Dalswinton Sand and Gravel Quarry

I currently work in the civil construction industry.
I am in full support of the submission to expand Dalswinton Quarry. Materials are becoming harder to source for our projects. There will be a shortage in these materials if more resources are not made available. Transport companies will be required to travel further afield in order to meet the demand of our industry, which will mean more heavy vehicles on the road causing deterioration.

I have worked in the quarrying and construction industry for over 35 years and see the need for quarry products to meet construction and landscape requirements as well as the support or creation of the associated jobs it will provide. I therefore support the expansion of the Dalswinton Sand and Gravel Quarry.

On behalf of our business 'Tamworth Landscape Supplies' we support the proposed increased volume for this quarry. This natural resource is of significant importance to our daily operations supplying the broader construction industry of Tamworth, including (not limited to) raw material to create bedding sand for tilers, river sand to produce concrete mix for concreters, fencers and landscapers. Other industries that benefit from this resource include equine, schools and public parks via local government. The sand and loams from this pit are also used to enhance the natural environment in our region where they are used as components of garden mixes for local residents to beautify their street scape and produce eatable gardens at home. We support the expansion of this quarry.

To Whom it may concern,
We are supportive of the Dalswinton Sand and Gravel quarry expansion. However being a sensitive receptor we are very concerned with the proposed operation of hours being 5am- midnight. With our operation we have millions of dollars of thoroughbred breeding stock. These animals have a high flight instinct especially with loud noises and at night. In our experience this usually results in injuries and/or death and of course has significant financial and emotional consequences.

Consideration to impose a condition on an approval to effect that loud noises/blasting are prohibited after 6pm.
We are happy to discuss further and/or show you our operation.

The Dalswinton Quarry has been in operation in one form or another for the full time my wife and i have owned several properties located on Bureen Road ; namely, "Bellreve", "Metulla and "Glenroy" at 610, 701 and 810 Bureen Road. We understand the commercial and economic value of the project and are generally supportive of its operation. However, there are two key issues that deserve comment and some criticism. These are - 1. Dust and 2. Noise.
1. Dust - depending on the operations at the time and also wind speed and direction, dust has been and will continue to be an issue. This includes the operation of the quarry and also the transport of product from the quarry along the gravel road beside the Hunter River. Greater efforts to reduce fugiitve dust emissions should to be taken and these include making sure water spays are fitted effectively to crushing and screening operations and extra water carts are available to dampen internal haul roads and also the main access road from the quarry to the Golden Highway. The conditions of consent should reflect these requirements. In addition, a permanent dust monitor should be established at the "Metulla" property to monitor dust levels.
2. Noise - our properties (mentioned above) are closest to the proposed development. On still mornings especially in winter, in the evenings plus when wind directions and speed are in the direction of our properties, noise is an issue for residents in the houses (5 in total). The noise source is mining equipment, reversing alarms, crushing equipment and also truck movements especially trucks entering the site from the Golden Highway down the slope onto the Hunter River flats. I have read the noise report and recommend the Department of Planning critically examines the assumptions used in this report. In my view, the noise events which I have personally experienced and which residents on our properties continue to experience are under-estimated in the noise report. The only way to adequately determine if noise is the problem I suggest is to establish a permanent noise monitor at say "Metulla" adjacent the homestead. That way there can be no argument as to the magnitude of the noise during the work hours of the quarry.
Finally, I hope the expansion of the quarry is a success and that applies to its operation, financial returns and also making sure the residents who are close to the quarry are respected and have their legitimate concerns dealt with appropriately.

Hi James,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Dalswinton Project. In this regard, please find Muswellbrook Shire Council comment attached.

We support the Proposal which provides local jobs and benefits all involved.
We have an agreement to provide access of 5.5km through our properties.