Pindimar Abalone Farm Application #MP 10_0006

I object to this proposal. I believe it to be totally inappropriate for this area and in fact for any location like this in `protected waters' that wouldn't allow sufficient flushing of the abalone waste and unused food. It is well known that the eddying effects within the Port would hold the polluted water for very long periods of time and there is data to support this.
There are numerous risks with land based Abalone Farms but the biggest is probably the effect on the Port water quality and in turn sea-life due to elevated nutrients and the future risk of one of the various abalone diseases escaping into the wild through small juveniles or during the spawning periods causing potentially devastating damage.

South Pindimar is an unspoilt backwater and a haven for retirees and residents who choose the area for its natural beauty and peacefulness. Why would anyone want to ruin that by allowing a development that would change this forever?

This proposal would increase local traffic and noise pollution by introducing trucks and staff cars through a quiet street on which children currently ride their bikes in safety (particularly in school holidays), light pollution, increased water pollution within the Port and environmental damage both on land, beach and below water level.

Why on Earth should a Company be allowed to dump their waste into our Port for their own financial gain whilst impacting on, sea grasses, the land, sea life not to mention what I thought were protected species: turtles, dolphins and mangroves.

I strongly object to this proposal.

Sincerely,


Trina Payton

> This proposed development is inappropriate on so many levels. Apart from changing this lovely quiet hamlet into a commercial thoroughfare along Cambage Street, it will have a strong environmental impact on water quality, sea grasses, mangroves and at a land level. It has been stated by the proponents that the contents of the discharge pipe, which will empty the abalone waste and unused food into the Port, will be quickly flushed out to the Continental shelf. This was been found to be completely untrue last time when we tabled Port flow charts that demonstrated the eddy effects within the Port.
>
> We know that it will introduce commercial noise by increased traffic, (around 13-15 full time employees commuting daily, supply delivery trucks not to mention their heavy produce vehicles) generators, pumps that are operated 24/7 and no doubt fork lifts with their incessant beeping. There will also probably be light pollution

I object to the construction of the Abalone Farm as this is primarily a semi rural and residential area and the development of the Abalone Farm will significantly change the nature of the area.
It will introduce commercial noise by increased traffic (due to employees daily commute and delivery trucks, fork lifts with continuous beeping), pumps working 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, as well as possible light polution during the night.
In addition I understand that it will have a strong environmental impact on water quality, sea grasses and mangroves, all areas which are very important breading grounds for fish and other marine creatures. It has been stated by the proponents that the contents of the discharge pipe, which will empty the abalone waste and unused food into the Port, will be quickly flushed out to the Continental shelf. I understand that this is not so as, during the case against this proposal last time when the Port flow charts were tabled showing the eddy effects within the Port, it was clearly demonstrated that any pollution would reside for a length period of time.

I'm submitting this application to oppose the proposed use of an abalone farm.

I am objecting to the Pindimar Abalone Project (Application MP 10_0006).

Port Stephens Pindimar Bay has always been an escape destination for me, my family and our friends. Somewhere to disappear to, somewhere to unwind away from Sydney and relax in the quiet bay. A project like this would destroy this dream destination for us as well as many other residents, permanent or weekenders.

A project like this will damage the area, the wildlife and the serenity of the bay. Also, not only will it disrupt Pindimar Bay but I believe will also impact the entire Port.

This proposed project will damage the Bay in a few ways: the water quality and therefore the wildlife, the thriving tourism of the Port and disturb the residents who have moved to the area for its peace and natural beauty.

Please reject this proposal and help preserve this wonderful piece of New South Wales.

Regards,
Ben Payton

I am objecting to the Pindimar Abalone Project (Application MP 10_0006) because I believe that the beautiful vacation land around Port Stephens is an inappropriate place for heavy industry.

A project such as the proposed will damage the ecology of an area that is largely wild, decrease surrounding water quality, negatively impact local tourism and disrupt residents with noise, odour and heavy traffic.

Please reject this proposal and preserve this special place.

I am objecting to the Pindimar Abalone Project (Application MP 10_0006). I believe that the peaceful, naturally beautiful and popular holiday destination of Port Stephens is a completely inappropriate location for heavy industry such as the proposed application.

Firstly, a project such as this will damage the ecology of an area that is largely wild and currently left natural. Disrupting this will not only ruin the specific area of the proposed site, but also disrupt surrounding areas, impacting on the entire Port.

Secondly, Port Stephens is known for its year round tourism as a place for long and short stay holidays for families to enjoy the many benefits of a Port unburdened by heavy industry. It's because of the current lack of industry that families can enjoy Port Stephens as a holiday destination within a couple of hours drive from Sydney.

A project such as the proposed will damage the ecology of the area, the water quality, the thriving tourism of the Port and disturb the residents who have moved to the area for its peace and natural beauty.

Please reject this proposal and help preserve this wonderful piece of New South Wales.

Having an MSc in ecology I fail to understand why Austasia Leefield Pty Ltd, are so insistent on locating an onshore Abalone farm in what is a marginal region. Existing Abalone farms are all in Southern states where there is access to clean, cold ocean water.
The proposal is to pump water from Port Stephens, a water mass that gets very little flushing with fresh sea water. Indeed, when there are floods, the Ports waters are flushed by fresh water containing large amounts of tannins.
Furthermore, the proposal is for waste water to be returned to the Port at no great distance to the inlet pipes. This would cause a deterioration of the inlet and Ports water quality over time.
The proposal is at best commercially marginal and will be detrimental to the Ports ecosystems.
Who will pay for the removal of pipes and other infrastructure when the business goes bust?

This development is long overdue. It was previously approved by the local council only to be rejected in the courts after local cattle farmers who have properties adjoining the site recieved support from an environment group. that these same farmers have clear felled thousands of acres should put their view into perspective. This can easily be viewed via google earth.
It is a fantastic sustainable environmentally friendly project. The local area ( Port Stephens ) has begun rebranding itself as a fresh produce tourist destination. This project fits in perfectly.
I fully support the project and the tourism and employment that it will bring with it.

The PROPOSED abalone farm at Port Stephens might pose major environmental questions and problems, as the waterway of Port Stephens is under immense stress. As Lesley Lane proposes, it is "a huge risk" (New Castle Herald, July 16 2013).
The PROPOSED abalone farm may increase the traffic of delivery vans to the area, producing an increase in gas emissions, noise and dust, adding more pollution to an already distressed area.
According to chef Peter Hatton "abalone has an immense flavour" However, I do prefer to keep the pristine waters of Port Stephen and the health of other "with less flavour" marine inhabitants that share the waters of the Port.
I do object to the development of the PROPOSED abalone far.
I. Blanco