Proponent Bruce Lyons of Boydtown Pastoral Pty Ltd states in the development application that between 40,000 and 50,000 tonnes of sand would be removed annually from three pits covering 30.9 hectares of land.

Pit 1 (12.2ha) and Pit 2 (18.1ha) are expected to yield sand for concrete manufacture while Pit 3 (0.6ha) will supply sand for bricklaying mortar.

The sand is expected to be drained, screened and stockpiled on site for use in local and Far South Coast industries.

Operating hours would be 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1 pm Saturday.

Consent for the expansion of the current operations lies with the Southern Region Joint Planning Panel, however Bega Valley Shire Council is also assessing the development application before meeting with the Sydney based panel.

A public submission hearing was held in Eden last Thursday following public consultation in 2011.

A meeting of nearby residents in March 2011 raised concerns about excessive noise, dust and traffic.

It is anticipated that the unsealed Nullica Short Cut Road leading to the site would be sealed in stages to reduce wear and tear and dust.

It is also anticipated a three metre bunker would be created parallel to the Princes Highway to reduce the noise impact on nearby caravan parks and Reedy Creek Bridge would have increased safety features.

Impact on several flora and fauna species of interest is considered to be within accepted thresholds.

This includes impact on three threatened ecosystems. Threatened species include the powerful owl, east coast freetail bat, eastern bentwing bat, greater broad-nosed bat, large footed myotis and the yellow bellied glider.

The expansion follows the creation of a smaller sand extraction business several decades ago and overlaps some land slated for a marina in 1989.

Mr Lyons has postponed further action on the marina pending the outcome of requested zoning amendments currently before council.

For more information visit www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au and click on the link to development proposals, or visit Bega Valley Shire Council at Zingel Place, Bega.