Oppose the Quarry at 465 Shallow Bay Road
DA Pre-Lodgement application PL2024/0052 & any subsequent Applications for a Quarry on Lot 542 / DP 531809 

To: MidCoast Council Councillors, General Manager and Planning Department

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the progression of the proposed hard rock quarry adjacent to Wallingat National Park, identified under MidCoast Council Pre-Lodgement reference PL2024/0052. We urge Council to recognise the unacceptable threats this project poses to our environment, economy, and community, and refuse support for it moving towards a formal Development Application.

Our Irreplaceable Region:

Our part of the Barrington Coast, Shallow Bay, is defined by Wallingat National Park – a vital sanctuary for endangered koalas, quolls, and sugar gliders – and the magnificent Wallis Lake. Renowned for its clean water, the lake supports world-class oyster and prawn industries and underpins our local lifestyle and economy. Tourism thrives here, drawing visitors seeking pristine nature and tranquillity in Forster-Tuncurry and lakeside villages like Shallow Bay, Whoota, and Coomba Park/Bay. Our identity and economy depend on protecting these assets. "You don't come to the Barrington Coast to get a bag of gravel."

The Quarry Threat (PL2024/0052): Unacceptable Impacts

This industrial proposal is fundamentally incompatible with our region and would cause severe, irreversible damage:

1. Environmental Devastation:
   Noise & Stress: Constant blasting and machinery noise will shatter the peace, damaging the quality of life of the shallow bay residents and harming wildlife in the adjacent National Park, especially sensitive koalas.
   Pollution: Dust will coat vegetation. Runoff carrying sediment and potential contaminants threatens wetlands and the pristine waters of Wallis Lake, endangering our vital oyster and prawn industries.
   Habitat & Visual Scar: The quarry degrades bordering habitats and creates a permanent eyesore.
2. Community Disruption:
   Dangerous Truck Traffic: Heavy truck movements daily on unsuitable roads like Shallow Bay Road and Coomba Road mean noise, diesel fumes, safety hazards, and road damage. "No more trucks on Shallow Bay Road, no more trucks on Coomba Road!"
   Loss of Amenity: The peaceful lifestyle cherished by residents will be destroyed by blasting, rock hammers, rock crushers, generators, pumps, earthmovers and trucks creating dust, noise, and fumes.
3. Economic Sabotage:
   Tourism Damaged: The quarry undermines the "Barrington Coast" brand, deterring visitors seeking nature and quiet.
   Aquaculture Risk: Water quality threats place the irreplaceable oyster and prawn industries, and the jobs they provide, at serious risk.
   Unsustainable: Short-term quarry jobs cannot justify sacrificing long-term, sustainable livelihoods in tourism and aquaculture.

Our Plea: Stop This Damaging Project Now

Allowing this quarry proposal (PL2024/0052) to advance ignores its devastating potential. It prioritises destructive extraction over the proven, sustainable value of our natural assets and community well-being. The risks are simply too high.

We implore MidCoast Council to act decisively at this early stage.

Protect Shallow Bay. Protect Wallis Lake. Protect Wallingat National Park.

Listen to the community: Refuse support for the progression of quarry proposal PL2024/0052. Reject any Applications for a Quarry in Shallow Bay. Do not let this damaging project proceed.

Be aware that in providing your details and signing this petition, that the personal details provided may be made public as it is considered at a Council Meeting. It may also be the subject of any Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 application.