SSD 6395 - Bobs Farm Sand Mine Project

I am a long term resident of the Tomaree Peninsula and I wish to condemn
this Sand mine proposal in the strongest possible terms. I object on
the following grounds.

Proposing to conduct such and industrial operation next door to an
existing primary school is dangerous and irresponsible in the extreme.
This school has been in operation for over 100 years and to expect the
students to be exposed to the noise pollution of passing trucks every
few minutes, as well as the silica dust produced from the mining
operation is unconscionable, not the mention the increased risk of
children being hit by these trucks when coming and going from school.

The introduction of an additional 180 + truck movements per day to the
nelson bay road is not acceptable. I travel this road to Newcastle
daily and am already subjected to numerous semi trailers of sand
emanating from previously approved sand mining operations at Salt Ash.
They damage the road, especially at round-abouts and add congestion to
what is the only road artery available to those living on the Tomaree
Peninsula. Only last year I had to take urgent collision avoidance
action to overcome a sand truck forcing its way at the Salt Ash
round-about. More large trucks on an already busy road - ENOUGH
PLEASE.

The idea that this mine can excavate up to 15 metres into the water
table with the resultant risk of pollution and disturbance to the
aquifer and the adjacent waters of Port Stephens is unacceptable.

Furthermore, allowing an industrial operation, which will be visible
from the main Nelson Bay road and which is at the gateway to the
tourist mecca of the Tomaree Peninsula is counterproductive to the
income which local businesses rely on from tourists. Currently the
approaches to the area are through forested and rural scenes which add
to the ambiance of the holiday experience - a mine does not.

The introduction of a sand mine in this area, which its consequent
removal of trees will add further pressures to the increasingly
endangered koala populations on the Peninsula. The loss of many acres
of old growth trees during this mine operation is also unacceptable.

Mining operators often say they will rehabilitate the mine area when
they have finished gouging the earth. My experience is that this
seldom happens and the taxpayer ends up with the problem. I for one do
not want to take the risk.

I implore you to listen to the opposition from the local community,
and do not approve this sand mine.

Concerns regarding the effect the sand mine will have on the students
attending Bobs Farm Public School; the health implications of mining
silica; and the serious effect the mine will have on the drinking
water for residents on the Tomaree peninsula.

The site is far too close to Bobs Farm Public School. There will be
health problems due to the silica and the water quality will be
affected. No sand mining at Bobs Farm!!!

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters does not support the proposed sand mine;
due to the sensitive unique ecology environmental corridor. This very
forest borders and extends onto our land; we know very well the
animals and old growth trees that reside there and salvaging the Port
Stephens natural environment is of the utmost importance to us. Our
primary concerns are that there has not been sufficient environmental
surveys of the proposed area for example as Council highlighted"
incorrect threat listing status applied to EPBC Act listed species
resulting in incorrect assessments of significance i.e. Koala (listed
as Vulnerable, EPBC Act) has been assessed as Endangered under EPBC
significant impact criteria and Tiger Quoll (Endangered, EPBC Act) has
been assessed under Vulnerable species criteria". It is our
understanding that the proposal has not adequately assessed migratory
and seasonal wildlife and flora in which some fall under the
Endangered under Biodiversity Conservation Act and Environment
Protection Biodiversiy Conservation Act. We encounter Koala's
frequently on our property adjacent to the proposed site. The area
also has Swamp Sclerophyll Forest which has an array of threatened
species which have not been identified due to their seasonality and
required further assessment.

Potential Acid Sulfate Soils have been recorded on site. The proposed
interaction with groundwater that is connected to the drinking water
catchment, extractive activities that interact with the groundwater
are considered to have a high risk of serious impacts. An assessment
to the potential impact of ASS, including potential impacts to
surrounding land uses is recommended.

The air quality concerns are very significant to us along with the
loss of the iconic Bobs Farm School which surely wont be able to
operate under these conditions. Tourism in Port Stephens will be very
much affected by this decision along with other businesses and
residents. Our entire area is an ecological treasure which attracts
visitors in bounds, if we continue down this path or turning into a
mining corridor then we cannot reverse it, once it is gone it is gone.
At the moment the RED ZONE is an environmental disaster, yet just out
of the zone and the environment is at risk once again. Concerns
regarding significant impacts on air quality and contaminated ground
water should be enough to sway the decision considering the state of
our peninsular, let alone the huge impact it will have on the
environment and the tourism industry.

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, along with the following government
organisations :
* Division of Resources and Geoscience
* Hunter Water
* NSW Health
* NSW Rural Fire Service.
* OEH Heritage Division
* OEH_ Office of Environment and Heritage
* Port Stephens Council
* Roads and Maritime Services

insist the Director reviews and implements an applicable and
acceptable surveys to accurately access the proposed development. We
of the opinion once the findings are returned this development will
not go ahead due to its potential to significant negatively impact to
social, environmental and economic aspects.

Regards
Ryan
Managing Director

The proposed sand mine development adjoining Bob's Farm Public School
poses some serious questions as to the ability of the school to
maintain the high quality educational opportunities and environment
for the local community given the undoubted impact of a coastal
environment, open cut mining and noise due to truck movement outside
of the school. Bob's Farm Public School has been an important part of
this small community for almost 100 years and this development poses a
major threat to its viability if only for the impact the development
will have on prospective enrolments into the future.

Bob's Farm is a quiet, semi-rural environment. Current environmental
impacts, mainly Nelson Bay Road, do not impact the school due to the
main use being out of school hours. This will change significantly
through plant operation, earth movement and a deterioration of air
quality. Road safety for young students and staff becomes a concern.
Even the expected reduction in the water table and the mine's impact
on local resources will impact directly on the school and its students
as well.

The proposal to erect a 4 metre noise reduction measure around the
school causes concern with aesthetics and acoustics as it is untested
in the area and under the conditions under which the mine would
operate.

Any development this close to a school should not just have to meet
"industry standards".

This development is an impact on a rural small school, staff and
parents that should not even reach the stage of consideration. This is
a long standing community being impacted by a short term development
and they will not recover from it. The concerns of the school and its
community should be heard.

Our organisation provides support for principals in the administration
and management of their schools and the welfare of those principals
involved. We believe the development will have a detrimental effect on
both.

180 trucks per day

Mining of silica - health implications

Mining to 15m below the water table - effects on drinking water

Determental effect on Bobs Farm School with trucks exiting site within
100metres of school

My daughter is in her second year of of school at Bobs Farm Public
school. She comes from a single parent family and has seen her mother
in hospital numerous times due to ongoing health issues. Due to her
changing environment Bobs Farm has been a place of stability, routine
and happiness for her. She has a strong bond with her friends and
teachers and is very enthusiastic about going to school each day. Bobs
farm school provides a warm and loving environment where children such
as my own thrive. Everyone has a very close bond there. It would be
such a shame if this goes ahead and that stability and joy the
children have at this school is torn away. Their sense of security
will be shattered as they're forced to go to new schools and meet new
friends. Which is all well and good but having been through a change
myself with schools as a child, I can tell you it's a long lasting
memory of sadness.

To Whom it may concern
The proposed sand mine is wrong on many levels and will be detrimental
in the short term through to long term of its proposed existence for
our current and future community local and surrounding.

Negative Effects

( 1 ) Another Deforestation area created, historic evidence has
documented a decrease in rainfall, soil erosion and salted land
effects which are never assessed or costed against deforestation even
though they are well know in these areas .

( 2 ) Loss of habitat and biodiversity from old growth forests

( 3 ) Deep mining above or below AHD or water table in close quarters
to primary school, residence, farmers and other passive commercial
operators who all rely on the ground water/aquifers on a daily basis
the gamble to see if the miners get it right or wrong with
contaminating or changing water quality etc
HIGH RISK.

( 4 ) The added truck movements on an allready busy road that is a
cocktail of Locals going about there business, large volumes of
commuter traffic throughout the day and tourist on a Port Stephens
destination holiday many towing boats & caravans
The proposed traffic plan where the trucks leave the mine site travel
beside Bobs Farm School enters Nelson Bay rd going east towards Nelson
Bay till the Port Stephens Rd roundabout make a 180 degree U turn
blocking traffic in all exits then returning to Nelson bay rd
travelling West and beyond ?
Chaotic !!

( 5 ) The escalated risk of airborne contaminants for school children
and community silica etc

( 6 ) Truck NOISE

Living in the local community I believe the impact that this will have is
too great a risk to my family and our community to be able to go
ahead.
The potential impacts on groundwater which is a vital resource for
those of us in the community with livestock, not to mention the
potential for damaging results to the water catchment area for those
with town water, proving it has potential to impact on a much wider
community than just that of Bobs Farm. With no water other than tank
or ground water this resource should not be put at risk.
The next issue I have is the number of vehicle movements on this road.
It is already a dangerous road with many people using it as a
"shortcut" and driving at high speed down a narrow road with no verge
to speak of for most of the road for people to move over to safely,
particularly when passing buses and trucks which regularly use the
road. As it is the road is not rated for heavy vehicles anyway. The
danger of this increased number of vehicle movements would result in a
significant increase in accidents, of which more and more would be
serious.
Thirdly, the issue of air quality. One of the benefits of living in
this quiet, rural community is the pristine environment. The
significant demise in air quality due to silica dust would be
terrible. I would not believe it would be viable to have a school
remain open at Bobs Farm right next to this proposed development.
Having a newborn we would be extremely disappointed to not be able to
send him to this school when he is ready. Should the mine go ahead and
the school remain open, I would not be comfortable exposing him to the
dangerous air that would be blowing across the school, and with a duty
of care to him would not send him there. Should the mine go ahead I
believe the community would lose a fantastic resource that is a big
reason young families are in the area, and staying in the area. The
department of education would have a duty of care to students and
teachers , and as such would not be able to keep the school open.
I and my family are strongly opposed to this terrible proposal. The
impacts on the environment and members of the community would be
devastating and dangerous and such this should not be allowed to go
ahead. Port Stephens is a tourist destination, and projects like this
will bring money in for a couple of people for a few years, leaving
behind them big holes in our environment and a region that will be
talked about as once beautiful, now just an eye sore.

Regards,

James Kenned

If the proposed Bobs Farm sand mine goes ahead there will be many
negative impacts on my local community and the environment. The
location of the sand mine will effect many local farming families and
Bobs Farm Public School. The amount of trucks coming and going from
the site (especially those exiting near the local primary school) is
completely unexceptionable. The water table will be destroyed and will
never recover. I also have a problem with the silica and related
health issues that will occur. I strongly believe that this location
is inappropriate and must not go ahead.

Object to continuation of this project. Major concerns with the project;
1. We commercially farm avocados in close proximity to the mine. This
farm has been in the area for nearly 40 years. The farm is highly
dependent on good quality water, and also on the water table not
suffering adverse effects. The proposed sand mine has the potential to
affect the water table and possibly water quality, and this will
adversely affect the viability of our avocado growing and production.
2. We believe dust generated by the mining will adversely affect our
avocado production.
3. We are opposed to the excessive use of Nelson Bay Road by any more
heavy trucks, both in terms of noise and damage to the road.
4. The potential effects on the Bobs Farm School are unacceptable.
Children should have environment safe for the welfare and education.
The sand mine will compromise this, in an area where children should
also the enjoyment of a good open air environment close to natural
environments.
5. The area's greatest potential and asset is tourism; activities
which detract from this should not be allowed to proceed.
6. There are potential projects at existing neighbouring eco
businesses (which are tourist attractions) which will likely not
proceed if this mine is approved.
7. The site of the mine has heritage value; it was a refugee camp in
World war 2. It is located adjacent to Worimi land which is natural
bush area, and the Bobs farm area should not allow any mining in this
environment

100% against this. It will have a negative impact on the pristine
landscape of the bay. What about all the vegetation and animals? Not
to mention our local community and all the extra traffic this will
bring. We should be protecting our landscape and sand dunes, not
digging it up and selling it off.

Myself and family wish that our Objection to Sand Mine be considered in
the assessment process.
This Sand Mine proposal has affected and if granted will continue to
affect myself, family and a wonderful community of Bobs Farm, our
property is behind close to the proposed Sand mine.
How does one Company profit be greater then my Family and Community.
Tattersall Lander have said they have consulted with the community
effected, we have not been contacted or received any communication
from Bob Lander or Tattersall Lander.
Myself and family moved to Bobs Farm 7 years ago, for our pending
retirement as this is a beautiful area and this community has made us
very welcome.
We have use our retirement fund to purchase our property, if proposal
is granted then this will decrease our and community property values,
who would want to buy a property near a Sand mine or a massive hole in
the ground.
Since moving into our home, our family and extended family have
enjoyed our lifestyle, so much that relatives and children have
purchased a property in the area
My elderly Mother moved onto our property after my Fathers death, this
allowed her to live an area of safety and peaceful living, enjoying
all that Bobs Farm has.
The company that owns the land of the proposed Sand Mine known to most
as the Olive Farm, has purchased other properties adjoining their
property ie property 690 Marsh Rd Bobs farm which is in between the
proposed Sand Mine and Marsh Road.

This Sand mine will have major effects on myself and family,
1. The health risks from with air pollution from silica and dust.
2. The noise from mining.
3. The noise from exiting truck and on site movement.
4. Truck congestion in movement on Marsh Rd and Nelson Bay
Rd.
5. Closure of Bobs farm School, this is our community hub.
6. Property value decreasing.
7. Not having option to move as this development will be made
the area unattractive to live in.
8. Loss of peaceful living, affects of livestock and pets.
9. Affects on our extended Family due to all living in the area.
10. Stress from the future unknown due to proposed
development.

Our community is part of Port Stephens, and has some wonderful
attraction in Bobs Farm, including the Shark and Ray centre next to
proposed Sand Mine, Tourist accommodation, Avocado farms,
Winery/Brewery just to name a few which all will be affected by this
Sand Mine.

As we all understand the potential damaging impacts that this project
will have on not only the local Bobs Farm community itself but also
the bigger Port Stephens region, this project just simply can't
continue.
Personally for me, this porject will have such a negative affect on
our property that's located within the area and most importantly on
our local school (Bobs Farm Public School) which my kids go to.

I am writing this objection on behalf of my family. My husband Paul and
our two young daughters.

We moved to Bobs Farm 6 years ago. We choose to settle and raise our
family in this area because of the semi-rural lifestyle it offered.
Our property is within 3 klm of the proposed mind site. Imagine if
someone wanted to dig a massive hole that close to your home and
threaten your livelihood, and even worse your health and well-being.

As a member of the community action group I am quite familiar with the
community response you will receive. I wanted to write more about my
own personal story.

This development will destroy families and I cannot understand how
such a ridiculous proposal can even be submitted. It comes down to
money and the sheer greed a few people have and their total disregard
to the community of people whom live in this area.

Over the past 3 years our family have been growing our small business
Real Food Culture and providing more organic local food to our
community. We have slowly been developing our property to grow more
food for our community. We have concerns about ground water
interference and the potential impact to damaging our existing and
developing food systems. Local knowledge, the Hunter water response
and information presented in the EIS confirms this is a significant
issue that needs to be closely reviewed.

We settled in this area, to slow down, to enjoy the simple life and
provide a safe environment to raise our children. This mine is
proposed in our street! The sheer size and scope of the mine is
totally ridiculous for its location. I encourage the independent
commission to come and visit our area to understand what a catastrophe
this development would be. If approved my family will have daily angst
and worry. Will airborne dust movements be contaminating our drinking
water, are we developing silicosis, is there water available in the
spear points today, is it safe to use, what noise and vibrations is
going to impact us today, what danger are these truck movements going
to put our family at each day, how much road kill of native fauna will
we see today?

The proponent and the independent commission must realise that this
development is inappropriate to our community and understand the
impact it will have on its residents and our local school.

Over the past few months I have become familiar with the EIS and a few
things really made me mad! The data presented in some critical areas
was outdated, so called industry experts reports where flawed and
didn't articulate any local awareness and the impact to the local
community was highly understated. The EIS does not satisfactorily
address the concerns of our community and the Proponent should be
embarrassed with the quality of information they have put forward.

The proposal is totally flawed, and I can only imagine the proponent
will change the project significantly to try and get some level of
approval. There is no way that any credible independent commission can
approve the wet mining operating and dredging below the ground water.
That reduce the mine by 50%. The supplementary documentation provided
during the public exhibition has emphasised the importance of this
habitat and it is ridiculous to think that approval could be given to
destroy such an important ecological corridor. The impact that the
proposed driveway on Marsh Road will have to the local school is
highly unsafe and the access route will need to be changed. But then
considering the alternative and the currents roads infrastructure it
should be denied. A sand mine does not belong at the gateway to port
Stephens and is not an ecologically sustainable development. It should
be totally rejected so our community can get back to developing our
farms and eco-tourism ventures that are much more in line with the
regional context of our area

I can assure you that our community will not stop fighting and
approval of any kind will ensure the community is requesting
compensation for diminished land value, loss of income, and protection
to our health and well-being and holding the proponent and committees
responsible for its approval accountable for its actions.

Thank you
Kristy Arnall

I object to this submission on the grounds that the EIS does not put
forward a strong case for a ecological sustainable development.

The impact to my family and my community is too great.

Issues include;
- Ground water interference
- Air pollution, possibly silicosis. Our property was identified at
being above acceptable risk level by the Dept Health!
- Noise and vibration concerns. We live less that 3klm from the
proposed site
- The unacceptable clearing of old growth forest and loss of
threatened fauna
- The unacceptable truck movements on our road
- The threat of closing the local school
- The loss of land value
- And not aligning with the regional context of our area
- The lack of community consultation
Regards

I object to this submission on the grounds that the EIS does not put
forward a strong case for a ecological sustainable development.

The impact to my family and my community is too great.

Issues include;
- Ground water interference
- Air pollution, possibly silicosis. Our property was identified at
being above acceptable risk level by the Dept Health!
- Noise and vibration concerns. We live less that 2klm from the
proposed site
- The unacceptable clearing of old growth forest and loss of
threatened fauna
- The unacceptable truck movements on our road
- The threat of closing the local school
- The loss of land value
- And not aligning with the regional context of our area
- The lack of community consultation
Regards Jasmin

Dear Department of Planning & Environment Submissions

I wish to object to the sand extraction proposal at Bob's Farm 3631
Nelson Bay Road Bobs Farm 2316. I am familiar with this part of the
coastal zone from previous positions and Environmental Impact
Assessment work in the private sector and NSW government, in the
capacity of Archaeologist and Environmental Planner.

I object to the proposal for the following reasons,

**It is a large, mostly greenfield, development that will threaten an
important coastal biodiversity corridor that is habitat to many
threatened species
**It is a designated water reserve managed by the Hunter Water Corp
(HWC) and, with the constant approvals for mines in the immediate
area, the community is losing sources of fresh potable water and
aquifers at a rapid rate.
**It is a known area for Aboriginal cultural heritage sites that the
archaeological record can no longer afford to lose because of the
already historic sand mining.
**There is enough sand to mine in the large transgressive dune
southwest of the site at Stockton Beach so there is no need to open up
stable sediments.
**It is near the Bobs Farm Public School and despite sediment
containment as part of any approval plan, will negatively impact the
schoolchildren's' respiratory issues.
**Tilligerry Creek should have no open extraction since its
sedimentation has accelerated over time and the move by the government
should be towards vegetative stabilisation and purification of water
sources not negative impacts.

Please support HWC and do not approve this development application.

Susan M Effenberger Warners Bay 2282

This shouldn't be allowed to go ahead. Let the water park go ahead

The proposal to sand mine at Bobs Farm should not be approved for the
following reasons:
* Damage to the environment - clearing of 36.1 hectares of land
including threatened species and feeding habitat. The Port Stephens
area has already been extensively cleared for building projects such
as lifestyle resorts. The sand mine would be one more `nail in the
coffin' for the threatened koala species.
* Impact on the residents of Bobs Farm whose quiet and simple
lifestyle would be irreversibly damaged.
* Impact of noise and disturbance to the students of the 100 year old
primary school.
* Impact to neighbouring eco businesses.
* Danger to local and visiting drivers with another 180 truck
movements each day.
* Damage to the road system by the additional truck movements.
* Air quality issues to the area due to mining activities including
silica dust.
* Impact on the water table with proposed mining of sand to 15 metres
below the water table.
* Overall damage to the environment with the only gain going to a few
people and a loss of enjoyment, and possible threats to health for a
large number of people.