Narrabri Gas

Big Oil is going the way of the dinosaur - don't let them drag us all with them!
We MUST save species for future generations - and the wild places they need to survive. We can NOT replace lost species or areas once we ruin them.

As a contractor for the Office Of Environment and Heritage, and I citizen of the greater world... I am absolutely appalled by the Australian governments decisions around the sustainability and protection of our incredibly important ecosystems. It is distressing that the government can not recognise the importance of these systems, and how they correlate so closely to our way of life. The Narrabri Gas Project should not go ahead. We need to start prioritising and making decisions regarding maintaining, and bringing back so much of what we have lost already. If we don't, the future looks bleak for generations to come, and we must acknowledge this, we must live apart of a system, not on top of it.

To whom it may concern,
This submission has been written to draw attention to the unacceptable impacts of Santos current plan with light pollution from their upcoming 850 gas wells and flares near Siding Spring Observatory. It is a simple solution, as recommended by the NSW EPA to enclose all flares, not just for emissions and cleaner burning, but also to reduce the amount of unnecessary light pollution from giant flames lighting the night sky.
Siding Spring Observatory is Australia's only unique science research facility using the largest optical telescopes for astrophysics and astronomy. First established in Coonabarabran NSW, on the Warrumbungle Ranges in the 1960's it was built here because of the dark skies in this region. While there is historic value of this site from telescopes established over 50 years ago, this observatory hosts the largest optical telescopes from national and international universities and research entities. Not only hosting the largest, this site hosts the second, third, fourth, fifth largest telescopes etc in Australia, playing a key role in science research across the Southern Hemisphere. Over 50 telescopes are listed across the site being used by over 30 universities, institutions and private businesses using cutting edge technology, with some of the most advanced telescopes being used is astrophysical research. Future plans include another 50 telescopes to be built on site within the next decade. All this is reliant on keeping the dark sky dark! If this area was to lose the dark sky, this observatory would not be replicated again in Australia, but moved elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
From 2013 onwards light emissions from the Santos gas field exploration have increased to the point that, just the Bibblewindi large flare and unmanned facility alone, creates more light pollution than the entire town of nearby Coonabarabran with over 3500 people residing there. Santos have listed plans to triple the amount of pilot flares and double the amount of large flares including constructing 50 metre high flare stacks, with an average 30 metre high flame above it. Nowhere do they list the EPAs recommended practice to enclose flares, as has been done in NSW areas such as Gloucester. Enclosing flares is the only acceptable mitigation to protect the scientific community from the unnecessary light pollution they plan to emit. Siding Spring Observatory already has to deal with light pollution from existing mining and regional towns. Even Sydney itself, from over 400kms away can affect research from its light glow. Santos are a lot closer than this. Every bit of extra light pollution is making it more difficult to continue the leading scientific research, and while each pollute in different levels, most consider they aren't doing any damage. But it's the combination with the existing light sources, adding a cumulative effect which is becoming worse as more pollution is created.
In summary, this is a simple fix in this case, as while Santos building infrastructure is willing to comply with shielded lights for buildings, they need to go a step further and enclose all current and future flares as the NSW EPA recommend. It is the only acceptable solution.
Further to the above, as an amateur astronomer who has visited Siding Springs Observatory on a number of occasions, and who has participated in amateur astronomical observing in the Coonabarabran area, I have seen the excellent dark skies in the area now established as an international dark sky region, and given that the lights of Sydney can be seen from Siding Springs mountain on a clear night, I would hate to see both the research capability of the AAO and the excellent dark sky region be degraded by un-enclosed flares from gas wells.

Best Regards,
Robert S. Fuller
Member
Northern Sydney Astronomical Society

The Narrabri Gas Project - I do not agree with this industry risking our Great Artesian Basin, our threatened species and our largest inland forest in eastern Australia. I object! Once the CSG industry gains a foothold, it's very difficult to stop.

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.

Please reconsider exploitation of our precious Pilliga Forest and the threatened Australian wildlife whose habitat it is. it cannot be replaced and millions of Australians are gutted to think that native forest can be abused in this way when alternative forms of energy are on offer.. Native forest belongs to Australians. From our family of 6, we say no to coal seam gas retrieval by the conglomerate Santos in the Pilliga.

I object to Santos' massive Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga. Santos has mapped a total of seven huge gasfields across this region with heaps of gas wells. We've seen, what happened in Queensland - water is contaminated and not drinkable anymore, can be set on fire. Humans need clean water, clean air and clean food to live, not more gas to sell.
I do not agree with this industry risking our Great Artesian Basin, our threatened species and our largest inland forest in eastern Australia. Coal Seam Gas as well as all other fossil fuels are endangering our Climate, therefore human survival on this planet. I want my children to still have a future without catastrophic impact of Climate Change, which we have seen already happening in Australia with prolonged droughts, heat waves, more extensive bush fires, more severe storms, floods and all related health and infrastructure costs. Please place humans first, not short-term profits of a few big corporations.

This development is destructive and inappropriate. The plan to clear nearly 1000 ha of one of the largest temperate woodlands remaining will fragment the unique forest and damage wildlife populations and habitats. Potential damage to underground aquifers, loss of access to water by local residents and farmers and salt pollution caused by mining discharge are unacceptable. The interference to the Gamilaraay people's access to country and damage to country will add to their continuing trauma. There are significant questions about the impact the development will have on the local community in general in terms of pollution that will damage agricultural land, human health and add to climate change risks that peer reviewed research from the US is documenting. Arguments for the development in terms of the value of extracted gas to Australia and the impact on gas supplies and pricing domestically are not convincing.

I find it utterly senseless and disgraceful that on of the last areas of considerable sized native vegetation is in line to be impacted adversely by CSG mining. As a voter and nsw resident, I do not want this proposal to proceed. This mining in the Pilliga is NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC.
If it was there simply would not be the out pouring of public support. The endanger aquifers and food production areas is criminal. Any Person who signs their name to the approval of this mining venture should be held criminally negligent for any future damage.
Please listen to the cautious on this issue, short term gain is s distraction.
Do not approve this mining submission by santos.

The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer. A gas leak or spill here 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.
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.

Additionally, the Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed to the Narrabri Gas Project. 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.

Thirdly, farmers and other local community members reject the Narrabri Gas 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.

Finally, 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.

I do not believe allowing the Narrabri Gas Project (Santos) is sensible.

This project will put at risk the Great Artesian Basin, threatened species and the largest inland forest in Eastern Australia.

We need to think of the long term future, not short term gain.

I do not agree with the Narrabri Gas Project risking our Great Artesian Basin, our threatened species and our largest inland forest in eastern Australia,

I oppose the CSG extraction industry in the Pilliga Forest and surrounds because of the effect on the environment in this area and further afield specifically the bad effects on -
*The Great Artesian Basin and recharge aquifers.
*The Pilliga Forest itself being the largest remnant Inland (Dry) Forest as home to our wildlife and floral species.
*The many species of wildlife including many species that are officially recognized as threatened with extinction. This project can only greatly increase these pressures.

I insert salient points which, I am sure you must consider as significant in the consideration of this project.

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

2. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

3. Farmers and other local community reject the project - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

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 - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

5. The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife

6. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change

7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas

8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions - See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga#sthash.E5VH77ap.dpuf

Santos' massive Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga would be very bad for the environment. Santos has mapped a total of seven huge gasfields across this region-- I do not agree with this industry risking our Great Artesian Basin, our threatened species and our largest inland forest in eastern Australia, tell the Government you object! Short term gain for long term damage. Often the damage caused is irrepairable. Our underground water basins could easily be damaged by this development. With climate change occurring we are losing the capability to fill these basins and need to conserve scarce resources. Forests are extremely valuable for reducing the effects of climate change. They are already under threat with climate change, The unexplained forest die back which has occurred in some regions is linked to these changes. Native wildlife is too precious to put at risk just to increase profits of these large companies. The decrease in small mammals in Australia can be directly linked to the increase in severe fire regimes. The tunneling and reduction in leaf litter these native animals cause limits the severity of fires. Rabbits do not have the same effect and increase the spread of predators like cats and foxes. If given a chance these small mammals can rebound. Other gas companies have had an appallingly poor record of paying for resources which belong to all Australians. Plus they indulge in artificial tax avoidance schems to avoid paying their fair share to live in our country. Most of these companies are controlled by overseas interests whose main concern is profit not public benefit and being responsible citizens. Selling off valuable gas fields is not needed if the existing fields would pay their fair share to the Australian economy and look after Australians not their bottom line. A 10% payment for existing gas produced would go some way to assisting infrastructure development and the social needs of Australians. New gas fields are not needed at this time, left in the ground they will become more valuable. Developing renewable energy is far more worthwhile and sustainable in the long term and would not worsen climate change.
I strongly oppose this application.
Happy to provide further information.

Regards

Suzanne Taylor

We need both water and a liveable climate for life and any sort of economic activity. I am requesting that no gas projects be allowed in Narrabri. Approving the gas field will destroy both the Great Artesian basin and our climate. The public is tired of fossil fuel companies destroying any possibility of any other economic activity, or even being able to live without contamination, by the gas industry. It doesn't even pay any tax.

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.

If the NSW government allows 850 wells to be dug by Santos it is an act of ecocide and genocide against the public and the land.

Please reject this application and neither you, nor your family and friends, can escape the destruction of the earth caused by this industry. You need water to live. You need air to breathe.

Wishing you the heart to protect yourself and the things you love by refusing this application.

The development of gas fields in areas such as the Pilliga where Santos' Narrabri gas project is planned should not be allowed. The Great Artesian Basin would be at risk as would forest areas and wild life species.

Please consider the environment and the future of generations to come and stop this CSG project before irretrievable damage is done, especially to water supplies.

this land WILL NOT be disadvantaged by such a destructive

and polluting industry with permanent long term ruinous effects

on the landscape

The gas deposits underly invaluable artesian water aquifers. Once these are contaminated, either through the well walls, or from surface spills, it will be impossible to clean them. This will spell disaster for agricultural activities in the region.

Emissions of carbon dioxide from flaring and methane from well-head leaks will add to the global problem of climate change

Light from flaring will be a great handicap to the astronomy going on at Siding Springs.

The time has come
The sea is rising

I think these gas projects are madness. We are destroying agricultural, water and other environmental assets for a short term benefit. The gas is being exported instead of being used to ensure we have reliable cheap power, and the taxes paid are often far less than they should be. And the whole fossil fuel industry is, in any cases, being rapidly overtaken by renewables.

Why are we so blind to the benefit of projects other than those which involve the mining and burning of fossil fuels?