Narrabri Gas

I have family who rely very much on the water of The Great Artesian Basin in western Queensland. I object very strongly to CSG due to the contamination of water. It will affect the whole of the Great Artesian Basin and graziers, towns and whole communities will be affected if these aquifers are contaminated and water is not drinkable. I hope you consider the consequences of contaminating and polluting our most precious resource for this irresponsible industry.

At this time in history, when the ecosystems are under increasing and intense pressures through warming, I voice my objection to land clearing, in general, which goes against logical procedures to preserve old growth forests, and which Australians should be implementing. I voice my objection to the proposed gas project at Narrabri for this reason, and because it represents an investment in fossil fuels at a time when such energy sources must be ruled out.

I object to the proposal to allow mining for gas in this location.
My reasons are: first because the Australian Government has signed the Paris accord which means that to keep global warming below 2 degrees C using fossil fuels must be reduced immediately. The drilling for gas risks damaging the water table. The traditional owners and local farmers are against the proposal.

I object to this proposal by Santos to extract CSG in the Pillaga Region.

My objection is based on the simple fact that the only benefit would be a profit for Santos.

This"benefit" is far out-weighed by the negative impacts on the environment: contamination of ground water; burning of gas resulting in increase in global warming; loss of precious habitat; irreparable damage to the land, trees, flora and fauna.

The indigenous community and local farmers have objected to this proposal for years. Their rights to farm and care for land cannot be ignored.

The CSG industry is too damaging to allow it to continue.

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.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.
I am opposed to the Santos proposal..
Job creation in country areas is very important but
we cannot risk polluting the the Great Artesian Basin with chemicals for short term gain of coal seam gas.
Santos does not have a good track record in this part of the world.
Extracted salt will need to be corralled indefinitely.
Precious water will be diverted from agriculture & wetlands
Re local jobs. More can be done to promote the unique wetlands & the clear skies for astronomy.

Blessings
Ian Kilminster

As part of the Paris Agreement we need to leave fossil fuels in the ground. This should be the end of the argument!

The Great Artesian Basin is too precious a resource to risk polluting with fracking chemicals - we may think all is well but problems may surface many years later and a long way away.

The fracking process causes too much environmental damage, much of which will be left behind and is irreversible.

The Pilliga is a diversity hotspot, home to over 15 endangered species, and accommodating the catchment of a significant contribution to the Murray River system. Coal Seam Gas extraction threatens not only the viability of the river system
Itself through extraction and potential for contamination, but also the health of the vegetation, increases fire hazard and risk to human health along with contribution towards global climate change. I have personally spent time in this magic area, and heard the locals boasting about its star-gazing claim to fame, and all these values should be protected from the short term myopathy of the CSG industry.

No government or corporation has the right to take what they want , disregarding the environment and the constituent peoples best interests .

I am requesting of the NSW Government that it strongly consider that Coal seam gas mining does not go ahead in the Pilliga region. We cannot afford to risk disturbing and polluting the huge reserves of artesian water that lie beneath the surface. Our water , farming land and wild land are so precious and need to be protected so there will be a future for life on this planet.
In fact coal seam gas mining has proven to be an extremely toxic and life destroying process. I don't believe CSG has a place anywhere.
It would be sad to see the NSW Government fighting against the wishes of the majority of it's people. Please stop CSG mining now!

I am writing to express my great concern and objections to the proposed Narrabri Gas Project, which raises high level risks in many crucial areas:
- risk to 2 of Australia's major water resources, the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) and the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) through potentially affecting the water pressure in the recharge areas in the Pilliga East Forest and therefore the flow of water to springs and bores across the GAB, and potentially contaminating water flowing into the MDB from drilling spills and salty treated water from the wells
- risk of further spills and leaks of toxic coal seam gas (CSG) water from well-heads, pipes and ponds, as has already occurred on over 20 occasions
- risk of increasing climate change through the release of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of CSG. Methane is a major component of natural gas and a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO2.
- risk to human health through the release of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds into the air from CSG operations, including the flaring of wells
- risk of increasing fires through increasing ignition sources and extracting, transporting and storing a highly flammable gas, in an area which is already prone to severe bushfires
- risk to the viability of the internationally recognised Siding Springs Observatory through increased light and dust pollution from the proposed project
- risk to vulnerable and threatened wildlife in the Pilliga area due to fragmentation and damage to habitat.

As if all these risks weren't enough, the project is strongly objected to by the Gamilaraay traditional custodians and local farmers and communities. In addition it will produce thousands of tonnes of salt waste each year, for which Santos has no solution.

Given that renewable energy sources are far safer and more sustainable forms of energy than CSG, it is hard to understand why anyone would consider taking the risks outlined above for a project such as his.

I am opposed to CSG mining in the Pilliga in particular and in Australia generally. My objection springs from the the environmental impacts of CSG mining and its poor track record in Australia and overseas. On the driest habitable landmass it is an absurdity to risk our water resources whether artesian or ground water. It is a cultural arrogance to ignore the demands and ancient knowledge of the traditional custodians. It is extremely unwise to override the requests of the food and fibre producers in the adjoining farmland. The Liverpool Plains are already at risk from salination and falling water tables. We need to care for the land not exploit it for short term gain and dubious profits. The Pilliga is an integral part of the health of the nation's foodbowl, the MurrayDarling Basin and it should be treated with the deep respect it deserves.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

I object to csg and fracking because of potential damage to the ground water and farming land

CSG poisons the land, air and water.
THE PEOPLE OF NSW DO NOT WANT IT..!!!!

There is no credible rationale for destroying the Pilliga forest and polluting the region with toxic waste. The risk to health is too great for the project to be approved. There is ample evidence of harmful effects from CSG extraction such as the one Santos proposes and the cost to the community is high.

I oppose the Narrabri Gas Project and want to see the end of coal seam gas in NSW and Australia. I want state and federal governments to acknowledge the threat of climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions to Australia and the world, and I want them take real action towards projecting and restoring the natural environment. The ecosystem services provided the natural environment are vital for human survival, and thus projects like the Narrabri Gas Project need to be opposed. My opposition to the project is shared by the Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians, farmers and the local Pilliga community. I urge the NSW government to show real strength and leadership and abandon short-term political goals and short-sighted vision - show the world, Australia and the local community that you care about their long-term welfare and stop the Narrabri Gas Project from going forward.

There can be no denying the damage to the environment and it's inhabitants caused by fracking.The devastation it causes is well documented.
South Australians said no to the nuclear waste dump and this proposal from Santos is equal to the dump's environmental impact.
South Australia is already a leader in the country for renewable energy and is embraced by all community's. This is the future and should from now on be the only proposal posed by corporations.

The risk is too great for the Artesian Water not to be affected, resulting in damage to Agricultural and Farming/ animal production