Sancrox Quarry Expansion Project

I wish to formally object to the Sancrox Quarry Expansion project. I am appalled that the proponent seeks to expand the current quarry by 31.43 hectares – an area just under twice the size of the existing quarry area, to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and to emit 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere over the project lifecycle.

According to the EIS, the project will result in the:
• clearing of 43.1 ha of native forest vegetation, which includes 0.55 ha of the Subtropical coastal floodplain forest Threatened Ecological Community;
• loss of hollow-bearing trees, some of which may provide potential roost sites and breeding habitat for a selection of bird, arboreal mammal, reptile and microchiropteran bat species; and
• removal of foraging habitat for locally occurring native fauna, in particular for threatened microchiropteran bats species, ground mammals, arboreal mammals and a range of bird species.
The proposed offset site is a mere 49 hectares - not even a 2:1 offset, as required by most projects, particularly those that involve tree planting. Furthermore, of the vegetation associations identified in the project area, two are not included in the proposed offset area and an inadequate amount of a third (Tallowwood -Small-fruited Grey Gum dry grassy open forest).

The loss of hollow-bearing trees is another concern – it takes 75-100 years for a eucalypt to form a hollow. I note that most of the hollow bearing trees recorded in the Biodiversity Assessment Report occur in the Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark open forest – this association does not occur in the proposed offset area. Furthermore, I note that no hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the proposed offset area and there is no mention of the provision of nest boxes as part of the proposed offset strategy. How does the proponent plan to address the lost of habitat for hollow-dependent species recorded in the project area?
The removal of Spotted Gum (winter flowering), Grey Ironbark (winter, spring and summer flowering), Blackbutt (spring - summer flowering) and Pink Bloodwood (summer - autumn flowering) species from the local area will result in the loss of crucial winter and autumn flowering species. Paying into a fund will not compensate the fauna of the local area for the loss of valuable feed species.

Furthermore, I note that the project area falls directly within a sub-regional biodiversity corridor. It is absurd to suggest that the loss of vegetation in the project area will not result in habitat fragmentation or the loss of connectivity between the proposed offset area and the remaining vegetation south of the project area. The figures in Appendix E of the Biodiversity Assessment are incomplete – widths are missing, and they seem to suggest that Connecting Link 2 will persist despite the clearance of all vegetation and the presence of machinery. The removal of the vegetation in the project area will effectively isolate fauna that remain in the proposed offset area and the disconnection the offset area will greatly reduce its ecological viability.

According to the Biodiversity report:
‘Approximately 44ha (44%) native vegetation will remain within the inner assessment circle after clearing for the proposed development and around 411ha (41%) of native vegetation will remain in the outer assessment circle after development’
One can therefore conclude that 56% of native vegetation within a 100ha buffer of the centroid of the project area and 59% of vegetation within a 1000ha buffer of the centroid of the project area will be cleared. The Biodiversity Report has not considered the cumulative impact of vegetation clearance within a regional context and the continued fragmentation of remaining vegetation across the landscape. This project is yet another example of how biodiversity in the region is suffering ‘death by 1000 cuts’. The loss of 59% of native vegetation within 1000ha of the project area is not acceptable, particularly when the vegetation to be cleared is intact bushland.

I am also appalled that the project ‘over its entire life cycle is estimated to release approximately 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere’ – 2.5 million tonnes less than Sweden’s total emissions in 2017(1). It is disgusting that the proponent seeks to contribute greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere equivalent to those of an entire country at a time when the planet is warming, and the effects of climate change are affecting all life on earth. Around the world people are racing against time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before positive feedback loops set in place unstoppable warming, yet this project will counteract the efforts of others. Does the proponent intend to purchase certified carbon offsets to mitigate its emissions? I couldn’t find any reference as such in the EIS. The planet can ill-afford to continue ‘business as usual’ and as such, the Sancrox Quarry Expansion should be refused approval based on its significant contribution to global warming and its effect on the biodiversity of region.

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions

Due to the recent bushfires that have impacted the Mid North Coast and parts of Queensland, including the area where the proposed project is due to happen, we have lost significant habitats that are essential for the survival of native fauna and flora eg. koala corridors and substantial burning of Linfield park.
The proposed quarry expansion of 40 hectares into native bushland further depleting koala corridors and having negative impacts on our collective human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples to land and resources held collectively, the right to pass land and resources down through the generations and the right to a healthy environment are not being met. There has been a Climate Change Emergency declared by our Major Peter Pinson a representative of our local council Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) a individual who represents the community and its interests and values, the expansion of this quarry would be in direct violation with community interests (Sancrox and Surrounding Areas) in recent light of the Climate Change Emergency. The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has declared Hundreds of thousands of hectares inland from the coast have been scorched including vital koala habitat in the Lake Innes Nature Reserve which surrounds the town. The further destruction to native habitats, essential to the survival of our native animals would see results such as fauna drop into the endangered species area , where they are unable to reproduce at levels that are essential to their species as is happening now, with wild koala breeding program set to take place after the deadly fires claim an estimated 350 koala lives and essential koala habitats.
With the proposed 24/7 quarry expansion it will affect areas of concern eg. increased blasting that can be heard 2kms away in the Sancrox community, noise and vibration pollution that will worsen with a 24/7 operation as proposed, and the air quality of sancrox.
Even without the recent bush fire epidemic it would be wrong to push for such expansion that not only would affect the community's interests and values and human rights.

Our region has recently lost well over 1 million hectares of habitat. And this, frighteningly, is before the bush fire season even starts for the year. I hold great fears for our flora and fauna's ability to recover from these events. The extraordinary fund raising success of the Koala Hospital highlights the international attention currently being focused on this region and koalas in particular. This is certainly not the time to be considering an application that requires habitat removal.

I personally believe it would never be appropriate to remove intact and vital habitat for koalas and all associated flora and fauna. Offsets cannot replace the biodiversity values of existing trees.

I do not support the quarry expansion and I hope the government can see that our community and our biodiversity cannot cope with further clearing of habitat.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The Area suggested for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ).

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). I submit that if the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The Area suggested for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ).

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). I submit that if the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The Area suggested for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ).

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). I submit that if the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

I originally moved to Port Macquarie ten years ago and was instantly taken by the mix of bush and agricultural land. I relished that I lived in an area that when your drove through was surrounded by beautiful trees, highlighting the councils dedication to maintaining the beauty of nature. Fast forward to now and when I drive on the highway I am disheartened to see large chunks of bush land being cleared for our misguided definition of "progress". More native animals, some such as the koala considered vulnerable, displaced for further housing and unsightly developments. What a great view as your drive towards the entry of town, hundred plus year old trees being reduced to unsightly rubble.

The environmental impact of this project is serious and irreversible.Primarily, the company undertaking and operating this project site has an extremely poor track record of environmental compliance, being fined $15,000 by the environmental protection authority in 2016 for breaches to water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016). The area proposed for this extension not only affects the west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River (considering the companies poor water management practices) but also significantly impacts the ground water sources available to the community. This water source not only supports native flora and fauna but further supplies the surrounding agricultural lands for which farmers use to provide drinking water to their live stock and which will also impact our drinking water.

The proposed development will irreversibly impact the biodiversity existing on the mid-north coast, which has already been severely depleted by recent bush fires in the region. A total of 26 threatened species identified so far including 17 birds and 9 mammals require this corridor and native vegetation to combat possible extinction. (Ref https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important ). I understand that Sancrox has been declared koala free (personal communication) but how can that be substantiated? Merely observing koalas or lack of in no way reflects their presence. These animals and many others will move in search of food, habitat or mates. This development will place even more stress on these and other animals, whose status is tenable at best. This does not include the large numbers of other animals (insects, birds, mammals) and flora that fail to attract the same attention as koalas. It is easy to say the trees will be replanted, but they take twenty years to reach a stage that would be viable habitat for koalas and this is assuming we have regular and decent rainfall. Where are wildlife meant to live in the meantime? Pushed back into smaller and smaller pockets of land where inbreeding will cause further decrease in resilience to disease? Would we consider it reasonable for people to sit around and wait for housing and food to become available for twenty years? If not, why should we force this upon our unique wildlife?

On the 1st of october 2019 Mayor Peta Pinson of Wauchope Council explained the local council's stance on climate change. She states "That as a council, looking after our planet and the local environment is always the priority. We demonstrate this through our land use and planning decisions, the design of new developments, minimising waste, being water-wise, looking after the health of our rivers and the ocean, protecting our flora and fauna... and the list goes on." Mayor Peta Pinson goes on to promote that "as a council, we must manage our resources wisely, and in the best interests of our ratepayers and community. We need to stay focused on the projects and services which only council can deliver to our growing community, and as Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that council works with our community to ensure that our environment is cared for as sustainably as possible." (Ref: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6415012/a-big-picture-approach-to-climate-policy-is-needed/). Following this herself and 13 other Mayors of fire stricken areas have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link that climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. (Ref: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/joint-statement-climate-change-has-grave-costs-for-our-community/). If the local Port Macquarie Hastings Council truly believes in implementing these direct documented statements, how does a project such as this reach this level of approval, without proper community/rate payer consultation? How can we commit to fighting climate change when we continue the uncontrolled destruction of ecosystems? We know that trees are needed to drive moisture into the atmosphere in order for rain to fall. We also know that great civilizations (e.g. Mayan) have fallen from uncontrolled deforestation (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-did-the-mayan-civilization-collapse-a-new-study-points-to-deforestation-and-climate-change-30863026/). Why can we not be among the first councils to take a stance and learn to live in harmony with our natural surrounds?

Our lifestyle is also at risk. I, and sure many who live here, moved to this area to enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment while still being close to town. The nights are peaceful and quiet. The air is clean and fresh (obviously with the exception of the recent fires). A quarry operating 24/7 will negatively impact on our peaceful lifestyle. The fine dust that will be released into the air may not be seen but can still reach our airways, potentially resulting in cancer or chronic illness that may not present for decades. Is this a risk you are while to impose on the current and future generations? There are countless concerns in regards to the air quality following the fires, even when there is no visible smoke. This is only expected to be months. What impact can we expect after thirty years? In addition to this, what would be the affects of noise pollution? Trucks and diggers constantly working. I can hear the train go through Wauchope 10 kms away on a clear night. How can you expect a quarry less than 1 km away operating 24/7 not to result in considerable noise pollution? Airplanes cannot fly at all hours, even in capital cities! Is the mental health and well being of residents who pay a premium for a quiet lifestyle less important because there are fewer of us?

Finally, regarding the plight for which local fauna faces due to recent bushfire events, 'The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital' already faces a functional extinction crises with the rehabilitation of the local genus of Koala. Despite the expected reduced numbers directly attributed to the natural disasters experienced in the mid-north coast, native food sources and vegetation have been extremely impacted, which makes the existing vegetation encompassed in the suggested development area extremely important for the rehabilitation of the iconic species. This is not the time to implement such a project, by a company who has a proven track record for environmental infringement, in a time of such devastation to life in the area. It is just not the time.

My objection to the proposal is on the grounds listed in ticked boxes below:

The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. This development is in the Sancrox area, approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of this quarry expansion.

The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse.

The proposed ‘quarry expansion’ is more than that! It also includes two new additional operations, concrete batching and asphalt production. There are already other concrete and asphalt plants in the region that have the capacity to service the demand.

The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment. Daytime operation excluding Sundays is the maximum that should be allowed in a community precinct. The processes carried out do not have to run at night and can be easily shutdown/restarted.

The project includes “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)” with serious and irreversible environmental impact. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

During November 2019 a State of Emergency was declared in NSW due to the catastrophic bushfires. Hundreds of koalas may have been killed. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site.

The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

Insufficient field work was conducted in 2015, four years ago. A major flaw of the EIS is that it fails to record koalas at six locations and the presence of habitat critical to the endangered Swift Parrot. (Refs: Office of Environment and Heritage Records, 2008 -2013; Ref. DA Annex C)

The environmental impact is serious and irreversible. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity with a total of 27 threatened species identified so far, including 17 birds and 9 mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals in Australia. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important)

Proposed “Ecosystem credits” system of payment by the developer to offset destruction of threatened species does not compensate for the serious and irreversible impact on the natural environment.

Native vegetation in NSW stores a significant amount of carbon. This deforestation and forest degradation will contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and fewer trees in a region can contribute to drought by reducing the amount of local rainfall.

The natural water on the site, currently supporting native flora and fauna, will be diverted to industrial use and North and west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River and Haydons Creek will be impacted.

The company operating this site has a poor track record of environmental compliance and were fined $15,000 by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2016 for breaches of their water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016).

The proposed works impact Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report)

Increased 24/7 heavy vehicle movements on the light duty local roads will compromise road safety and accelerate pavement failure.

 The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. This development is in the Sancrox area, approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of this quarry expansion.

 The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambiance is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse.

 The proposed ‘quarry expansion’ is more than that! It also includes two new additional operations, concrete batching and asphalt production. There are already other concrete and asphalt plants in the region that have the capacity to service the demand.

 The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment. Daytime operation excluding Sundays is the maximum that should be allowed in a community precinct. The processes carried out do not have to run at night and can be easily shutdown/restarted.

 The project includes “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)” with serious and irreversible environmental impact. (Ref: DA, Annex C)

 During November 2019 a State of Emergency was declared in NSW due to the catastrophic bushfires. Hundreds of koalas may have been killed. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site.

 The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

 Insufficient field work was conducted in 2015, four years ago. A major flaw of the EIS is that it fails to record koalas at six locations and the presence of habitat critical to the endangered Swift Parrot. (Refs: Office of Environment and Heritage Records, 2008 -2013; Ref. DA Annex C)

 The environmental impact is serious and irreversible. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity with a total of 27 threatened species identified so far, including 17 birds and 9 mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals in Australia. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important)

 Proposed “Ecosystem credits” system of payment by the developer to offset destruction of threatened species does not compensate for the serious and irreversible impact on the natural environment.

 Native vegetation in NSW stores a significant amount of carbon. This deforestation and forest degradation will contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and fewer trees in a region can contribute to drought by reducing the amount of local rainfall.

 The natural water on the site, currently supporting native flora and fauna, will be diverted to industrial use and North and west alluvial flood plains of the Hastings River and Haydons Creek will be impacted.

 The company operating this site has a poor track record of environmental compliance and were fined $15,000 by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2016 for breaches of their water management operational obligations. (Ref: EPA 24.03.2016).

 The proposed works impact Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report)

 Increased 24/7 heavy vehicle movements on the light duty local roads will compromise road safety and accelerate pavement failure.

I wish to make a formal objection to the proposed Sancrox Quarry Expansion. I am appalled that the proponent seeks to expand the current quarry by 31.43 hectares – an area just under twice the size of the existing quarry area, to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and to emit 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere over the project lifecycle.

I am shocked to discover that the project will involve the “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)”. The clearing will result in serious and irreversible environmental impacts at both local and regional scales. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity including 17 threatened birds and 9 threatened mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important).

The proposed offset site is a mere 49 hectares - not even a 2:1 offset, as required by most projects, particularly those that involve tree planting. Furthermore, of the vegetation associations identified in the project area, two are not included in the proposed offset area and an inadequate amount of a third (Tallowwood -Small-fruited Grey Gum dry grassy open forest). The loss of hollow-bearing trees is another concern – it takes 75-100 years for a eucalypt to form a hollow. I note that most of the hollow bearing trees recorded in the Biodiversity Assessment Report occur in the Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark open forest – this association does not occur in the proposed offset area. Furthermore, I note that no hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the proposed offset area and there is no mention of the provision of nest boxes as part of the proposed offset strategy.

The recent catastrophic bushfires in NSW have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland habitat and hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. It is unbelievable that proponent wishes to clear a viable patch of intact koala habitat when so much habitat in the region has been recently lost to fire. The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

The proposed development will also affect the local hydrology. In a time of drought it is disgusting that the local watercourse that currently supports native flora and fauna will be diverted to industrial use. Furthermore, there will also be an impact on Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Ref: Annex D, Heritage Report).

The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. The quarry development is approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of the proposed quarry expansion. The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse. The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment.

I am also appalled that the project ‘over its entire life cycle is estimated to release approximately 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere’ – 2.5 million tonnes less than Sweden’s total emissions in 2017 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions). It is disgusting that the proponent seeks to contribute greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere equivalent to those of an entire country at a time when the planet is warming, and the effects of climate change are affecting all life on earth. Around the world people are racing against time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before positive feedback loops set in place unstoppable warming, yet this project will counteract the efforts of others. Does the proponent intend to purchase certified carbon offsets to mitigate its emissions? I couldn’t find any reference as such in the EIS. The planet can ill-afford to continue ‘business as usual’ and as such, the Sancrox Quarry Expansion should be refused approval based on its significant contribution to global warming.

Lastly Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd were fined $15,000 in 2016 for breaching the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence at the Sancrox Quarry. It is insane that the NSW Government is even considering a proposal from a company with an existing record of environmental breaches. (Ref: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2016/epamedia16032401).

I am concerned that the environmental consequences of this development will have a significant impact on native wildlife and environment that is currently under increasing stress and range limiting developments. The corridor indicated on the plans doesn't seem to be adequately resolved with the proposed environmental offset particularly the issues of which food trees flower seasonally to our massively compromised wild life which rely on these few remnants of native flowers trees. ditto for the removal of environment habitat trees. If the season we are currently experiencing is any sign of things to come any longer term view to the future would need to consider the impact on so many rare and endangered species in this region. Is the proposed offset is adequate why is it not already loaded and if not why would it suddenly be adequate or desirable as an alternative if it is not already fully utilised. As a professional audiologist I also have concerns about the noise issues for locals as this area becomes more of a suburban populated area that will lead many I'm sure to question any decision to allow the development as Port macquarie heads to double its population according to some forecasts in the range of the life of this quarry. As we have sea to the east, national parks to the north and south it makes sense the population of port macquarie will move toward and adjacent to this proposed working quarry.

There has been much destruction of wildlife habitat, mainly for subdivision for new housing estates, in & around Port Macquarie. This depletion of forested land has had a serious impact on a wide range of native animals, with Koala being being the most noticeable. Recent bush fires within prime habitat has made preservation of existing habitat areas even more critically important.
Clearance for commercial & developers purposes benefit only those developers & businesses not the greater community. Financial return appears to take priority over the wider benefits of preserving our environment for the future. With the advancing changes to our climate, removal of forest can only have further negative impact.

My name is Rachel Sheppard. I am 35 years old. I am a local psychologist, soccer player and mother. I grew up in the Hastings hinterland, and now live just south of port Macquarie.

I wish to make a formal objection to the proposed Sancrox Quarry Expansion.

I understand that proponent seeks to expand the current quarry by 31.43 hectares – an area just under twice the size of the existing quarry area, to extend the hours of operation to 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

I note the following:
- Local environmental impact: the project will involve the “clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, 0.55 ha of which is identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal floodplain forest (NR117)”. The clearing will result in serious and irreversible environmental impacts at both local and regional scales. The proposed development site supports unique biodiversity including 17 threatened birds and 9 threatened mammals, including 7 vulnerable bats. The native vegetation on site should be retained to combat Australia’s abysmal record of extinction of plants and animals. (Ref. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-vegetation/why-is-native-vegetation-important).

- Inadequate biodiversity offset: The proposed offset site is a mere 49 hectares - not even a 2:1 offset, as required by most projects, particularly those that involve tree planting. Furthermore, of the vegetation associations identified in the project area, two are not included in the proposed offset area and an inadequate amount of a third (Tallowwood -Small-fruited Grey Gum dry grassy open forest). The loss of hollow-bearing trees is another concern – it takes 75-100 years for a eucalypt to form a hollow. I note that most of the hollow bearing trees recorded in the Biodiversity Assessment Report occur in the Spotted Gum - Grey Ironbark open forest – this association does not occur in the proposed offset area. Furthermore, I note that no hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the proposed offset area and there is no mention of the provision of nest boxes as part of the proposed offset strategy.

- Recently emerged need to consider biodiversity loss (recent and now predicted with increasing bushfires): The recent catastrophic bushfires in NSW have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland habitat and hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. It is unbelievable that proponent wishes to clear a viable patch of intact koala habitat when so much habitat in the region has been recently lost to fire. The Greater Sancrox Area Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. More recently the Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.

- local hydrology: The proposed development will also affect the local hydrology. In a time of drought it is disgusting that the local watercourse that currently supports native flora and fauna will be diverted to industrial use. Our local council also noted the concern that the expansion would potentially jeopardise our water security via pollution, a real risk given the proposing company has a history of breaching environmental legislation.

- cultural impacts: Furthermore, there will also be an impact on Aboriginal heritage sites, including a Scar Tree and ceremonial site of “high cultural significance.” (Annex D, Heritage Report).

- Noise pollution: The Port Macquarie region is expanding rapidly. The quarry development is approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie, which is undergoing significant residential development that will be directly affected by the increased noise of the proposed quarry expansion. The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to a motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse. The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment.

- exacerbation ofclimate change: ‘over its entire life cycle is estimated to release approximately 48.4 million tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere’ – 2.5 million tonnes less than Sweden’s total emissions in 2017 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions). It is unacceptable that the proponent seeks to contribute greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere equivalent to those of an entire country at a time when the planet is warming, and the effects of climate change are affecting all life on earth. Around the world people are working to combat climate change, yet this project will counteract the efforts of others.Projects contributing such emissions are increasingly finding it difficult to be insured.

- history of breaching environmental conditions: Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd were fined $15,000 in 2016 for breaching the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence at the Sancrox Quarry. It is unacceptable that the NSW Government is considering a proposal from a company with an existing record of environmental breaches. (Ref: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2016/epamedia16032401).

On these basis I formally lodge my objection to the proposed development.

I have not included a discussion of alternative ways to achieve the short term economic benefits the project is projected to create. I am happy to do so if wanted.

Please do feel free to contact me regarding this submission.

Regards,

Rachel Sheppard

Keith and Elizabeth Charles
192 Rawdon Island Road
Sancrox 24463

3 December 2019

https/www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/9946

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madame

Public Submission for SSD-7293, Sancrox Quarry Expansion Project

We strongly object to the application to expand the Sancrox Quarry.

We live on Rawdon Island Road and own land in Bengal Street Sancrox. Both our properties are seriously affected by the Sancrox Quarry proposed extension.

• We have been anticipating the closure of Sancrox Quarry for several years
• There is already increased local traffic due to the expanded Expressway Spares and Hands Engineering. Both Sancrox and Rawdon Island Road are very unsuitable roads to cater for trucks and heavy traffic flow, especially truck and dog vehicles, these roads are designed for light rural traffic. It is already too dangerous a road to walk, ride a bike or a horse safely, the roads are too narrow. There is very little maintenance carried out on these roads and little line marking. Both cars and trucks venture on to the wrong side of the road especially on the sweeping bend at the bottom of our property.
• We object to the Quarry and proposed increased traffic, both heavy and light vehicles as it poses a safety risk to us our family and our friends. It means that resident traffic is competing with these heavy vehicles and increased traffic.
• We understand that by allowing the quarry to extend it involves clearing 43.1 hectares of native forest vegetation, with .55 ha identified as the threatened ecological community Subtropical coastal flood plain forest, this would cause serious and irreversible environmental damage.
• We understand that the application involves a quarry operation on different land to the existing approved operation.
• We object to the clearing of land, both as to the visual view of landscape scarring as well as native animal habitat.
• We object to the risk to buildings from blasting vibrations, once again this is a rural lifestyle area that does not need blasting of the earth.
• We object to the noise pollution due to blasting.
• We also understand that Flyrock may occur during blasting; we do not accept this risk.


Yours faithfully

Keith and Elizabeth Charles

We object to the expansion of this project on environmental grounds. Particularly in light of the recent bushfires and devastation to natural environment of NSW mid north coast. Please see attachment for further comments.

Objection made on the grounds of
-completely inadequate community consultation
- proposal will involve clearing valuable koala habitat this is particularly disgraceful considering the bushfire crisis and threat to this endangered species as a result of nearby bushfires
- carbon emissions associated with this proposal place an unacceptable risk to our communities safety
- increasing industrial use of water is inappropriate in a period of drought and climate change
- noise and dust and health impacts from same are unacceptable for this residential location
- unacceptable biodiversity loss from cutting down native forest
- will reduce amenity and house value for neighbouring properties
Anyone who approves this project should be ashamed of themselves.

My name is Lyn Ward and I am a resident of Thrumster that works from home.
I wish to make a formal objection to the proposed Sancrox Quarry Expansion.
The quarry development is approximately 6km west of Port Macquarie and one kilometre from my home. My surrounding residential development will be directly affected by the increased environmental impact of the proposed quarry expansion. The Sancrox area has already had a substantial increase in noise (24/7), due to the upgrading of the highway to the motorway. Despite noise mitigation measures, the rural ambience is already reduced and any extra noise generation, especially at night, will only make it worse. Sleeping at night with our windows open is already hard with the sound of trucks screaming up the highway. The noise impact of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation is particularly concerning. There will be no respite from constant noisy plant and equipment.
We moved to Port Macquarie as part of our retirement plans. This area was chosen because of its proximity to our nearby hinterlands and quick access up and down the coast to accommodate our love of travelling.
Please reconsider this proposal for the benefit of the this young and developing community

Regards

Lyn Ward

My name is Sue Bilton and we have recently moved to this beautiful area to get away from the big cities and live a more sustainable peaceful life.
I wish to make a formal objection to the proposed Sancrox Quarry Expansion.
Specific issues relating to Loss of Koala habitat.
The recent catastrophic bushfires in NSW have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland habitat and hundreds of koalas. Injured and now homeless koalas may migrate to, or have to be moved onto, the proposed development site. It is unbelievable that proponent wishes to clear a viable patch of intact koala habitat when so much habitat in the region has been recently lost to fire.
The Greater Sancrox Structure Plan (Port Macquarie Hastings Council, 2014), identifies a portion of the the land to be cleared as medium to high activity koala habitat. The Urban Growth Management Strategy 2017-2036(PMHC 2017) classifies the area as a ‘medium biodiversity asset/constraint’ and identifies that the site could provide a ‘major conceptual habitat link’. The Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management 2018 (CKPOM) produced by PMHC identifies the area as core koala habitat. The clearing also destroys an identified critical link needed to maintain vegetation connectivity for animal movement.
Project area falls directly within a sub-regional biodiversity corridor. It is absurd to suggest that the loss of vegetation in the project area will not result in habitat fragmentation or the loss of connectivity between the proposed offset area and the remaining vegetation south of the project area. The figures in Appendix E of the Biodiversity Assessment are incomplete – widths are missing, and they seem to suggest that Connecting Link 2 will persist despite the clearance of all vegetation and the presence of machinery. The removal of the vegetation in the project area will effectively isolate fauna that remain in the proposed offset area and the disconnection the offset area will greatly reduce its ecological viability.

I am writing to express my disapproval to Hanson Construction Material Pty Ltd proposed expansion of the Sancrox Quarry.
My wife and I live at 706 Fernbank Creek Rd. Lot: 1. DP: 318920 and have done so for seven years. Our house is located 742m from the Sancrox Quarry.
I am only aware of this proposal through one of my neighbours informing me of the planned expansion - a surprise as I am a nearby resident that will definitely be impacted by the expansion.

To date, Hanson has undertaken various consultation activities with the local community and relevant stakeholders. Relevant ongoing consultation and engagement for the Sancrox Quarry and proposed development have included written correspondence with relevant government stakeholders and establishment of a Community Consultation Committee for the project. (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 34)

I am yet to meet a local resident that has been contacted.
It would appear that Hanson Construction have done all they can to slip this by with no engagement of the local community. We have since also been made aware that our local State MP’s; David Gillespie and Leslie Williams were also unaware of this proposal.

I have read Ethos Urban’s Social and Economic Impact Assessment, which sadly has at no time involved having any conversations with local residents. I hope that their esteemed staff at least had the opportunity to visit Port Macquarie and enjoyed the junket and that the report was not written based on their knowledge of the local area as per what they discovered on Google Maps.

My concerns are as follows:

Environmental
Sadly I live in area that on paper is recognised for its significant natural beauty, the reason why my wife and I resettled in the area.
In reality with the extensive population growth, this beauty is falling victim to the chainsaw and the eucalypt forests that once bisected and surrounded the town are quickly disappearing.
In the immediate vicinity of the Sancrox Quarry large-scale tree felling has taken place on the nearby but yet to be complted industrial property, Gary Murcott’s Property and properties along Fernbank Creek Road. With the loss of viable habitat for koalas in residential Port Macquarie, the local population has been forced to flee westwards. With what has already taken place in the area, which cannot be reversed, Hanson Constructions proposal to destroy a further 29.63 ha of koala habitat is disturbing.
Road Safety
Pacific Highway: When the eucalypt trees were removed for the development of the soon to be released Industrial Site, they also removed the buffer between the Sancrox Quarry and the Pacific Highway. Regularly, when westerly winds blow across the quarry, dust clouds have formed which has a significant impact on visibility on the Pacific Highway. The safety issue is also compounded as this reduction in visibility is occurring at the junction where Sancrox Road joins the Pacific Highway.
Fernbank Creek Rd
Currently your report states that the Quarry generates 42 heavy vehicle trips per day and if the expansion is approved this will increase significantly to 200 trips per day.
The main markets which the quarry will service are located east of the Pacific Highway, including Port Macquarie………Movements on Fernbank Creek Road, east of the north eastern roundabout should be avoided given that the road is narrow and likely of limited structure capacity to receive regular fully loaded truck and dog movements. Similar to Sancrox Road, movements on this road should be strictly limited to local residents requiring product. (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 13).

As a resident of Fernbank Creek Rd whose house is situated 10m from the road itself, I can without debate inform you that this is not and will not be the case. Despite the construction of Winery Road we consistently see heavy vehicles from the quarry using Fernbank Creek Rd as the preferred and shorter route in Port Macquarie.

This road is a popular route for the local cycling community and residents from Wauchope and Sancrox and it is only a matter of time before we have a serious accident on this narrow, twisting road.

Sancrox Road
This area has been earmarked by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as a future residential development opportunity. The significant increase in heavy vehicle movements can only have a negative impact on road safety along this narrow road.
Conflicting Industry
• Cassegrain Winery is 200m from the Quarry.
• Port Macquarie Horse Riding School is 470m from the Quarry.
• Fernbank Creek Cidery is located along Fernbank Creek Road.
• My wife and I are currently exploring the opportunity to provide overnight accommodation on our property (recently rezoned from rural to tourism).

None of these industries are going to see an advantage to having an expanded quarry, which uses explosives, operating 24 hours a day, seven days per week in such close proximity. The significant increase in heavy vehicles will also not support these employers.


Therefore the overall impact of the proposed development at this location is likely to be positive, provided that the localised potential negative social impacts associated with increased traffic and heavy vehicle movements, increased noise and vibration, impacts to air and water quality and clearing of bushland are appropriately mitigated and monitored, as set out in the Environmental Impact Statement (dated October 2018). (Social and Economic Impact Assessment. Page 52).


Considering this report has been written by some community engagement experts based in Sydney or Brisbane that have somehow managed to gauge the surrounding community’s concerns with zero contact is laughable. To their credit that have managed to pad out the report to 62 pages, hopefully justifying to their employer how they also agree that the expansion of the quarry will be positive. I am sure they payment for this conclusive report was paid promptly.

Sincerely and extremely concerned.

Paul Koch

I wish to object to the expansion of the Sancrox Quarry Expansion as it will further impact on the ever decreasing Koala habitat, which has been deemed viable habitat by the Port Macquarie City Council. With recent bushfires decimating large areas of Koala habitat it is imperative that any remaining areas are saved from development.