Please see attached document

Please review the attached document which details our (my neighbourhoods) vehement objection to this proposal.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Tralee to express my profound opposition to the proposed Royalla quarry, asphalt, and concrete plant. This project poses a clear and present danger to the health, safety, and environment of our community, and the process for public feedback has been woefully inadequate.
My Core Objections
Health and Air Quality: The plan to introduce a massive new source of fine particulate matter, including silica dust, into our air is deeply concerning. Given that our region already suffers from poor air quality due to bushfires and winter wood smoke, this quarry will only exacerbate existing health issues, particularly for our most vulnerable residents—our children and the elderly. The long-term health consequences of breathing these pollutants are simply not worth the risk.
Water and Environment: This project threatens our most precious resource: clean water. The proposed operations risk contaminating our groundwater and local waterways, which are part of Canberra's drinking water catchment. Furthermore, clearing land for the quarry will destroy critical wildlife habitats and significantly increase the risk of bushfires in an already fire-prone area.
Traffic and Safety: Our roads, especially the Monaro Highway, are already congested and unsafe. Adding a constant flow of heavy quarry trucks will inevitably lead to more accidents, increase road damage, and disrupt daily travel for thousands of commuters.
Lack of Public Benefit: The promised economic benefits, such as a small number of jobs, are minimal when weighed against the severe and irreversible costs to our health, safety, and environment. The primary beneficiaries of this project are the operators, not the local community.
Property Values and Quality of Life: The presence of this quarry will negatively impact the value of our homes and the overall quality of life in our neighborhood. No one wants to live next to a source of noise, pollution, and increased traffic, and this project will make Tralee and the surrounding suburbs less desirable for future families.
My Call to Action
I urge you to consider the immense and irreversible damage this project will cause. This is not just a commercial development; it is a decision that will affect the well-being of our community for generations. Please act now to:
* Formally oppose this project and reject the application.
* Insist on an extended public submission period to allow for genuine community consultation.
* Commission an independent review to fully assess the health and environmental risks.
The people of Tralee, and all affected communities, deserve a safe and healthy environment. Please do not fail us.
Sincerely,

Resident of Tralee