Independent NSW MP Justin Field has tabled a petition of almost 5000 signatures in the NSW Parliament against Boral’s plans to expand its Dunmore sand mining operations.

The petitioners called on the NSW Government to “oppose the Boral proposal and any new sand mining that risks the environmental, recreation and tourism values of the region”.

The risks to endangered ecological communities and of the impact on the Minnamurra River estuary were highlighted.

The signatures were gathered over the last six months, including at a major rally at Minnamurra in July when almost 1000 people formed a human sign saying ‘NO Boral Sand Mine” on the Minnamurra Headland.

Boral is currently seeking planning approval to dig two new sand mining pits on land to the east and south of Dunmore House, across the highway from its existing operations.

Over 140 submissions were made to the State planning department against the proposal including from Kiama and Shellharbour councils.

On presenting the petition to Mr Field, Gerroa Environment Protection Society President Warren Holder, who has been supporting the Friends of Minnamurra River campaign, said, “The community has spoken. This is the wrong place for sand mining and we want the Government to reject the Boral proposal.”