Narrabri Gas

I am deeply opposed to the gas project and feel there has not been due consideration of the following:

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian BasinÂ--AustraliaÂ'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 areasÂ--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 RiverÂ--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 waterÂ--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 Â`biodiversity hotspotsÂ' 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 pipelinesÂ--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 nationÂ'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 Â`dark sky parkÂ'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 PilligaÂ'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.

11. There are no long term studies to prove that CSG technology is safe.

No CSG project has been assessed for the long term impacts of rehabilitation. This is still a technology in its infancy with serious doubts about whether a fracked site can be full rehabilitated.

12. There is no benefit to the state.

The net benefit to the state in terms of economic, environmental and social will be negligible of the 20 year life span of the project. Funding for fossil fuels is drying up. The switch to renewable energies is surging. There is no shortage of domestic gas - it's being exported! Environmentally this project will add to the climate burden of future generations. Nobody outside of Santos wants this project. The state can do better!


Regards, Chris Roach.

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.

Please do the right thing and do not allow any CSG mining in the Pilliga. Our land and water resources are too precious to just give over to corporate plundering. The risks and potential damage to Australia's precious resources far outweigh any short-term economic benefits that companies like Santos will argue they create. Australia's land is not there to simply sell to the highest bidder. Future generations are watching what we do. Please listen to the vast majority of citizens who say they DO NOT want CSG mining. Not in the Pilliga. Not anywhere.

I vehemently object in principle and in every practical way to this continuation of CSG mining anywhere in Australia and in particular in the Pilaga. This totally unnecesary and dangerous industry has to stop, now. There is no need to enumerate the reasons why CSG mining must stop now. There are thousands of pages of well documented examples of the the dangerous and totally uncaring way in which Santos and other mining companies have been allowed , and even encouraged, by the government to flout the relevant regulations, steamroller overwhelming public opinion, and continue to mine for CSG gas.
I call on the government to come to its senses, and stop CSG mining before any more long lasting damage is done.
I have taken my part in protesting CSG mining in my locality, and would not hesitate to join any action that was necesary to halt this project.

I am totally opposed to the mining, selling and use of CSG gas in Australia and indeed, anywhere in the world.
Abundant evidence both from research and anecdotal sources proves beyond doubt that the mining of CSG has a disastrous effect on the environment, both above ground, water sources, the atmosphere and subterranean water supplies.
Mining also affects human communities, in particular the farming sector, with disruption of farming practices, taking over prime farm land, causing health problems from air and water contamination and fracturing farming communities.
Apart from the above, CSG is still contributing to global warming and is particularly dangerous in the amount of methane leaked to the atmosphere.
I am TOTALLY OPPOSED to CSG mining, selling and use - the Australian Government and all State Governments MUST CEASE supporting CSG mining and SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY development!

I am opposed to the Narrabri gas project. The effects on our environment and water supply could be catastrophic. Our unique wildlife will be displaced . The Aboriginal community will lose sacred cultural land. I don't want my children exposed to the negative health repercussions.

There is a very strong anxiety in the community about the danger of coal seam gas extraction on dry land, on and near farming land and near where people live. This is because it is inappropriate for a dirty industrial process to be located in such vicinity.
Gas has been extracted from below the ocean floor for many decades to supply Australia's needs. It is only lately that the encroaching greed of the industry is coming up against stiff and determined objection. And fair enough! This is a democracy!

I fully support the Narrabri Gas Project and strongly believe that this is crucial in order to maintain and continue creating clean water within Australia.

For the sake of our children and the continuity of our species, not just as a collective of races but as a unified being of compassion, love and experiential growth and development, stop this madness, stop this rape of land, stop this mindless grabbing of recourses and irrational fixation on profit and numbers. Make the world better, make the world and the communities of which it is made a stronger, happier and more fulfilled place where we can grow and live, not survive and spectate.

We are making so little out of gas and yet we will be left with the barren wasteland after all of the profits have been taken out of our country; poor air quality; destroyed eco systems and poisoned water tables etc. Forget it. It's not worth it and people are slowly waking up to it. It has to stop. We need our land for food production; we need what little water our thirsty country has for ourselves and we need an environment that is stable and clean.

I object to this for every commonsense reason there is. How much money are the pollies lining their pockets with to let this go through?
The environmental damage alone is reason enough to stop.. threatened species, poisoned water, bush fires, deforestation ..
Economically there is almost nothing in it for Australia, unless you're a corrupt politician of course.
Most, if not all, of the gas will be sent offshore and the royalties are nil. No reward for maximum damage. If it does not make you angry you're already dead.
The impact of this ridiculous idea is far reaching and negative and I strongly oppose it.

I strongly object to drilling in the Pilliga. It will harm the ecology of the area and reduce biodiversity thus threatening many species of flora and fauna.
The water in Artesian Basin is precious and is at threat of contamination. Farming to provide food for the population is more important.

The reasons for opposing this project are endless. This project will destroy precious land for farming - we DON'T have an endless supply. It is critical that we maintain this land for the livelihood of farmers, as well as the ability for Australia to continue producing farmed goods. It will destroy water resources in the area, it's dangerous, and most importantly for myself, it will decimate populations of endangered animals. Australia has a reputation as being full of unique species - don't turn it into a resource tip. The people of Australia will see no benefit to this, and the money will go straight into the back pockets of greedy corporation.

You have got to be kidding. Allowing Santos, in its financial dying days to continue to wreak environmental damage as it has done already is joining in the fight to destroy our land for oyr children and grandchildren. This means you too who will read this. It has to stop. Santos and its maneuvering - eg classic conflict of interest in the two donations of divvy van and winnebago to the QLD police. There is nothing they wont do to destroy Australia. I STRONGLY object to it.

I am totally against Santos,(or any other company) mining for gas in the Pilliga or any part of the area. We must support a clean water supply (artesian) forest preservation, along with the flora and fauna. I am shocked that the government would risk the above, including the atmosphere for the sake of CSG. We do NOT want CSG, ever. Follow Victoria's lead and just BAN it.

There are widespread consequences of this application, affecting precious water resources, local communities, the natural environment and wildlife.

One of the most important is the risk to the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin, which needs to be protected from damage and contamination. CSG causes byproducts which not only cause irreversible damage to the environment, it also has adverse affects on the health of the communities living in the area.

This project is opposed by both Gamilaraay people, the traditional custodians of the land, as well as local community. Projects like this fuel climate change and are incredibly short-sighted if we want to protect the future of our families, our communities and our land.

Our governments need to stop making short-term decisions which reflect a financial interest and start making long-term decisions in the best interests of the people and the land they represent.

Dear Decision Maker,

When are we going to look at the evidence that Coal Seam Gas is a disastrous way of garnering energy, and realise that we need to put our focus on renewable energy? The USA is having to deal with the serious health effects of coal seam gas and it's time that we stop following the US and learn from their mistakes. Say no, for your children and your children's children.

Coal seam gas:
It will extract over 35 billion litres of toxic groundwater, much of it in the first five years. This water will be treated and in the early years will generate tens of thousands of tonnes of salt, for which there is no safe disposal plan.
It will clear close to 1,000 hectares of the Pilliga Forest, fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in New South Wales, home to unique wildlife.
It will cause significant diversion of water from a recharge aquifer of the Great Artesian Basin, which is a water resource relied upon by rural communities across western NSW.
It will lead to large deliberate and fugitive emissions of methane, adding to climate change.
It will cause more trauma to the regional Aboriginal community because the area of impact is crucially important to the spiritual, cultural and social life of Gamilaraay people.
It is not justified: SantosÃ,Â' own Coal Seam Gas export activities in Queensland have caused gas prices to rise and supply to become unpredictable. NSW should respond to this by investing in more reliable and ultimately cheaper renewable energy, not by letting Santos inflict more environmental, social and economic harm.
It will cause economic upheaval in Narrabri and put agricultural industries at risk, as well as causing light pollution that will ruin the dark night sky needed by the internationally renowned Siding Spring Observatory.
Coal Seam Gas is harmful to health. Neither the NSW Government nor Santos have investigated or dealt with the serious health effects of coal seam gas now appearing in peer-reviewed research in the United States.

Regards,
Lorene Barin

It seems a that there is a general disregard to the potential impact to our environment in this project. Many reasons can be put forward such as for the good of the economy or the people etc etc but that does not justify the impact of a project such as this on our very unique environment and culture. Clearing of more forest, diversion of water away from communities that rely on it, by-products such as methane and salt will add to the environmental damage and the actual impact on the local communities from these activities. There is something seriously wrong with the way our leaders are allowing this destruction to continue. For the good of our country and our people please put a stop to this and invest in clean, renewable energy. About time we all wake up and realise we can't keep destroying our environment.

I object to the gas project as it threatens water sources (including the Great Australian Basin), fuels climate change and is opposed by local farmers as well as by the Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians.

I strongly oppose Coal Seam Gas Mining. I have seen the damage it has caused in Gloucester NSW. It is dangerous and should not be considered. Poisoning the Artesian Basin by permitting CSG should be considered a criminal act.
We must consider the children and grandchildren who will inherit this poisonous polluted water and soil. As David Suzuki once said; human beings are the only species who destroy the home they live in.
Why would we want to pollute our soil and our water?
What will we eat and drink?
Gas ?