To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed modification SSD-5544-Mod-7 submitted by Ampol Refineries NSW Pty Ltd for the Kurnell Refinery Conversion Project. While I acknowledge the importance of maintaining safe and efficient fuel infrastructure, I have serious concerns regarding the environmental and community impacts of this modification.
🌏 Environmental Concerns
• Contamination Risks: The modification involves remediation of soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, PFAS, and asbestos. These contaminants pose long-term risks to groundwater, ecosystems, and public health. The proposed biopiling, capping, and offsite disposal methods must be scrutinized to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and transparency.
• Groundwater Impacts: Temporary dewatering and potential changes to groundwater quality could affect nearby groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The Groundwater Management Plan must be made publicly available and independently reviewed.
• Acid Sulfate Soils: The presence of potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) below 2m depth requires a robust Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan. Any disturbance could lead to acidification of surrounding soils and waterways.
🏘️ Community and Land Use Concerns
• Future Land Use Uncertainty: The modification prepares land for “future uses” without specifying what those uses will be. This lack of clarity raises concerns about potential industrial expansion or developments that may not align with community interests or environmental sustainability.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ampol’s environmental performance history includes multiple modifications and remediation efforts. The cumulative impact of these changes must be assessed holistically, not in isolation.
📣 Recommendations
• A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be required for MOD-7, given the scale and sensitivity of the proposed works.
• Independent environmental audits and community consultation must be conducted before approval.
• Clear commitments should be made regarding long-term monitoring, public reporting, and land use planning.
💰 Impact on Property Values
The proposed modification SSD-5544-Mod-7 has the potential to negatively affect local property values due to:
• Perceived Environmental Risk: The presence of contaminants such as PFAS, petroleum hydrocarbons, and asbestos—even with remediation—can create long-term stigma around the site, discouraging potential buyers and investors.
• Uncertainty Around Future Land Use: The lack of clarity regarding Ampol’s intended “future uses” for the site raises concerns about possible industrial intensification, which could further depress residential property values in surrounding areas.
• Visual and Amenity Impacts: Remediation activities, infrastructure consolidation, and potential future developments may alter the character of the area, reducing its appeal and desirability.
• Market Perception: Historical industrial use and ongoing environmental management may lead to a perception of risk, which can influence buyer behavior and reduce demand.
Given these factors, the modification could result in real financial consequences for homeowners and investors in the Kurnell area. This must be considered in the planning assessment process.
I urge the Department of Planning and Environment to reject SSD-5544-Mod-7 until these concerns are adequately addressed and community confidence is restored.
Kind Regards
Meagan Porter

I STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE MOD 7 proposal

I STRONGLY OBJECT TO THE MOD 7 proposal

Statement of Opposition to MOD 7 – Kurnell

I am a proud Dharawal woman, and a Kurnell resident. I strongly oppose the approval of MOD 7. Kurnell is not just a place—it is sacred land. It holds deep spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for my family, my ancestors, and our wider Dharawal community.

Kurnell tells an important story—not only of Australia’s colonial history, but also of the world's oldest living culture. For Dharawal people, this land holds ancestral connections that go beyond physical boundaries. My ancestors are buried here. They fought to protect this land, and as their descendant, I feel a deep responsibility to continue that fight.

It is heartbreaking and deeply disrespectful to witness toxic waste being poured into the land where our ancestors lay to rest. The continued industrial activity, particularly by AMPOL, has caused significant harm to the environment, the local community, and the cultural integrity of this sacred site.

This land should be respected and preserved as a place of peace, memory, and cultural continuity—not degraded into a toxic wasteland.

The flora and fauna of Kurnell are an inseparable part of Dharawal identity. Our stories, totems, and cultural teachings are embedded in the landscape. Clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are essential—not just for wildlife to survive, but for our cultural heritage to flourish.

AMPOL previously committed to cleaning up chemical spills and environmental damage. However, these commitments have not been fulfilled. Instead, we continue to witness pollution in our waterways, the air we breathe, and the soil beneath our feet.

AMPOL has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of Kurnell and surrounding communities. To date, this responsibility has not been met. The ongoing contamination must be addressed—immediately and fully—before any new development or modification is considered.

MOD 7 should be rejected outright. Instead of further industrial expansion, the land should be rezoned and restored, with recognition of its cultural, historical, and ecological value.

Kurnell is not just land. It is living culture, sacred ground, and the heart of a story that deserves protection and respect.

There isn’t enough evidence this project wont negatively impact Kurnells natural environment- there is still ongoing repercussions from the spill three years ago- there needs to be an independent group/EPA consultation as well as more input from the Kurnell community- a group consisting of Kurnell residents to be taken on a tour of the site and proposed infrastructure

This project is not in the best interests of the community who live in Kurnell. The local community overwhelmingly object to the submission. It is unsafe and dangerous to the community.

This proposal is harmful to the residents and environment alike. Being born and raised in kurnell and growing up during the times of an active refinery, it is time the residents and their health were considered, and the younger families moving into the beautiful suburb are given the opportunity to experience a less industrialised suburb.

Myself and my family have lived in Kurnell for 25 years. We have raised 3 sons and would love to stay and have my grand kids visit.
With this project, the lives of the community are being put at risk. We only have one road in and out in the case of an emergency. With this development there is a high risk to the community with the possibility at the loss of the whole community.
Kurnell is at the end of a peninsula and we can only escape by Captain Cook Drive, where this development will be set up. There would be no safe passage.
We have had the refinery, which is now a storage for fuel, putting the community at greater risk if there is a fire.
The community has been improving over the past decade with the introduction of young families coming to the area. We have spent money improving our homes and creating lives for our families.
Small businesses have been opening up to support the community giving more choices to everyone with more cafes and food outlets opening.
The community support everyone making it a great place to live and raise a family. There is no other place in the Sutherland Shire like Kurnell
This project puts the health of all residents at risk.
Kurnell also has a historical past and a project like this gives no respect to our past.
Caltex/Ampol has made millions from their manufacturing in Kurnell and we have suffered enough. It is time to put the people of Kurnell before big business.
If this development is needed, there are many other places in the state that could be used that are better suited, with better options for the safety of the people of this state.
Please think about the health and safety of the residents as well as the Kurnell environment, which has also suffered from the overuse of the land. Do not let this development proceed.