Writing your objection letter to Council
Who can I speak to about stopping the Bournda Quarry? What should I say?
Does my voice count?
Your voice is very important!
Bega Valley Shire annual report states ‘Our community sets the vision for the council members.
As residents and caretakers of our region, you are local experts. You know why this proposed quarry is incompatible with this area and our lifestyles.
The council has indicated the quarry will be on the next Bega Valley Council Meeting agenda on 22nd April. Now is the time to voice your concerns and make sure all the councillors understand the issues before it goes to council meeting.
We need to make sure Bega Valley council members know that there is still strong opposition to this quarry from the community. It is the local residents that should be shaping the future of the area, but we can’t do that if we don’t engage.
Email your concerns to CEO Anthony McMahon at Bega Council and ask him to share your email message with all councillors.
council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
anthonymcmahon@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have:
List of local council members contact details
Below is a list of the 9 local council members you may wish to write to or call, who will be deciding on whether the quarry is approved.
Mark Fowler is the planning assessing officer for this DA so include him in all correspondence.
Councillor sample letter
We encourage you to write a few sentences in your own words about your concerns – this will strengthen each objection letter.
We also encourage you to ask questions, as this is a great way to engage with politicians and find out more! An important question to ask is Why has there been no community engagement or consultation?
Some of the issues with the proposed Bournda Quarry:
The Quarry will introduce to the area:
- Dust and toxic silica dust
- Fine dust which can travel 40 km away (Kalaru = 8km, Wallagoot lake = 3km, Tathra = 12km, Tura Beach = 14km, Merimbula = 17km, Bega = 17km)
– Increased trucks on our country roads up to 60 per day
– Traffic congestion and safety issues on roads
– Blasting noise - Constant machinery noise generated by the crushing and screening of the rhyolite rock onsite
- Blasting vibrations to homes and structures
- Toxic water that will contaminate Jellat Jellat creek, Benooka Lake and Horseshoe lagoon
The Quarry will have a negative impact on:
- Wildlife and vulnerable species that feed and live in the quarry footprint and next to the quarry in Bournda National Park
- Road safety, both on local roads and the Sapphire Coast Road which is a school bus route
- Resident’s mental and physical health, including those produced by silica dust
- Endangered and vulnerable fauna and flora eg. Glossy Black Cockatoos, Gang Gang cockatoos, Yellow bellied glider, Powerful Owl, Spotted- Tailed Quoll.
- Local waterways and water sources as the existing sediment basin is not adequate
- Property and business amenity
- Potential housing in the Bournda Downs 340 ha property that the quarry is part of
- Right to quiet peaceful living in an area of outstanding natural beauty
- Air and water quality
The proposal’s proximity to:
- Homes, tourist destinations and places of public interest and gathering
- Bournda National Park and places of natural local significance including recreation reserves, state parks and camping grounds
- Primary producers and agricultural businesses
- Concerns regarding the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process, and whether you believe the community’s voice has been authentically heard
Mark Fowler is the planning assessing officer for this DA, so include him in all correspondence.
Mark Fowler mfowler@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Contact Mitch Nadin
Contact Tony Allen
Contact Russell Fitzpatrick
Contact Peter
Contact Simon Daly
Contact Clair
Contact David Porter
Contact Helen O’Neil
