I drive trucks for my work. I am worried about the stopping times of trucks entering the roundabout at Pauls Corner. The roundabout is confusing and trucks entering at 80km have a harder time stopping when they are confused by the driver's on the roundabout's intended direction. an increase in truck numbers will increase the risk.
My wife and child use this roundabout regularly, often up to 5 times a day. I am concerned for their safety with an increase in truck numbers.
The speed limit along Nelson bay Rd entering the roundabout needs to be reduced to 60km/hr before somebody is killed.

To whom it may concern
I am objecting to the proposal to increase truck movements
Firstly the proposal has been incorrectly advertised in the local news paper the port Stephens examiner in as much as it says maccas sands only wants to increase the movements leaving the quarry--obviously very confusing

I live on cabbage tree road abroad which avast majority of the sand trucks use for their inward and outward journeys

This particular area was not part of the original community consultation or assessment for the project but we are the most affected with this area being a high speed area for the trucks especially on relation to the areas which were noise assessed

One of the owners of maccas sands-Robert Mckenzie stood in front of a recent public meeting and gave maccas sands reason for seeking the extra truck movements

His reason--to alleviate queues at their quarry because the drivers are getting upset about waiting and that they want to spend more time with their families

Absolutely unbelievable

If maccas sands have queues with the current number of trucks coming to the site--more trucks is only going to make for more queues and more angry drivers

Solution--organise your loading facilities better

The planning department has put riders into nearby sand mining control documents stating that the operation of the mines must not affect the current lifestyle enjoyed by the local residents

Well my/our lifestyle has been severely affected by the noise of the sand trucks rumbling along cabbage tree road

So much so that sleep is almost impossible during what is deemed the "night time" period between 11pm and 7am

Recently I decided to check the times the trucks were travelling and the noise output from those trucks

I purchased a "digit each micro sound meter" model Qmaster-1591 with a frequency range of 31.5hz-8khz with an accuracy of +- 3.5 db

Some examples are as follows (I have a log of data)
Lets just do the "night time" 11 pm to 7 am

Most nights there are twenty odd movements with the very disturbing issue the noise levels ranging from 81.2 db to 87.1sb

According to information contained within documents such as work cover- EPA-department of environment-department of environment climate change and water road noise policy-poeo act 1997--noise act 1996 etc these levels are totally unsuitable and should not be tolerated

These measurements were taken at the building line of my neighbour's residence

With a view to the permissible operating hours of the quarry it would seem that these trucks in the early am are operating outside of those operating hours

It is noticeable that noise measurements taken for the approval were taken in an area where the trucks are at low speed therefore emitting less noise

I call on the department of planning to order the undertaking of a noise assessment along cabbage tree road before any decision is taken with this amendment

Also I call on the relevant authority to assess the legality of these trucks operating in the "night period"

If that level of noise was coming from a neighbour, the relevant authority would move in and demand it be reduced or ceased

I know it has nothing to do with the current application before you but with the possibility of two more mines coming on line therefore hundreds of extra truck movements I beg you to have some empathy for us residents along cabbage tree road where a vast majority if not all of these trucks will travel, at least give us our "night time"

Perhaps if this application and others are approved I request suitable noise reduction measures be installed at my residence
by the proprieters/granting authorities

The other great fear i/we have is the proven health risks associated with the constant exposure to diesel fuel and ask that this issue be addressed in your assessment

I wish to outline concerns held by myself and members of the community with regards to the proposed increase in truck numbers for Mackas Sand Mining
The current speed limit of 80km per hour is too fast for current traffic conditions. Turning into Salt Ash Ave from Nelson Bay Rd, coming from Nelson Bay, is very dangerous. Traffic coming from Williamtown along Nelson Bay Rd and from Raymond Terrace along Richardson Rd, are uncertain of your intentions.Coming into the roundabout at 80km/hr leaves less space/time to stop. I have nearly been hit on a number of occasions. I know several people who have been hit.The scary thing is that this is how I take my child to school!!
Salt Ash Public School is just in from the roundabout on Salt Ash Avenue. the only way to access the school is to turn off Nelson Bay Rd. In only a few metres the road turns from 80 to 40 in the school zone.
The service station is increasingly busier. We have students who have to cross Nelson Bay road on foot to get to school. We have a bus stop on either side of the road with students from a number of schools in the area using these bus stops. We also have a takeaway business further down the road as well as a busy childcare centre.
The 80km/hr zone is already unsafe for the volume and type of traffic in the area, and in particular due to the nature of the roundabout at Pauls Corner.
If there is an increase in truck numbers, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. Lowering the speed limit from Pauls Corner roundabout (including a distance before entering) to Lemontree Passage roundabout, from 80 to 60 will make this a safer road with an increase in truck numbers.

I wish to object to this proposal to increase truck movements relating to Mackas Sand.my reasons are that Cabbage Tree Road is not the M1/ F3 it is a single lane road . The environmental Assessment is only taking into account the noise and traffic impact at the mine site and down to Richardson Road.The company has a responsibility to monitor the whole transport chain not just when the product leaves the site.The assessment talks about engine or compression braking in section 2.0 no testing has been done on Cabbage Tree Road where trucks are doing 90km plus and braking using these methods it talks about socio-economic impact quality of life there are numerous properties on both side of Cabbage Tree Road the quality of life is impacted on due to increased noise and impact on safety due to residence coming and going from their properties it is already very dangerous turning into your property with trucks not slowing down and causing pressure to drivers stuck in the middle of the road waiting for a safe gap in the traffic .Cabbage Tree road is the main road linking Sydney drivers to Nelson Bay we also have an expanding Airport at Williamtown with more visitors to the area that don't know the dangers of this road .Numerous push bike riders use Cabbage Tree road and even thou they have the right to ride on this road with more trucks on this road the danger of death or injury is increased by 200%.The request to have trucks on the road at 5am is unrealistic and comes back to quality of life not every one even in the country is awake at 5am.Even the Airport doesn't have aircraft leave until 6am.We were told by the Dept of Planning spokesman to only take into account this application but if you are really a Planning Dept.you need to factor into account the other proposed sand mines on Cabbage Tree Road and Bobs Farm how many more trucks will travel this road if these mines come into service (god forbid) .I have not mentioned the area from the sand mine to Cabbage Tree Road as I am sure you will have plenty of statements about that part of the road from other concerned people.If this Modification goes ahead I think it only fair that the Dept of Planning erect a sign saying
Welcome to Port Stephens the chance of your family being killed on the road has just increased by 200%
Thank you for your time
David Vial

Mackas Sand Project - Modification Request
Application No. MP 08_0142 Mod 2

I am writing this submission in objection to the Mackas Sand application to modify its original Development Consent as stated above. This company has already displayed its non-compliance when it breached its approval conditions earlier this year.
The original consent was approved with strict conditions that addressed safety and was strongly opposed by residents and those concerned about truck movements specifically at Paul's Corner. These original conditions were put in place to protect public safety and amenity for residents and visitors to the area.
If these modifications are approved it will increase truck movements by 200% on the single lane Nelson Bay Road which will markedly increase congestion on this already clogged road.
I request the NSW Planning Department, in making a determination, take into account the balance required between the extraordinary requirements of a developer, who happens to be the Mayor of Port Stephens, against consideration for the safety and concerns of the residents, ratepayers and visitors to Port Stephens. Like all other businesses Mackas Sand must be made to comply with the original consent conditions and follow proper process that addresses public safety.
Thanks for your time,

18 August 2015

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/
[email protected]


Mackas Sand Project - Modification Request
Application No. MP 08_0142 Mod 2
I object to the Mackas sand application for modification to its original Development Application which was approved with strict conditions less than 2 years ago. The modifications if approved will permit the use of more trucks on the single lane Nelson Bay Road over an extended daylight period and may do irreparable damage to the reputation of Port Stephens as a tourist attraction with holiday makers experiencing delays and congestion on this busy road.
The original DA was strongly contested at the time by residents and those fearful of the dangerously difficult turn around for trucks at Paul's Corner not to mention the inconvenience and lack of consideration to residents who have pleaded to be heard about the noise of the trucks.
I respectfully request the NSW Planning Department in making a determination take into account a fair and proper balance between the extraordinary requirements of a developer, who happens to be the Applicant and Mayor of Port Stephens, and due consideration for the safety and concerns of the residents, ratepayers and our valuable visitors to Port Stephens.

Yours faithfully,
E.J.Armstrong
[email protected]

I have some serious concerns regarding the Macka's Sand project that will lead to a major increase in heavy vehicles on the roads surrounding Salt Ash Public School and Pauls corner. The roundabout at Paul's corner is a very busy on with many vehicles entering and exiting at speed. The increasing number of trucks on the road has already led to an increase in near miss accidents and it is just a matter of time before this becomes a major traffic black spot.

The location of the shops and the school means that many Salt Ash residents approach the rounabout from the Nelson Bay side and have to do a right turn and then cross half way around the roundabout into the left lane.
Many trucks approaching from the Newcastle side do not seem to stop or even slow when entering the roundabout and this is causing many problems.

I believe that the speed limit needs to be dropped at all approaches to this roundabout and that a safe road crossing across Nelson Bay Rd needs to be established.
Many children cross from the bus stop and the school and have to run across the road avoiding cars and trucks.

I would also like to see a stop to truck movements during school start and finish times to ease congestion at this intersection and make the road safer for all.

We all support local business and the right to do business using local roads but feel that there needs to be compromise between the business requirements and the safety requirements for our children.

I am submitting a request that the residents of Cabbage Tree Road, Williamtown also be considered before approval is granted for additional truck movements from Mackas Sand Quarry. To my knowledge there was no community consulatation for residents of the road although they will be adversely affected if more sand trucks use that road. Currently there is extremely heavy use of the road by sand trucks many out of the operating hours currently approved for Mackas trucks. This often results in broken sleep and leads to the question of why sand trucks are on Cabbage Tree Rd at times such as 2 and 3am.At a recent community forum,organised by Port Stephens Local Member Kate Washington, Mr Robert McKenzie was unable to definitively state that his trucks, or those belonging to his customers,were not on the road outside approved times. He claimed that he was requesting the increase in truck movements to allow greater flexibility for drivers and to cut wait times, however surely more trucks mean even longer lines waiting for filling. He also stated he didn't know when trucks would turn up which suggests there is no "booking " system in place to better organise the process. Very few businesses operate on a " just turn up basis" and I believe that looking at options such as that should be explored before subjecting residents of the area close to the quarry to even heavier traffic movement on an already dangerous road.

To Whom it may concern,
I wish to lodge my objection to the proposed extension of trading hours and thus the increase in truck turn around for the business Macca Sands which has been lodged by Robert MacKenzie.
Nelson Bay road is a busy main road that has many black spots and has seen many tragic accidents. I feel the safety of residents who have to exit and enter their homes would be at risk. The elderly residents of Banksia Grove (retirement village) already are placed at significant risk when using public transport having to cross a busy road where the speed limit is 80km/h and many cars travel well in excess of that (in fact this would be the norm).
Children are required to cross the road for school and again this places them at risk. Should there be an increase in truck movements crossing the road for these vulnerable groups would be hazardous and will no doubt end in serious injuries.
The hours that are being sought are long and will impact on those people who reside in the area. The noise from the trucks will be heard and effect their lifestyle. People have a right to sleeping hours!
I would like to submit that the proposal be denied.

I wish to register my strong objection to this unnecessary increase in truck movements through this unsuitable and unsafe access to the last piece of two lane road on the main route to the Tomaree Peninsula. This proponent has another much safer and more suitable access already approved to lot 218 through Lavis Lane to a much safer roundabout, but is reluctant to use it because of a petty royalty dispute he refuses to settle with a neighbour.
This became apparent at the recent public meeting on this proposal I attended at the Williamtown hall that was addressed by representatives of the Planning Dept., the R.M.S. and the proponents themselves, when it was revealed that the Lavis Lane access to the mine still has current approval.
This is just another chapter in the battle of the local Sand Barons. As was pointed out at the meeting, the PAC does not have to take account of other proposals for future mines when assessing this application, so by getting in first, this will limit the capacity of others to follow and will inevitably lead an even more dominant position for Macka's Sand by tying up the remaining transport capacity, even if they don't need it now, as they stated. This is even more important to them now that it has been shown that Mackas Sand have been breaching existing conditions, counting two truck movements as one as revealed in the Newcastle Herald 07 Aug 2015.
I lived in Singleton in the Hunter Valley at the beginning of the coal mining boom before the rail line was duplicated to Newcastle Port, and remember well what it was like mixing cars with nose to tail, noisy, very large semi-trailers at speed through the town, and all the way to Newcastle at all hours on a two lane road. I would not kike to see the travellers to Port Stephens have to take their lives in their hands every day in a repeat of that scenario.
It may be a better option for the users of this narrow piece of road to have the PAC consider Lavis Lane as an alternative access point to prevent this bottleneck, instead of making it worse, but of course that resurrects the old royalty problem for Mackas Sand. Public safety consideration over private commercial interest. Over to you PAC.