Narrabri Gas

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.
2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.
3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.
4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.
5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

I object to this project for the following reasons:

This proposed development is too close to the Great Artesian Basin.
We dont have a great enough understanding of it.
It is water source of national importance and we cannot afford to put it at risk!

The disposal of the waste water and salt is not adequately explained.

The release of methane cannot be quantified as the scientific studies just have not been done!

Overall the risk of irreversible environmental damage is too great.

There is no chance of remediation if something goes wrong underground.

We do not have a right to bugger up the environment for the future.

We are the custodians of the planet for future generations and we have a moral obligation to leave it in better order than we found it!

I am opposed to any further developments of coal seam gas exploration and production. It is irresponsible for the NSW government to consider approving coal seam gas development because of its proven damage to natural environments, including the pollution of underground water systems.

In particular, the Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a significant greenhouse gas. CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

I do not support this project.

The Government needs to be moving to renewable energy. CSG is not clean energy. It is contributing to climate change.

The environmental risks cannot be fully quantified and the precautionary principle needs to be applied.

The project puts ground water at risk and will impact on biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage values.

It is disappointing to see a Government that is not forward thinking. That it is making NSW number one again through supporting investment in projects that will cause long-term damage to our ecosystems that will be incredibly difficult to remediate. Supporting this project is short-sighted along with encouraging CSG activities to improve the economy. Be innovative and come up with another way to keep driving the NSW economy forward, without compromising its environment.

Dear NSW Government,

I am deeply concerned about this proposed CSG project and the detrimental environmental impact it will have on the surrounding region.

If the CSG projects started in the Gloucester NSW region are any indication to go by, the risks of damaging the local environment are simply too high to accept.

A UNSW study reported that "reinjection of produced waters into other aquifers has the potential to contaminate those aquifers" (from Coal Seam Gas: Produced Water and Solids, UNSW http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/44081/OCSE-Final-Report-Stuart-Khan-Final-28-May-2014.pdf).

I implore you, please protect this beautiful area, with all its abundance of flora and fauna, for the sake of our children and future generations.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Stucken

Destroying the homes of wildlife and everything natural to enrich the Narrabri Oil and Gas Company sound very self defeating to me.

I oppose the Narrabri/Pilliga CSG project for the following reasons:

The coal seam gas fields leak methane during production, transport, processing and gas use. Methane is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO² and so CSG will contribute significantly to climate change.

The Great Artesian Basin water resource which is one of our most precious water resources is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. The danger for water contamination which has been scientifically demonstrated is too great.

The Pilliga is home to threatened species like the spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby,koala, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat. CSG would reduce numbers of threatened wildlife in this vital safehaven.

The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires. Even on total fire ban days, there would be flare stacks of methane up to 50m high. This project will increase the risk of ignition and terrible destruction caused by bush fires.

The Gamilaraay indigenous people are deeply opposed to CSG and do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field. It could compromise hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater.

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

6. The cumulative impacts of the industrialisation of the Pillaga Forest, the associated bioregion and the broader landscape are unacceptable for aesthetic and cultural reasons as well as the other 5 main points mentioned previously.

I am writing to register my deep opposition to the proposal by Santos to build 850 CSG wells in the Pilliga Forest. A cursory glance at Google Earth will reveal that the Pilliga Forest is one of the very few large areas of natural vegetation left in NSW. The Pilliga Forest provides vital habitat for many native species including many that are already endangered. Indeed, it is one of 15 nationally listed biodiversity hotspots. This is most likely simply because it is a last refuge for so many species!
This CSG project would therefore be threat to our natural heritage. It would be a threat to our first peoples' cultural heritage. It would be a threat to our artesian water supplies which are limited and precious.
Don't be fossil fools - oppose this project.

I believe The Pilliga coal seam gas project is a disaster for our climate, local bushland and wildlife, and for the Traditional Owners and farmers who call the region home.

Coal Seam Gas are extremely hazardous for our spectacular environment. CSG fuels climate change, and climate change is a large factor as to why the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching. The warmer the water the worse the bleaching.

The Govt should be doing everything in its power to protect our land and our water for generations to come. Not by destroying it. Why are the Govt not using more renewable resources, instead of old technology.

Please do the right thing and do not approve the Pilliga CSG project. People are just coming to understand what a problem CSG really is. I would be very careful as this proposal will be very unfavourable for many voters.

In the short time since colonisation of Australia we have already wiped out a number of species. The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

We need to be taking action to reduce greenhouse gases not increasing them. Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

This country is a dry country. The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. we should not risk these resources.

There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

I protest at the production of coal seam gas in this Narrabri Gas Project because of the following Reasons:
1. The obvious threat is to wild life;
2. Coal seam gas produces more pollution than CO2;
3. Extreme risk to clean water;
4. Increased fire risk; and
5. The Aboriginal community is totalling opposed to CSG.

Also the NSW Govt is allowing the gas to be exported and not selling to Australian consumers first before the producers sell overseas for higher prices.

I implore the Government NOT to approve this application. CSG fields destroy ground water quality, as well as drain vital water resources for farmers who produce essential food for local and overseas consumption. The quality of Australian food is highly respected by overseas markets. Why are seek to destroy this reputation for short-term monetary benefit. Further, we need to protect our natural environment. It is the only one we have. Let's not destroy the unique flora and fauna of the area for short-term monetary benefit. Yes, I acknowledge energy, gas, is vital for our society to function, but there are many RENEWAL resources that can be accessed without harm to environment or farming practices.

I am not in favour of CSG or the fracking ti requires.
1. It emits methane which is a far worse greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide which causes global warming
2. The gas obtained emits CO2, which causes global warming.
3. It disrupts farming and can ruin farms.
4. It can and does pollute underground aquifers essential to everyone especially farmers.
5 We are selling this gas overseas and it is of little benefit to Australia. We always seem to give away our assets to corporations with little return to the Australian people.
6. It is reputed to cause health problems.
7. It can cause hardworking farmers to lose money.
For these reasons it is ethically and biologically wrong to allow fracking to extract coal seam gas.

Sir, In light of new found understanding that methane is constantly leaking from CSG sites, I want to wait until this is properly investigated. Methane is so much more destructive to our greenhouse protection. Let's not rush into destroying our major protection from solar rays.
Also, with the Pilbara such a sanctuary for endangered species, please reconsider this project
I understand you desire for producing fuel..... but lets find ways that do not destroy our chances of staying on this small planet in future generations
Please act responsibly in this regard
yours sincerely
Dr. Roger Sharpe

The Pilliga Forest should not be undervalued because it is in a dry region of North West New South Wales. The area is of great significance providing habitat for many species including the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and South Eastern Long Eared Bat. The trees are a valuable pocket in what is otherwise a very cleared landscape. Therefore any threat to this ecosystem is unjustifiable.

The proposed wells would devastate the landscape. They will also place the aquifer system is as risk, especially with the Great Artesian Basin facing contamination from fracking chemicals. Arguments that the water will be safeguarded are not backed up by the current record where there has already been issues of contamination in the Pilliga Region.

The Pilliga already has endured some massive bush fires. The presence of the wells and the naked flames will exacerbate a problem that is already a severe threat. Surely, this can not be justified- not for the animals or the people who live in the area.

The issue of climate change is not being morally addressed by this industry. NSW failed miserably to meet carbon targets in 2016. CSG is another dirty industry. The decision to go ahead with the wells will only make the NSW targets less obtainable. The government needs to grow a moral backbone like the Victorian State Govenment and say no to this dirty industry,The methane is 72 times more dirty than CO2 emissions. The science has already been done and one only has to look at the readings for the Coal Seam Gas Industry in Queensland to recognise the seriousness of the problem.

The economic gains are only short term. The employment provided is only significant in the setting up stages. Look at Dalby and Chinchilla to see the negative social impact of the post surge employment. The government would do better to look at the deals that were set up to export CSG. The promises were unsustainable and the returns ridiculously small. It would be better to revise those deals and force more of the current output to be used for the domestic market rather than cause more environmental devastation and risk the aquifer that is the Great Artesian Basin. This water resource belongs to the people, not just the current generation but the generations to come. There is surely a moral obligation to do the right thing now, protect that water now, and make the hard decision to re look at the inequitable trade deals that irresponsible governments committed us to. These resources belong to the people and it is high time that the interests of corporations stop being put first.

I am very disturbed to see that the concept of CSG is still being considered. I have travelled extensively in Canada and the USA and seen the huge protests about CSG, how fire is literally coming from taps, children are bleeding and sick, land becomes worthless, wildlife habitat is severely affected, huge amounts of our precious water is required and the aquifer is irreparably damaged again affecting animals (livestock) and farmers livelihood.
This is only a short term win for huge companies and a totally no win for Australian citizens, new or Indigenous, flora, fauna, soil, water, air (toxic gases are also a reality) so why waste time and money contemplating this.

There are said to be over 5000 patents on the 'black shelf' for free and sustainable energy that have been bought and shelved for life by huge companies, seemingly greedy to promote their modality for energy production.
Surely we can be smarter than this option of CSG that is in every way harmful to humans and environment.

I strongly oppose this proposal for ANY activity to do with CSG other than the activity of closing it down altogether.
I trust common sense, respect and wisdom for the health and wellbeing of all will prevail.

Thank you

Regards
Victoria

I am totally opposed to any sort of coal seam gas developments in NSW or anywhere in our beautiful country.

Any sort of development in mining for fossil fuels in this day and age is short sighted. We all know that CSG destroys the land, the water, the communities....just take a look at America.

Instead, put your billions of dollars and your talents into building giant solar farms that harvest endless hours of intense solar radiation found here in our country and, best of all, without wrecking anything....now that would be smart... and you'll be remembered in 50+ years as 'Santos....the smart guys who had the foresight to harness the sun's energy and provide all Australians with clean, affordable power'

C'mon guys....here's your chance!

I don't believe that Santos should be allowed to frack the Pilliga with 850 coal seam gas wells. The results of poisoning the groundwater in the Great Artesian Basin is too horrible to contemplate. People and stock need water, if underground water is unusable then so is the land.

I cannot believe that our state government can show such little respect for our environment, the values of our Aboriginal people and our Great Artesian Basin.
Some time ago I Emailed our former Premier about the need to protect the GAB, pointing out that he should visit towns like Trangie, Blackall and Longreach, all of which I have lived in, so he could realise that these towns could not exist without unpolluted bore water.
I also told him then, and I quote:
"Oh dear, perhaps my theory that far too many conservative politicians have been taught Science poorly in far too many private schools is correct."
Shame on any government that allows any company to pollute and rape our precious natural environment!
Why, oh why, do we sell off our natural gas from marine locations off W.A. so cheaply to other countries without first reserving much of it at a v. reasonable price for our eastern states?
The answer is greed which is so often displayed by usually conservative governments and their supporters.
Shall I get started on the proposed Adani coal mine in Q'ld and the stupidity of the current Q'ld Labor government?