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

Please find our submission and attachment appended.