Independent MP, Justin Field has backed community opposition to a proposal to expand sand mining to within 100 metres of the Minnamurra River.
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Boral has lodged plans to dig two new sand mining pits at Dunmore just west of the Minnamurra River and adjacent to a number of ecologically sensitive areas.
"This is not the place for sand mining," Mr Field said.
"There are significant community concerns about the impact on the river which is a popular fishing location. The new sand mining pits would be dug alongside vulnerable and endangered habitat which includes Littoral Rainforest and Casuarina swamp forests.
"These are critical habitats for marine and bird life,and iconic species like the greater glider which should be protected."
A total of 1,357,000 tonnes of sand is proposed to be extracted from the new sites.
The sand available at the current Boral extraction area on Tabbita road is expected to be exhausted in eight to 12 months.
As a result, Boral has submitted the modification request to meet the high demand from Sydney.
"The Kiama and Shellharbour Councils are opposed to the sand mining expansion and so are many people in the local community," Mr Field said.
"There is a need to supply sand for construction but there are alternative locations that don't risk the natural environment and tourism values of the region."
Justin Field said he will write to Gareth Ward MP about the need to look at the future of sand mining on the South Coast. To ensure future sand mining will only occur in an environmentally responsible way.
