Firstly, we need an extension to the notification end date to allow those people who don’t know about this. Only five notifications were sent out for an issue that affects the whole community and all visitors. * see also last paragraph about CCC’s website submission access difficulty.
We are facing a critical challenge that threatens the identity and amenity of our rural district.
Application Number DA/1060/2023 proposes the construction of a Machinery Shed & Ancillary Rural Supplies (Concrete Pipes & Structures) operation at 315 Greta Road, Kulnura, NSW 2250. This application raises significant concerns that directly impact our community's well-being and the environment we hold dear.
Back on 24 August 2021, a planning officer Stephen Ryan was managing the removal of the pipes, because it was an illegal operation.
Our neighbour, Murray Harris received a call from Stephen Ryan, who had a look by aerial photograph of the property at 315 Greta Road, as per discussion with Murray. He stated that he was “horrified” by the proliferation of the pipes. He closed the conversation with, “We’re on to it”. This needs an explanation. Who in Council decided that it became okay without any consultation.
It’s not just a machinery shed, which, in itself, sounds quite innocuous. Approving this DA will deleteriously impact this region.
There’s no detail in this DA to explain exactly what their business is all about. Currently it’s buying, storing, and selling. This means heavy trucks too. If allowed, it will grow larger and become more onerous. It will become an industrial stain on our rural landscape and an assault on our eyes.
This objection is in response to the owners of the property seeking approval for Application Number DA/1060/2023. Previously, they were granted permission to expand their poultry farm. However, we now have serious concerns regarding the potential impacts on water safety and the environment. The owners are currently bringing in thousands of industrial-sized concrete pipes on large trucks from Sydney, which is not only damaging to public rural roads but also incongruous with the pristine rural landscape. The accumulation of these concrete pipes on the property for commercial sale raises significant issues. By this objection, we are voicing our opposition to the potential threats posed to water safety and the environment by the transportation and commercialisation of these concrete pipes.
There are three primary issues that warrant our objection to this development proposal:
1. Road Safety and Heavy Truck Traffic Generation: Greta and Springs Roads, the local traffic arteries, are ill-equipped to handle heavy B-Double trucks. The proposed operation would significantly increase truck traffic, creating hazardous conditions for locals, tourists, and other road users. Despite the applicant's claim of only 1 to 2 trucks per week, our daily observations reveal the current truck volume already reaching 1 to 2 trucks per day. This poses a severe threat to road safety and demands immediate attention.
2. Environmental Concerns and Nature Conservation: Our area falls under the RU1 Primary Production zone, primarily designated for promoting agricultural production and environmental protection. The proposed Machinery Shed & Ancillary Rural Supplies operation stands as an eyesore, inconsistent with the rural landscape, and incongruous with the intended purpose of our zone. This type of heavy industrial operation is more appropriately situated in areas such as Somersby Industrial Area, where heavy industry is better suited. We must preserve our environment and protect the integrity of our rural community.
3. Hazardous Materials and Water Pollution: The use of weathering recycled concrete aggregates in the proposed operation raises significant concerns regarding potential water pollution. Elements such as aluminium, arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, manganese, molybdenum, titanium, lithium, and strontium have the potential to leach into our groundwater supply. This poses a direct threat to the quality of the water we consume and compromises the health and well-being of our community. Source: CSIRO Publishing: “Potential water pollution from recycled concrete aggregate material”. We must ensure the preservation of our drinking water sources and prevent any contamination risks.
We urge you to join our efforts in objecting to Application Number DA/1060/2023, as it jeopardizes our road safety, environment, and water supply. Together, we can make a difference and safeguard our community's interests.
o Water Pollution and Catchment Area: The proposed development is situated in a catchment area that supplies 43% of the Central Coast's drinking water. Furthermore, the property where the development is taking place is located on a ridge, with the land sloping downwards towards the south, from Greta Road. This geographical configuration raises significant concerns regarding potential water pollution. Academic articles have demonstrated that runoff from crushed concrete can result in water pollution. The proximity of the proposed development to Dead Horse Creek, which feeds directly in a southerly direction towards the Central Mangrove Landfill area and Ourimbah Weir, exacerbates the potential negative impacts on water quality. We must be vigilant in preserving the purity of our water sources and prevent any contamination risks.
o Jiliby Conservation Area and Environmental Impact: It is important to note that the proposed development is immediately adjacent to the Jiliby Conservation Area. The land in question falls away from Greta Road to the south. Given its location on a plateau and within a catchment area, any negative effects resulting from this development could have far-reaching consequences. The potential spread and leaching of water impurities from concrete pipes and crushed concrete pose a significant risk to local water sources. This not only threatens the delicate ecological balance of the Jiliby Conservation Area but also compromises the water quality that sustains our community.
• I would also like to add that depending on how you access the CCC website (Type of application, DA# or address) to make a submission, you may or may not access a page where you can make a submission. Note, on the next page, this search leaves you on the correct page, but without a “make a submission” tab. This is misleading and would cause many users to give up.
