Application for Bobs Farm Sand Quarry
LAST EDITED
7 September 2026
Newcastle Sand proposes to build a sand quarry at 3631 Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm. The State Significant Development proposes digging up to 530,000 tonnes of sand per year for 10 years.
STATUS
The exhibition period has now closed, with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure receiving 151 objections to the proposal. The applicant must now review submissions received from the community, government agencies and other stakeholders and prepare a Response to Submissions report addressing the issues raised during the exhibition period.
DETAILS
Newcastle Sand is seeking approval for a sand mine at 3631 Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm (between Nelson Bay Road and Marsh Road) involving:
❌ Extraction of 530,000 tonnes of sand per year for 10 years
❌ Clearing of approximately 24 hectares of native vegetation
❌ Loss of habitat for species including the Koala, Grey-headed Flying Fox and Powerful Owl
❌ Large-scale quarry processing, stockpiling and haulage operations
❌ Significant increases in heavy vehicle movements along the Nelson Bay Road corridor
❌ Further industrialisation of a key gateway into Port Stephens
More information is available through: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/
WHY IT MATTERS
This proposal raises concerns about:
🌿 Biodiversity loss
💧 Impacts on a sensitive coastal groundwater system
🚛 Increased truck traffic and road safety risks
🏡 Impacts on amenity, rural character and lifestyle
🎒 Potential impacts on schools, families and local residents
😷 Potential health impacts from dust and silicates
👀 Potential visual impacts on one of Port Stephens' most important entrance corridors
🏭 Further industrialisation of the Bobs Farm–Salt Ash area
⚠️ Cumulative impacts from existing and proposed extractive industries
STCA POSITION
Object – on the following grounds
The significant likely impacts of that development, including environmental impacts on both the natural and built environments, and social and economic impacts in the locality
The suitability of the site for the development
Not in the public interest.
STCA ACTION
Through social media STCA has raised awareness of the proposal.
Encouraged submissions and provided advice to community on how to navigate the Planning Portal.
Made a submission.
WHAT CAN I DO?
The proposed Bobs Farm Sand Quarry is no longer on public exhibition. We must now await on the next stage in the process.
TIMELINE
12 Aug 26 - Submissions closed
July 2026 - DA Lodge