From: 	"Robin Graham" <rgarch@bigpond.net.au>
To:	<plan_comment@planning.nsw.gov.au>
Date: 	5/24/2012 7:00 am
Subject: 	shoalhaven starches pipeline project

To whom it may concern

Objection / comment re the shoalhaven starches proposed pipeline project 

Application No MP 10_0108

Name of Objector

Robin Graham

55 Fletchers Lane Meroo Meadow

Lot 8 DP 1007274 

We write to raise our concerns over the above project.

We are concerned that the project will be visually unsightly and will
disrupt the visual and scenic qualities of the place. We would insist that
this pipe line be set as an underground pipeline, and that no plant or
equipment above ground be located in the roadway or its verge. The area is
one of substantial scenic qualities for its rural pastoral landscape which
is recognized by both the National Trust and Shoalhaven Council. Our
property is a listed heritage item as part of that landscape .

Fletchers Lane frequently floods as it takes runoff from the cambewarra
mountain area. At present the roadway has a number of channels / gullies cut
into the southern road verge as well as two outlets which carry flood and
stormwater under the road. These lead to a drainage channel running across
the property to the south of the road. These channels and gullies are vital
components of the flood and stormwater management of the area.  The
disruption blocking or modification of these channels and gullies as may
result in the construction of the pipeline could restrict flood waters in
the road and severely impact on floodwater management and lead to an
increased  flood levels and the possibility of damage or inundation of
properties.  The pipeline will need to be positioned so that it will not
detrimentally effect these stormwater outlets.

Fletchers Lane has a number of trees in the road verge along the southern
side of the road which contribute to the setting and appearance of the road.
We are concerned that the pipeline mat either require these trees to be
removed or require that trees not be grown in this verge for fear they may
cause damage to the pipeline.  We along with our neighbours are planning to
augment these trees plantings in the roads verge with others to achieve a
tree line roadway. We are deeply concerned that the existing of the pipeline
may eliminate that possibility.  This will substantively degrade the
existing and potential qualities of the place.

We have planted feature garden elements in the southern road verge opposite
our property, which is located on the northern side of the road.  These
plantings are part of the landscaping of our property and form an important
part of its settings and context. We are concerned that the project will
require the removal of these plantings. Should this be the case we would
insist that they be reinstated with mature plantings of the same type.

The road itself is a dirt road which is maintained by council but frequently
falls into disrepair having corrugations and deep potholes which damage
vehicles as will as creating dust nuisance. We are concerned that the
movement of construction vehicles, and earth moving equipment and the like
during construction of the pipeline will degrade the road surface and cause
a significant dust nuisance. We demand that as part of these works the
upgrade of the road to mitigate this impact be undertaken  

In summary we would set out the following demands

1         The pipeline must be underground and there should be no above
ground equipment visible.

2         The pipeline must be at sufficient depth and of design and
configuration so as not to impact on the vital flood and stormwater
management systems in the road way.

3         All existing trees should be retained or if required to be removed
reinstated with mature plantings of a similar nature.

4         The pipeline must be of sufficient dept location and configuration
so as not to prevent or disrupt the intention by us and other residents in
the street to plant trees in the roadway to achieve a tree lined street.

5         The road should be upgraded as part of the works to ensure that
damage to the road cannot occur and that dust nuisance is mitigated

Shoalhaven starches stands to gain significant advantage to its operation
with the construction of this pipeline, and is a business which operates in
our community. We understand that shoalhaven starches as a responsible
operator that they are also committed to enhancing and protecting the
environment and its scenic qualities.  We would set out that as effected
property owners along this pipeline, and members of the community we should
both be compensated and share in that benefit. We would setout that we
believe that Shoalhaven Starches  should as part of this project undertake
works in our street to enhance our environment  and its scenic qualities.
We set out the following should be undertaken with this in mind

1 Sealing of the road along the length of the pipeline

2 Planting of road verge trees of a species and type nominated by the
residents and property owners in the street to assist in our aim to achieve
a tree lined roadway 

We trust these matters will be taken on as part of this project

Regards Robin Graham

Owner and resident 55 Fletchers Lane Meroo Meadow.