Newcastle Sand submits new Bobs Farm sand quarry proposal in NSW

Newcastle Sand has lodged a State Significant Development application to extract up to 530,000 tonnes of sand per year for ten years at the 40.9‑hectare Bobs Farm site near Port Stephens, NSW. The company says the project will create 15 full‑time positions, generate 70‑100 construction jobs and deliver about $39 million of annual economic benefit to the local area.

A prior, larger sand‑quarry proposal on the same site was withdrawn after strong community opposition, with more than 3,500 petition signatures. Port Stephens MP Kate Washington urged residents to submit formal objections via the NSW Planning Portal before the exhibition period ends on 12 August 2026. The South Tomaree Community Association is seeking at least 50 unique letters of objection to trigger a review by the Independent Planning Commission.