Narrabri Gas

My submission is attached for uploading

When is enough enough?
When will immediate greed be replaced by a sense of legacy for future generations?
Federal and State Government Policies have already destroyed much of Australia - SO LEAVE THE PILLIGA ALONE.

What part of "NO WAY" don't so many of our State and Federal politicians understand?
CSG extractors and frackers have already made a mess of much of Southern Q'ld and our precious Pilliga Forest because their techniques are sadly lacking.
How many of our politicians have lived and worked, like me, in Trangie, Blackall and Longreach? These and many other towns and agricultural areas couldn't exist or survive without the Great Artesian Basin .. and our foolish, ignorant politicians are going to risk it. What are they going to do if there is a leak of dangerous chemicals into it?
I couldn't get a sensible answer from former Premier Mike Baird when I challenged him with:
"Oh dear, perhaps my theory that far too many conservative politicians have been taught Science poorly in far too many private schools is true."
Who can ever forget the death of that fine Q'ld farmer, George Bender, who was driven to suicide by the constant bullying behaviour of coal seam gas explorers over some 10 years .. and don't tell me they didn't cause it and what did Q'ld politicians do to help him? At least Glen Lazarus tried.

The proposal to mine for Coal Seam Gas is the Pilliga Region including the State Forest is a high risk proposal. The matter of providing further sources of Coal Seam Gas at a thetime when there is an international oversupply and an undersupply in Australia, is likely to initiate an unviable project. It could become a "stranded asset" that has done irreparable harm to a unique and valuable environment.

Firstly the current oversupply internationally and with the Paris Agreement on Climate change suggests that while energy from gas is a transitional stage to a carbon neutral position in the atmosphere then by the time the gas from this proposed project is ready for production the price of gas which will be in ever greater oversupply with more renewables being available, will be too low for viable commercial activity.

Therefore it will be a waste of resources and likely to cause more damage when abandoned or moth balled than an operating project may produce.

To risk the damage to the Great Artesian Basin and to the Darling Murray river system is too great for the possible short term viability of this project. To lose the water sources or have them damaged with the increasing effects of climate change making water more valuable each year is a contradictory proposal for the best outcome in the longer term for Australia and the world that will need more food production from diminishing resources.

In addition to these vital concerns there is the matter of protecting of valuable flora and fauna that are currently living in the area. To put these resources at risk for a, at best, short term gain appears to be very unwise and self defeating for both NSW and Australia.

I would like to voice my opposition to any gas wells being drilled in the Piliga Forest of the Great Artesian Basin. The project is short sighted, out of step with public opinion on CSG nationwide and an appalling misuse of an important ecosystem.

This land needs to be protected, not turned over for the profit of those whose voice is most powerful - rolling over the outcry of local farmers and community members who respect and understand this precious landscape and all it offers for the future of Australia. Santos do not have a record of respecting the land they work on. Mistakes of the past should not be repeated in the Piliga.

We have a window to restore some of the damage done to Australia's delicate ecosystems. Let's not watch that window close while Santos start a new round of gas wells.

I, like many fellow citizens, want to see NSW follow the Victorian example and make NSW CSG free. It is the least we owe this land.

I believe the risks associated with this project to the environment and the local community are unacceptable given that consequences may be irreversible and catastrophic and significantly outweigh the potential benefits. Nobody ever truly knows if things will go wrong and to what level. As such proposed mitigations can not be guaranteed to offset risks and therefore this project should not go ahead.

I object to the proposed development on environmental grounds as Santos cannot guarantee that they will not contaminate the ground water in this important farming area. The gas wells are also a visual blight on the landscape and can harm the health of people living nearby.

I also object to the proposal on economic grounds, as most (if not all) of the gas will end up being exported and sold overseas - doing nothing to address the looming gas shortage in the Australian East coast market. This means a precious natural resource that should belong to the people of this country will instead be sold for profit by one company while the (not insignificant) environmental costs will be borne by the community.

I object to the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas project for many reasons, some being;

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. 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.

3. 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.


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. 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.

Stop destroying our country so our future generations have some hope of seeing and living in this amazing environment, please.

Australia's underground water resources are to precious to be exposed to Santos gas extraction, there is no profit from the loss of the Murray Darling and Artesian Basin water resources.

Farmers (96%) over some 3.2 million hectares oppose this huge fracking for coal seam gas drilling into a vital agricultural water resource which will also affect rivers, towns and drinking water.

The local Aboriginal custodians oppose this proposal which will affect the local forest and spiritual and cultural sites.

Santos has already has a history contamination and snubbing their corporate nose at the Australian community.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.

Human health, environmental health and climate change are all affected by this proposal. Methane is 72% more dangerous than Carbon Dioxide.

Human health will be affected by hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere from coal seam gas operations, including flaring of gas wells. Flaring gas wells can be guaranteed to set fire to the Pilliga, it is a dry forest community. Hyrocarbons mixed with other volatile gases cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination⁴. These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gas fields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

The many thousands of tonnes (some 42,000) of salt wast released each year is a toxic legacy, how will that be cleaned up, there is no known mechanism.

In summary, our underground water resources are far to important to be given away for dubious Coal Seam Gas exploration. Agriculture, drinking water, human health and enviromental health are all far more important to Australia's future and must not be compromised by the impact of the Santos and any other the Coal Seam Gas proposal. Australia has given away much of our natural gas, (who were the idiots who gave away our gas resource?), better we claw back our existing gas resources than create even more damage to our Australian overall well being.

Thank you for listening to my objection.
Suska Scobie.
PS. Cannot find a "Political Donation Statement" on your link even used the search facility. Sorry.

I am opposed to these 850 gas wells proposed by Santos for the following reasons:
1.There are too many spills and leaks of CSG water from these type of gas wells. Our water is a precious resource and the risk is far too high in dirty chemicals polluting our waters - i.e. the Artesian and Murray Darling Basins.
2. the Gamilaraay peoples oppose this project - their stories and songlines heritage must be protected.
3. the project is to generate up to 100 tonnes of salt a day and up to 42,000 tonnes a year and there is no adequate plan to dispose of this salt.
4. The Pilliga is known for its rich biodiversity and these gas wells will have a negative impact on this biodiversity
5. Farmers don't want these gas wells on their land. The potential for these toxic chemicals entering the food chain is far too great and pose a health risk to human, animal and plant life.
6. The gas wells pose a fire hazard in this drier region of NSW.

When are governments in Australia going to stand up and invest in cleaner renewable energies? The well being of this planet has already reached a crisis point and projects such as this one only contribute to negatively impacting on an already fragile planet.
Please halt these destructive industries and start investing in and approving cleaner energy projects.

Fracking has been shown to be an environmental disaster all over the world. Australia's ground water is too precious to destroy with this mindless action. Australia should be leading the world in Renewable energy sources like solar.
The evidence is there why this project should be opposed at every level of society and government, for all our future sake.camping

My objection to the proposal to drill in the Pilliga is based on the many risks associated with drilling including potential damage to underlying aquifers, contamination of the environment surrounding the drilling sites (where Santos have an appalling record), danger to wildlife, light and dust pollution compromising operations at Siding Springs and unsolved problems concerning disposal of salt from the drillings. Added to these genuine concerns is the steadfast opposition of the traditional owners but overwhelmingly the fact that we (the people of Australia) just don't need the gas. Renewables will do the job! It is a no-brainer - leave the gas in the ground, prevent further CO2 contributions to global warming and let us leave an operational planet to our children.

I support local communities around Narrabri who have been fighting hard to protect farmland, water and forest from fracking
Santos have already proven they can't be trusted to look after the environment and precious resources like water. They've poisoned an aquifer at Narrabri with uranium 20 times over safe levels, and there have been over 20 other reports of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water
The risks are too great. Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin Â-- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia.3 It will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production
I strongly object to this dangerous project

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.

This is insane. We do NOT need this destructive gas extraction. We do NOT need this insanely dangerous risk to our water. We do NOT need the added methane in our atmosphere. We do NOT need the added heat waste. We do NOT need our already severely at risk climate further compromised. Havent we had enough force five storms? NONE of the gas extraction process outputs are needed. There are ten times as many jobs in clean energy, and even more in agriculture and tourism..... and gas extraction wrecks all of these; as indeed do all fossil fuel projects. We do NOT need to add a single extra toxin to our air or water.... and we are NOT letting these people or anybody else ANYWHERE near our water. Not now, not ever. We have grandchildren to think about; they need clean air and water, and we WILL see that they get it. We have all the energy we can or will ever require in clean renewables. This whole scam is ENTIRELY about these people sending OUR gas overseas so that THEY can profit. Immensely. We however see little or nothing from these mad schemes; other than the massive clean-up bill afterwards. We do NOT need yet another untaxed overseas belligerent rorter. We are bloody furious that they would dare even try this on! Nothing, repeat NOTHING in this proposed gas extraction scenario is to the longer term benefit of Australia. The only ones who claim otherwise are being fully or partly funded by fossil fuel donors. Consider yourselves both sprung and debunked. Can it. Can it now.

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.

The Pilliga forest is the largest intact woodland in eastern Australia, stretching across half a million hectares in north-western New South Wales. It is a unique ecological refuge, home to 25 nationally listed and 48 state-listed threatened species, such as the Pilliga Mouse, which rely on the Pilliga for survival.

The sandstone under the Pilliga is a vital recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin, and creeks that flow through the Pilliga provide clean water into the Murray Darling Basin. These water sources are the lifeblood of farming communities throughout the southeast and inland Australia.

Santos plans to drill 850 wells through the Great Artesian Basin in the Pilliga

Energy giant Santos has plans to industrialise the Pilliga with 850 coal seam gas wells--threatening this natural refuge, our precious groundwater, and the communities who rely on it. We also know that if we're to maintain a safe climate and keep global warming below 2 degrees, projects like this cannot go ahead.

Stand with us in the final push for the Pilliga
For years, locals like Anne Kennedy and Jane Judd have lead the community protests against this risky project--and for years they've managed to keep the project from progressing.

But now it's time for all of us to come together and give our voice to the Pilliga.

Santos has just submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Under law, there is now a public feedback period of 60 days. It is critical that we generate as many submissions against this project as possible. It doesn't matter if you're not directly affected or live in NSW--if this project goes ahead, it will affect all Australians.

The NSW Government has ignored the voice of the community in this project--so we must stand with the community, who has been tirelessly campaigning against this project for so long. This is the last CSG project left in NSW, and if we're successful, we can stop this dangerous industry in NSW--once and for all.

I would like to submit these ten reasons in opposition to Santos CSG in the Narrabri Area.

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

I write to lodge my strong objection against Narrabri coal seam gas.

Santos have already proven they can't be trusted to look after the environment and precious resources like water. They've poisoned an aquifer at Narrabri with uranium 20 times over safe levels, and there have been over 20 other reports of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water.

The risks are too great. Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia. It will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production.

Australia does not need new gas fields. Solar and storage can now provide cheaper power than coal and gas (with the added bonus of not destroying our climate and farmland) and are the way NSW and Australia MUST move forward.

Please ban fracking in the Pilliga.

Victoria has led the way with a permanent ban on dangerous fracking. Please follow their example and make NSW CSG-free. Our water is FAR too precious to risk.

The risks to the environment cannot be ignored. The science & methods use could inflict permanent & non reversible damage to water soil & air quality. This would impact on the indigenous, farming & town communities in all aspect s of there lives.

It is just not worth the risk... Lets find ways to reduce our need on fuels.