Narrabri Gas

I was born in Inverell and my father played cricket with the part-owner of one of the larger land clearance companies responsible for clearing much of the Pillaga scrub assemblage.
In relative terms, very little of that unique floral and faunal assemblage remains, and it must not be cleared.
There are places where CSG and other forms of land use can probably co-exist, but conservation of a limited and unique ecosystem is not such a place.

Coal Seam Gas has no place in NSW.
The passionate community demonstrations at the Bentley site in Northern NSW showed the citizens' clear message that CSG is not welcome anywhere in NSW.
Such vehement opposition as was shown towards Metgasco can be levelled against Santos if & when required.
Regards,
Tim Winton-Brown.

I am very concerned about the damage this project will have on the waters of the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray Darling River system. Not just for farmers but for the environment of much of inland Australia who depend on the wells and springs fed by the stored water under the Pilligar.

The area covered by these proposed gas wells are also part of a 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. The forest is home to over 200 bird species and is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area. The Santos gasfield would fragment 95,000 hectares of the Pilliga with well pads, roads, and water and gas pipelines--damaging vital habitat and threatening the survival of endangered species.

Our obligation to control greenhouse gas emissions would be severely compromised if this project goes ahead. 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.

Traditional owners, farmers and conservationists all strongly object to this proposal, including concerns about health issues (proven in overseas examples) and heritage values.

We must embrace a much more environmentally wholesome approach to our energy needs, one that does not destroy vast tracts of unspoiled country and one that does not add to greenhouse gas emissions, before it is too late!

The establishment of coal seam gas leases has been a classic example of "development" by stealth. Fracking is highly contentious, proven to be unsafe and to threaten aquifers and agricultural land. We need a moratorium on any further leases until and only when this questionable practice can be shown, through an open, independent and transparent process, to be absolutely safe.

Please. Show yourselves not to be an agency that knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing. In a globalised world it is very easy for companies like Santos to wreak havoc with our environment and move on to the next "victim state" without a backward glance.

I am deeply concerned by the proposed Santos CSG project in Northern NSW, because of it's local impact locally and most particularly because of the risk to the Great Artesian Basin.

The Pilliga East Forest is an important natural area, providing refuge to many threatened wildlife and plant species. We have few of these areas left, and to permanently destroy them for short term profit of one company is ruining the future for all of us.
The Pilliga is important in the collection and drainage of water into the Great Artesian Basin. The importance to the whole of Australia of the Basin cannot be overstated, and i cannot believe any Government could consider allowing a project that will contaminate,salinate, disrupt and probably destroy this vital Aquifer.
Santos have repeatedly failed to maintain promised safety standards, and their record makes it clear the company cannot and will not prevent these disasters happening.
The local people of the area are, indigenous and farming alike have already suffered health and neurological symptoms from CSG, as well as loss of amenity and integrity of their land and lives. This is not only a local problem, as the impact of this project will affect all of NSW and Australia forever. it matters to us all.
This project is NOT necessary. We are at the cusp of a time when alternative energy sources such as solar, and storage technology are becoming cheaper than coal without the destructive and dangerous effects of coal. NSW could lead Australia and the rest of the world in implementing renewable systems now.

I implore you to look at the irreversable damage this proposal would cause, the financial and human and environmental costs, now and in the future, and don't grant this CSG licence.

I am writing to strongly object to the Narrabri Gas Project. From my research I've understood that such a project of CSG in this area will risk the supremely important water sources of the Great Artesian Basin, whose free flow of waters could be halted, together with leaving the Murray Darling Basin vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills amongst other dangers.
We have ample evidence of the destruction that takes place to water sources from drilling overseas - please DO NOT LET IT HAPPEN HERE!

850 gas wells through the heart of the Pilliga forest and the Great Artesian Basin is too much. These things are way out of balance. We cannot continue to rape our natural resources for profit. Necessity is the mother of invention, not greed. As the original solar and wind natural energy users in Australia, I know solar and wind can provide a lot of the domestic power needed and it should be used more. Balance must prevail. Yes, we do need SOME coal fired/gas fired electricity, but put the effort into more natural energy use. The Great Artesian Basin in particular is too precious to pollute. Water is becoming a threatened species so to speak and we must preserve what we have. The Pilliga forest natural world would be a great loss to NSW and the national natural environment.

Dear Narrabri Gas Project people. What part of NO CSG in the Pilliga do you not understand? Have you been in there and seen the havoc already unleashed by Santos? We have. The Pilliga is a national treasure. You let this project go ahead and you are wrecking the future of our country. You have children also? They'll hold you to account. And don't believe that there is no gas in Australia. The companies in our country who generally have such clever accountants that they pay no tax, must be laughing all the way to the bank.
I love Australia and it belong to me and all of us. We all get a say and I say NO.
Margaret Smith

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

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. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

2. 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.

3. Farmers and other local community reject the project

Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG. This stretches across a massive 3.2 million hectares of country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region.

4. The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium². In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads. Santos cannot be trusted.

5. The Pilliga is a haven 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. The forest is home to over 200 bird species and is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area². The Santos gasfield would fragment 95,000 hectares of the Pilliga with well pads, roads, and water and gas pipelines--damaging vital habitat and threatening the survival of endangered species.

6. 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.

7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas

A range of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds can be released into the air from coal seam gas operations, including flaring of gas wells. The effects of volatile organic compounds vary, but can cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination⁴. These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk

The Siding Springs Observatory, situated in the Warrumbungles and adjacent to the Pilliga, is under threat from the Narrabri Gas Project due to light and dust pollution⁵. The area has been internationally recognised as a 'dark sky park'⁶ and the 50m high gas flares proposed by Santos threaten the viability of the facility.

9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project

Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced. Between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes of salt waste would be produced each year. This industry would leave a toxic legacy in NSW.

10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is prone to severe bushfires. The project would increase ignition sources as well as extracting, transporting and storing a highly flammable gas right within this extremely fire-prone forest.

SoilFutures Consulting 2014, Great Artesian Basin Recharge Systems and Extent of Petroleum and Gas Leases. http://www.gabpg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GAB-Report1.pdf
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-coal-seam-gas-project-contaminates-aquifer-20140307-34csb.html
BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Pilliga http://www.birdlife.org
Marion Carey Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), Air pollution from coal seam gas may put public health at risk The Conversation, November 20, 2012
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/21/siding-spring-observatory-threat-coal-seam-gas-light-pollution
http://darksky.org/first-dark-sky-park-in-australia-designated

References

Great Artesian Basin coal-seam gas 'risk', The Australian, 7 November 2014
'Not seen anything like it': Pleas for extension to examine huge Santos CSG plan, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 February 2017

We should be investing in renewables, and not in a project that puts our ground water and land at risk from contamination.

I object to the Narrabri Gas project. The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin.

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

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.

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium². In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads. Santos cannot be trusted.

Regards

Dave Tyrrell

Water resources are far more important to Australians than gas, energy more generally, and even wealth. Water is what limits life and determines habitability over much of inland Australia. Santos and other CSG operators routinely contaminate aquifers. Drilling in the Artesian basin is not worth the risk. You can't drink money after, and you can't create fresh water inland at any cost.

Dear NSW Planning and Environment,
My family and I strongly object to the CSG project in or near the Pilliga Forest.
It poses risks to precious water resources. In a country where water is so precious why risk contaminating any water flows at all. Water pressures could be reduced to the surface springs and bores across the Artesian basin.
Santos have already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga. They can't be trusted.
Climate change is a real problem and extracting more gas to burn is making the problem worse. It has to stop. It is so clear that climate change needs addressing.
Tens of thousands of tonnes of waste would be produced.
And lastly the fire risks are huge with methane flare stacks burning even during total fire bans.
Please do not go ahead with this project.
Regards
Mike Howard.

Please see submission attached.

We need no coal seam gas mining anywhere in Australia - certainly not in this area.

It is all very well to say: yes we do care about the land, yes we do care about the water, yes we do care about the great Barrier Rief, yes we do care about climate change and yes we will do something about it and boastfully say look what we have done with you chest out proud. BUT anyone who genuinely cares would do better far better and stop these companies from destroying the environment. WE cannot clean up the toxins that are used in coal or shale seam gas. You cannot rely on our scientist to come up with the solution to clean up especially as you have made substantial cuts to the funding for research. To only think we must have the money generated from these sources now and everything else must take second, third place...... are plainly insincere about caring about the environment. just lip service.

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. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

THE MAJORITY OF SENSIBLE AUSTRALIANS DO NOT WANT THIS SANTOS GAS EXPLORATION PROJECT IN THE PILLIGA TO PROCEED AT ALL AS IT WILL DESTROY THE MOST IMPORTANT ARABLE FARM LAND IN THE COUNTRY..
SANTOS HAVE A POOR ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD IN THE PAST WITH GAS FRACKING / DRILLING OPERATIONS IN NSW AND CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO ENSURE THAT THE GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN IS PROPERLY PRESERVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS OF AUTRALIANS. THE PRESERVATION OF THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY IS PARAMOUNT OVER THE SO CALLED COMMERCIAL BENEFITS THAT SANTOS ESPOUSE TO SIMPLY LINE THEIR OWN POCKETS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE. WE WILL FIGHT THIS PROJECT TO THE BITTER END.

I object to CSG's plan to drill 850 gas wells in and around the Pilliga Forest.
This drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin which is essential for many farms and communities across rural NSW.
I also object to the introduction of new fracking projects instead of using renewable and sustainable power sources such as wind and solar, in combination with new battery technology.

Dear Sirs, Madams,

It is preposterous to persist with unconventional gas extraction when you consider the collateral damage which it is scientifically proven that it causes to our water and land. Particularly when we are one of the largest producers of conventional natural gas upon the planet and have not even been offered to have a relatively small amount to be reserved for our domestic use at a 'mates rates' for locals, being for what our politicians call 'normal every day Australians that deserve a "fair go".
rusty miller, byron bay.