Narrabri Gas

The Narrabri Gas Project risks our artesian water supply, in both The Great Artesian Basin and The Murray Darling River System, potentially poisoning and laying barren, an enormous section of Australia, affecting not only our natural areas but our farming land as well.
We have a right to be protected by our government, not be threatened by their approval of this project.
Over 93% of residents polled in the area and a large proportion of the general population are against this proposal.
We have a unique underground water system, millions of years old which we have a duty to protect for future generations.
I do not want this area to be broken up and fragmented, we should treasure our natural environment.
We should use existing technologies which do not harm the environment to supply us with our needs.
Australians should be respecting the first land owners who also do not want this project to go ahead.
Please protect this wonderful area for future generations,
Regards,
Pamela Dawes

I understand that two of Australia's most precious water resources, the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray Darling Basin, would be placed at risk by the Narrabri Gas Project. In my opinion, this would be a totally unacceptable prospect. Future Australians need to be considered. Food and water security are paramount to their future.

I object strongly to the proposed Narrabri Gas Project 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.
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. This opposition must be respected.

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 such as 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 which is entirely unacceptable.

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.

Please take into account all the above objections and concerns. Thank you.

I object to this project on the grounds that CSG extraction will put at risk a valuable ecosystem and lock NSW into continued fossil fuel generation at a time when we need to be transitioning rapidly away from coal and gas to fight climate change.

This Planet is already burning. Why poisoning it even more.
Stop this Madness. No gas mining in Narrabri or anywhere.

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

Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project and 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, and leave a toxic legacy.

The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water. 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.

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

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 Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed to this project.

Many farmers and other local community members reject the project. Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG, across 3.2 million hectares of country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities.

i object to any CSG mining in NSW for the million obvious reasons already widely documented - it is proven without doubt to be damaging to the environment and water table.

I insist that this project be denied approval. The world does not need more gas. The world needs more solar and wind.

This project will pollute the great artesian basin and also the Murray-Darling basin. This will be tragic for farmers and others that rely on un-polluted water from the basin. (which is ultimately all of us)

Gas companies, including Santos, have a dismal environmental record. It is not possible to adequately contain the pollutants used and the waste products generated through this mining process. The only environmentally responsible action is to not open the mine. Again, I request that you deny approval of this 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.



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.

I am deeply concerned the NSW Government would approve CSG extraction that has the potential to cause significant damage to existing land users and other downstream communities. Whilst ever the extraction technology has the potential to negatively impact precious water resources within the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray Darling River system, it should not be allowed. These water resources are far more precious to the community than the perceived benefits of this project. Long after the resource and profits have been stripped from the area, the environmental damage is borne by the community. Unfortunately, there is a history of un-remediated mining industry degradation and the ability of the applicant to prevent this cannot be guaranteed. What will happen to the by-products (such as salt) that this project will produce? Damage to agricultural resources is compounded by damage to the natural environment. Finally, there is significant opposition by local communities, including indigenous and farming stakeholders - what diminishes their rights in favour of external investors who do not have to suffer the consequences of poor planning decisions?

Dear Sir or Madam,
We would like to express our strong objection to the proposal by Santos to drill for CSG in the Pilliga forest.

In our opinion the risks of damage to the environment - especially groundwater - are far too great and cannot be safely managed. Experience has shown that the adverse effects can be long lasting or irreversible.

We urge the government to follow public opinion and to not approve the proposal

I am concerned about human health and environmental damage resulting from this development. Aboriginal people, farmers and local communities overwhelmingly don't want it.
Water reduction in the Great Artesian Basin could affect water flows in the whole basin and 24 hour a day methane flares could start bushfires. Light and dust will affect the operation of the Sidings Springs Observatory.
Vast amounts of salt will be left behind.
Please leave the forest alone.

The lack of detail
: Santos' EIS is very short on detail. It does not
provide maps indicating where
these 850 wells and the lines and infrastructure that run between and around them
will go. Santos is seeking a blank cheque consent for this gasfield on the promise that it will
decide where the wells will go afterward using a "Field Development Protoc
ol." No project
has ever been assessed this way before in NSW and the constraints Santos propose are
weak and subject to change later on. This is not an appropriate way to assess the largest
development project ever undertaken under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Government must insist that Santos release details to the public about the placement of its wells, pipelines and some other infrastructure.
There's no justification
: The significant harm on the social, environmental and econ
omic
values of the Narrabri Shire and New South Wales that this project will inflict needs to be
weighed against the economic justification for the project, but there is no such economic
justification. Santos is one of several large gas companies that threw the east coast gas
market and the industries that rely on it into turmoil by opening up CSG fields in Queensland
and contracting to sell more gas than those fields can produce to overseas customers. They
drove up the price of gas and are plundering suppl
ies previously available to manufacturers
and power stations.
The gas produced at Narrabri might be as little as 4.9% of the volume contracted for sale out
of Gladstone. It's not going to bring down prices. In fact, it will force prices up, because
unconventional gas like CSG is so expensive to produce and yields are so low. Research
undertaken by gas company AGL shows that gas from the Pilliga would be the most
expensive gas of anywhere in the current east coast gas market. The number of jobs the project
will support once the construction is over is just 145. Weighed against damage to
the land, and the Great Artesian Basin, this makes no sense. We need sustainable jobs, not
plunder for profit.
Groundwater and the Great Artesian Basin
: Santos' project is expected to remove 37.5GL
of groundwater over the life of the gasfield,
mostly in the early years.
The coal seam needs
to be dewatered to release the gas, but this aquifer lies beneath the Pilliga Sandstone, part
of the Great Artesian Basin recharge. Santos
' EIS admits that
the project will result in a loss
of water from the GAB recharge aquifer over time
. CSG in Queensland has drawn down GAB
aquifers already. We can't afford to risk this crucial resource.
Salt
: The water removed from the ground by Santos w
ill be treated, but this creates another
problem: what to do with the salt? Peak salt production at Narrabri CSG will be 115 tonnes
per day
, or two and a half B-double truckloads per day. In the peak year, this would mean
the creation of 41,900 tonnes of s
alt for disposal, which Santos says will take place in
landfill.
Cultural heritage and the Pilliga
: The Pilliga is a spiritual, cultural and social icon for
Gomeroi/Gamilaraay people.
Fragmentation and industrialisation cuts people off from their
heritage
and connection to country.
Biodiversity and the Pilliga
: The Pilliga
is also the largest temperate woodland in New South
Wales. Santos propose clearing nearly 1,000ha of the Pilliga, including habitat for critically
endangered Regent honeyeater and for k
oalas, which are already in decline in the Pilliga.
Spread
across the whole forest, this clearing will fragment much larger areas of habitat.
The gasfield will clear breeding habitat for Pilliga Mouse, which lives nowhere else, and breeding
habitat for other wildlife.
It will fragment and degrade the forest.
Without specific
information about where the wells and lines will be located, a proper ecological impact
assessment can't be completed. Regardless, the Pilliga is a cherished natural and cultural
icon and must be protected from becoming an industrial gasfield.
Social and health impacts
: Santos' social impact assessment is three years old and utterly inadequate. The compendium of health studies produced by the Concerned Health Professionals of New York shows mounting evidence for health damage by unconventional
gas operations, including water
contamination and respiratory illness. The Government
must insist that Santos conduct a proper health impact assessment including modelling
exposure pathways, reviewing literature and engagement with the Narrabri community. In
Narrabri, this project will
have negative impacts on cost-of-living, the labour and housing markets. The latter is cited in as a benefit of the project but it will not benefit low-income
renters. The effect of the project on cost-of-living in the Shire needs to be modelled, assessed
and considered, as do the labour dynamics of the project. The project entirely
surrounds Yarrie Lake, and Santos propose that wells might come as close as 200m from the Lake.
Air quality
: The air quality assessment fails to include health damaging fine particulate pollution with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (known as PM2.5). With diesel generators at
each well pad and at the water treatment and gas compression plants, there will be significant PM2.5 emissions. The air quality assessment and greenhouse section also fail to model the likely substantial escape of fugitive methane emissions.
Dark sky
: light pollution from flares, compressor stations and the water treatment plant will ruin the dark sky
needed by the internationally renowned Siding Spring Observatory.
Climate change
: recent research by the Melbourne Energy Institute shows that Australia may be dramatically under-estimating the fugitive methane emissions from unconventional
gas, including coal seam gas. It's not needed or useful as a source of energy: we have the technology we need to replace gas with renewable energy source

Coal seam gas is strictly a temporay phenomenon that makes money for the gas company, while the community carries the costs ever after. Local Traditional Custodians dont want the project, and most other locals dont want it either. Why should farm and water systems be put at risk for gas that is not even used in Australia. I oppose this proposal as it is neither in the local nor Australian interests. It is certainly not a good project for the environment.

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.



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.

My strong concerns for the environment and people around the Piliga region if CSG mining goes ahead are:

Risks to precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

The Namoi River system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed for their cultural reasons.

Farmers and other local community reject the project

Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely

Most importantly the Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife

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.

Human health is compromised by coal seam gas as documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk

Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project of which Santos has no solution for disposing.

This beautiful region of NSW must be preserved for future generations to enjoy and for wildlife to flourish.

Facts why I strongly oppose this!!

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.
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 Narrabri Gas Project should not proceed. The risk to the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin and the water the People of NSW rely on is too great. Water taken for the Narrabri Gas Project could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas and prevent the flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin. Not only that, creeks and rivers are vulnerable to contamination from drilling spills.

The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians and farmers have joined in opposition to this project. Gamilaraay do not want Country contaminated further by a coal seam gas field. Farmers do not want the project on their land contaminating food sources.

The Narrabri Gas Project has a history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely. A freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga has been contaminated by Santos with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines. 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'. 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.

What will Santos do with the thousands of tonnes of salt waste resulting from the project, estimated at between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes? The land does not need further salt compounds.
Please do not allow this project to go ahead for the good of the local and wider community in NSW.
Yours Sincerely
Dianne Drake

I am opposed to approval of the Narrabri Gas Project, which is opposed by the local Gamilaraay people as well as the local farming community. The NSW government has a responsibility to protect long and short term water supplies from pollution. Santos has an appalling record of polluting the waterways with toxic chemicals and should not be permitted to proceed with this project.

This is the 21st century. It is time move on from environmentally destructive 19th and 20th century ways of meeting our energy needs. I would like to see NSW and the rest of Australia lead the way in sustainable renewable energy, instead of being backward compared with other developed countries.

There are so many important reasons why this project should be rejected. Here are just a few:

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

The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are deeply connected with the water on these lands and are opposed to this project.

Farmers and other local community reject the project.

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.

The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife therefore needs protecting.

There is so much evidence now showing Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change.

Studies in Australia and USA reflect human health is compromised by coal seam gas.

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

Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project with no solution for disposal.

Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions due to methane flare stacks possibly up to 50m high running day and night, even on total fire ban days.

I truly believe we cannot rape and pillage our lands and expect no consequences.