Narrabri Gas

The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.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.

There is almost universal community opposition to CSG. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region.

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium. In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads.

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 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.

Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas up to 100 times more effective than CO2. CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

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.

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.

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.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to express my strong opposition to this project and provide the following points to support my objection:

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.

Thank you for your earnest consideration of the above.

Sincerely,
Robert Ellison

Please do not permit Santos - or anybody - to mine Coal Seam Gas in the Pilliga Forest.
We need to do much more to protect our environment. In particular we need to protect the Great Artesian Basin and our water resources.

This project is unnecessary, not in the best interests of the Australian people, and carries significant risks to groundwater, agriculture and astronomy.

In a time when international academies of science urge us to take caution with the use of fossil fuels, and there are strong indications it is in the global communities best interests that we leave fossil deposits in the ground this proposal speaks to the recklessness of the fossil fuel industry. It would have both the detrimental direct and indirect effects of releasing carbon and methane greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, but also perversely would add supply into the fossil fuel market, suppressing prices and reducing the financial incentive for consumers to transition away from fossil fuels. If the full societal costs of fossil fuel projects were taken into account, and charged to either the producer or consumer, it is unlikely these projects would remain viable. Instead the externalities to the fossil fuel market in terms of both atmospheric greenhouse gas pollution and other potential environmental degradation (and potential health implications) are not be priced in to the market, thus passing this burden onto society at large.

There already exist better ways to create jobs, generate secure and reliable energy, whilst also promoting better long term outcomes for everyone.

I am a research geologist by training and I strongly oppose the proposed Santos CSG extraction project in the Pilliga for the following reasons:

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.

Fossil fuels are not the future. It makes so scientific, economic or social sense to pursue out-dated technology that is known to cause grave harm to ecosystems, the atmosphere and hence the planet as a whole, and to people generally. Please reject this ill-conceived proposal.


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

As an Australian, I can see the project is a risk for Australia's largest groundwater aquifer.

The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed, who have been on the land for thousands of years.

The local community is opposed. Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG.

The company, Santos; has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guideline. Can we trust the sources of water to this company.

The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk, due to pollution of light and dust.

The long term effects of the project are not positive for the health ad community of the region.

To Whom it may concern
I strongly object to the development of Coal Seam Gas. The proven negative impact on the environment of previous developments, the relatively short lifespan and the woeful record of mining companies 'remediation' underline the risks of CSG.

The ability of these companies, mostly owned and controlled by overseas owners, to avoid any responsibility for negative impacts on residents, agriculture and the environment is legendary and shameful.

DO NOT APPROVE CSG EXPLORATION OR DEVELOPMENT.

This will destroy the Pilliga and course damage to our water supply that cannot be reversed and damage to natural land the home of our native animals. This will in turn effect precious farming land and poison water that cattle and sheep and native animals need to drink. Please stop this madness now!!! Totally against this destruction of our beautiful country of Australia. Money is not everything, we cannot eat money. Just look at what happened in America, we do not want that to happen here!!!!!

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

The risks that this Santos project poses to the region far outweigh the gains they tout, even of these were true.

Primarily, the risk to water sources, given that the Pilliga is a recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin, and Santos admit there will be loss from this recharge aquifer over time. As it certainly will, since the project is expected to remove 37.5GL of groundwater over the life of the gasfield. People in these regions rely on that underground water.

Unfortunately the Santos proposal is so lacking in detail that we cannot know or trust how it will proceed. The 'suck it and see' or 'adaptive management ' approach, called here a 'Field Development Protocol', is in no way appropriate for such a large and potentially damaging project to be assessed, let alone approved.
Santos must provide maps indicating where the 850 wells and the lines and infrastructure that run between and around them will go.

The water removed from the ground by Santos will be treated, but what will they do with the resulting huge volumes of salt? Peak salt production at Narrabri CSG will be 115 tonnes per day, which would mean 41,900 tonnes of salt for disposal, which Santos says will take place in landfill. What land could tolerate this without harm?

The Pilliga is a very special spiritual, cultural and social icon for Gomeroi/Gamilaraay people, already suffering loss from the coal mining such as at Maules Creek, where Leard Forest has been so decimated. Fragmentation and industrialisation isolates people from heritage and connection to country and their rights and duties to it, and causes them great and very real pain. Have we not done enough to them?

The Pilliga is also the largest temperate woodland in New South Wales. Santos propose clearing nearly 1,000ha of it, including habitat for critically endangered Regent honeyeater and for koalas, already in decline in the Pilliga. Such clearing will fragment much larger areas of habitat. The gasfield will clear breeding habitat for Pilliga Mouse, which lives ONLY in the Pilliga, and breeding habitat for other wildlife. Without specific information about where the wells and lines will be located, a proper ecological impact assessment can't be completed. Like the Great Barrier Reef, the Pilliga is a cherished natural and cultural icon and must not be allowed to be lost by becoming an industrial gasfield. Its very size and integrity is a critical reason why it is so unique.

In contemplating such a gasfield, not enough attention has been paid to the air quality assessment, with PM 2.5 emissions especially, and to the likely substantial escape of fugitive methane emissions. As in the U.S., Australia is likely to be dramatically underestimating the fugitive methane emissions from coal seam gas and hence the rapid and intense increase in global warming that methane causes.

It has to be acknowledged that light pollution from flares, compressor stations and the water treatment plant will ruin the dark sky needed by the internationally renowned Siding Spring Observatory. It was here first and must not be negatively impacted.

It is simply not needed, will not bring down the price of gas, and will be only a fleeting source of employment, with the ongoing jobs numbered at a mere 145. For the harm it will do, the area would be far better served with more solar farms that will not irrevocably harm precious water sources and cause further climate chaos.

The Great Artesian Basic is unique. Please don't allow anything to interfere with this fragile and ancient water source. We have already endangered the Great Barrier Reef, almost beyond repair by allowing mining and effluent into the waters.
Big business MUST be reigned in in areas of value and sensitivity in our country.

The Narrabri Gas field poses a huge risk to some of Australia's main water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. Since it is impossible to eliminate the possibility of contamination to these water sources from drilling, the proposed gas fields should not be allowed to proceed. The risks of spills and contamination are extremely high (which can be seen in the history of spills and contamination in past gas projects).

However, my opposition to the gas field is not just limited to the unacceptable environmental damage that would be caused if the project went ahead. The views of the Australian people, particularly the people of the communities living in the area, should be taken into consideration. The vast majority do not want this project to go ahead.

It is my contention that there is more than enough natural gas to suffice all needs. New gas fields and extensions to current fields do not profit either NSW or Australia. Lucrative deals done by previous governments leave Australia short.

These resources are the property of all Australians and should not be for the profit of foreign multinationals who benefit misproportionally. This is a get quick rich quick industry but not for Australians.

Also, I believe that Australia's future lies in agriculture, we can become the food bowl of the world. The possible destruction of prime agricultural land should seriously considered in this light. Gas is a valuable resource but it also a finite one.

Yes, gas where it is absolutely necessary but transition to renewables as fast as possible. Do not allow gas extraction where it is even likely to effect prime agricultural land and increase royalties to benefit Australia more.

I am strongly against mining in the Pilliga as I feel it is far too risky .
Any contamination to the Great Artesan Basin will effect a vast number of people
As an Oncology nurse I am already seeing far too many younger people being diagnosed with cancer, I fear for all younger generations.
I recently spoke to a family who have farmed in that region for years and they are all greatly concerned about this proposed mining.
Please do not let it happen

I object to the Narrabri Gas Project on the following grounds:

1) Local farmers and Gamilaraay Traditional Custodian communities oppose the project

It is not acceptable for these sort of projects to ignore the legitimate concerns of local communities, especially where their concerns are regarding the affect on their livelihood and their traditional lands.

2) Coal Seam Gas makes a significant contribution to global warming

Methane gas, which is one of the substances released from Coal Seam gas projects, is a severe contributor to carbon emissions and there for global warming.

There is substantial evidence that, despite assurances to the contrary, Coal Seam gas projects release significant quantities of Methane gas into the atmosphere.

The gas that is produced is also a greenhouse gas that, when used for power generation, contributes to carbon emissions.

3) The Narrabri Gas Project presents a risk to ground water resources

The Great Artesian Basin and the Murry-Darling Basin are both affected by use and contamination of water resources in the Pillaga Forest, and there is also a history of Santos's poor management of these gas projects, causing spills and leaks that could have a disastrous affect on these resources.

There are several other important reasons why this project is a bad idea and should be closed down rather than expanded, which include:

* Threatened wildlife in the Pillaga region
* Affect on Human health from the release of compounds produced in coal seam gas operations: https://theconversation.com/air-pollution-from-coal-seam-gas-may-put-public-health-at-risk-10819
* Santos has not presented a solution for the disposal of thousands of tonnes of salt water that will be produced by the gas operation.
* Increased risk of bush fires from Methane flare stacks in the already fire-prone, dry lands of the Pillaga
* Negative affect of airborne particulate matter released by then gas extraction operation to the Siding Springs Observatory in the Warrumbungles National Park

We are compelled to submit in total opposition to a proposal of catastrophic consequences for the remaining, and currently besieged, natural habitat of NSW.

The lack of wisdom evident in condoning this outrageous proposal is simply staggering.

Please try to exhibit the foresight necessary to protect one of the most vital areas of natural habitat remaining in NSW and reject the greed, blindness and devastation inherent in this dreadful proposal.

I am writing to object to the proposed Narrabri gasfield on the grounds that it is time to end using fossil fuels as a source of energy. We now need to make a transition to renewable sources of energy for the sustainability of the planet. In addition, I object for the reasons cited below:

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. 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. They have 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 barium. 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 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.

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 coordination. 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 pollution. The area has been internationally recognised as a 'dark sky park' 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.

I totally object to further mining for gas and also the exportation of it. There are other means of energy available and its about time the greed factor of money making is put above the importance of our environment. Our country and our planet is precious and more and more it is being ravaged by greedy projects that give no consideration to the environment and the future of our precious country and our planet.

please see reason and stop the foolish disrespect for the land and its underground water that we depend on. there is no life without it. do not put profits before humanity and life itself. look into the problems that exist in America. renewables are a very viable option and will generate jobs as the industry develops. this is what the people want. this iOS what is best for Australia. be brave. be smart. stand for the people of Australia not against them.