Narrabri Gas

I support the Gamilaraay people's right to use this land and the rights of the farmers, both of whose livelihoods depend on the use of this land. I also support environmental preservation.

This disgusts me that after such wide spread disaproval from the community this is still up for disscusion. Stop destroying our land for profit. We pushed you out of the Clarence Valley, and will continue to do so until you STOP. I strongly object this project application and any like it in the future. SHAME

This is a special place for the Gamilaraay people and also for my family who have lived in the region for a very long time. I am totally against this gas project and the effect it will have on the environment, the people and the planet.

I am writing to voice my deep concerns regarding: The Narrabri Gas Project
-the environmental damage CSG mining causes, including the risk CSG mining presents to groundwater quality and quantity

-the need for the government to get serious and pour more funding into research and development of viable renewable energy production alternatives.

If our government bothered to care about climate change one must ask: Why are they allowing the continuing expansion of CSG?

A recent edition of Narrabri's 'Courier' quoted Santos's Managing Director, Mr Kevin Gallagher as saying "The EIS has concluded the project can proceed safely with minimal and manageable risk to the environment." MINIMAL!!!! That's not good enough!! Once the damage is done, it's done and the effects will last for many years. Santos management won't have to live among the consequences of this damage, yet thousands of locals will be stuck with un-sellable houses/land and issues such as poor health and the need to buy in water, for example. I personally do not want to have to live with that. Lessons need to be learned from the USA and Queensland, even if the gas companies refuse to accept responsibility, they are in all likelihood responsible for dreadful, long-term pollution of the air, soil and groundwater, and the health affects on the locals.

We all know that once they get a foothold in NSW, Santos will continue to encroach on our land, including into prime agricultural land (as per the numerous PELs in North West NSW). I'm sure they won't stop until the whole of NSW is a toxic wasteland.

It's extremely convenient that the government has announced our major gas shortage is looming, right at the time this project is reaching such a critical stage in the planning process. As If that won't put influencing pressure on the decision makers! Those of us who object to the project are fighting an even bigger battle now! Anyone with an ounce of common sense could tell this 'gas shortage' is directly related to the greed of the gas companies exporting gas, rather than keeping it local.

As for the pipeline that is being planned to connect Pilliga to the 'Sydney market' - this screams to me that's it's opening up the option of exporting the NGP gas straight out of the country, bypassing the local market, as is happening in Queensland. This means there will be no benefit to local energy requirements. Will our energy costs thus continue to rise!?

Local residents and land holders have a right to protect their livelihoods. How is it a fair fight when mining companies have so many funds at their disposal, versus the small everyday person with limited funds? The government needs to remember we need food just as much as we need power. Although we can find alternatives for power (eg solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc), a viable alternative to food is yet to be discovered! With a rapidly growing global population, food scarcity and renewable energy sources are critical.

The environmental damage CSG mining causes is widespread; destruction of native vegetation and the natural landscape, pollution (dust, noise, light, gases, etc), fire risk, potential soil and water contamination. And what of all the salt and other toxins brought to the surface? All of which result in irreversible damage to the environment and potentially to the health of the population too. Look at all the physical and mental health issues affecting the people living surrounded by CSG fields in Queensland. I don't believe the EIS adequately accounts for these risks, particularly their plans to dispose of the produced water.

To produce food, farmers require land AND water. They are required to pay for all water used, but it seems mining gets a free ride... who is the government really protecting!? Our water is also being threatened by the greedy mining companies such as Santos. Farmers are being told to give back allocations to the environment, and improve water-use efficiency, yet Santos want to 'extract 37.5GL over 25 years.' So is the returned water really for the environment, or for the extractive industries to frivolently waste!? Drought can lower groundwater levels sufficiently to render bores useless, yet this extra drain of CSG on the aquifers could affect those much further away.

The risk of CSG extraction to underground water (aquifers) is too scary to contemplate. Given so many towns and cities in Australia rely almost solely on The Great Artesian Basin water to survive, one must ask how the government is happy to risk people's' health and livelihoods by exposing aquifers to dangers such as leaks and contaminants from CSG mining. It's not a risk worth taking. The mining companies may operate as safely as they can, but accidents can and sometimes do happen, at which time it's too late for all those using the affected water. One just has to watch "Gasland" to see the potential risks involved.

Having our own personal, untreated bore from which all our water comes, this is of great significance to my household and I fear for the health of my family should CSG mining occur near our aquifers. I don't want my family to be slowly poisoned as toxins flood the groundwater.

My children are the 5th generation of our family to live in the area, so I'd consider us well and truly locals, not 'out of town hire a hippy' types that Santos and others seem to think are the only ones opposing this project. I'd like this great part of Australia to be protected for future generations.

The Narrabri Gas Project is occurring far too close to Narrabri town, which alsof relies on bores for the town water supply. This project will sefe the slow death and decline of this town. In fact, a walk up Maitland Street would show what little confidence small business owners have in the future if this town as the numerous empty stores will attest. The number of houses sitting for sale seems higher too, suggesting a total lack of confidence in the Real Estate market too. We need to be encouragejng and protecting agriculture in this area.

Don't let Santos (or any other CSG Company) get a foot hold, as were this initial project to be approved, no doubt, they'll continue to expand until the whole of NSW becomes a toxic wasteland. I trust you will consider all that I have mentioned and act on behalf of the people and the environment to protect our health and our land before it's too late. We only have one Earth!

I wish to express my deepest concern over this project. It should not go ahead.

Coal seam gas and fracking are now clearly shown to be severely detrimental to the environmental and public health of the region in which they are developed. Fracking has severe deleterious effects on water quality, and atmospheric emissions from such projects is grossly underestimated. As a biologist, it is clear that fracking is not in the best interests of Australia, nor rural communities, which rely on good agricultural and environmental quality.

Furthermore this project will not benefit the local community as much as it will benefit establishments and companies further afield.

Most importantly, local members of this community do not wish for this CSG project to go ahead, and thus you have a mandate to understand the wishes of these electorates.

Sincerely,
Lachlan Dow

I strongly support the Gamilaraay people in their stand to protect the Pillaga forest. DO NOT TURN THIS PRECIOUS PLACE INTO A GIANT GAS FIELD!

I am writing to voice my deep concerns regarding: The Narrabri Gas Project
-the environmental damage CSG mining causes, including the risk CSG mining presents to groundwater quality and quantity

-the need for the government to get serious and pour more funding into research and development of viable renewable energy production alternatives.

If our government bothered to care about climate change one must ask: Why are they allowing the continuing expansion of CSG?

A recent edition of Narrabri's 'Courier' quoted Santos's Managing Director, Mr Kevin Gallagher as saying "The EIS has concluded the project can proceed safely with minimal and manageable risk to the environment." MINIMAL!!!! That's not good enough!! Once the damage is done, it's done and the effects will last for many years. Santos management won't have to live among the consequences of this damage, yet thousands of locals will be stuck with un-sellable houses/land and issues such as poor health and the need to buy in water, for example. I personally do not want to have to live with that. Lessons need to be learned from the USA and Queensland, even if the gas companies refuse to accept responsibility, they are in all likelihood responsible for dreadful, long-term pollution of the air, soil and groundwater, and the health affects on the locals.

We all know that once they get a foothold in NSW, Santos will continue to encroach on our land, including into prime agricultural land (as per the numerous PELs in North West NSW). I'm sure they won't stop until the whole of NSW is a toxic wasteland.

It's extremely convenient that the government has announced our major gas shortage is looming, right at the time this project is reaching such a critical stage in the planning process. As If that won't put influencing pressure on the decision makers! Those of us who object to the project are fighting an even bigger battle now! Anyone with an ounce of common sense could tell this 'gas shortage' is directly related to the greed of the gas companies exporting gas, rather than keeping it local.

As for the pipeline that is being planned to connect Pilliga to the 'Sydney market' - this screams to me that's it's opening up the option of exporting the NGP gas straight out of the country, bypassing the local market, as is happening in Queensland. This means there will be no benefit to local energy requirements. Will our energy costs thus continue to rise!?

Local residents and land holders have a right to protect their livelihoods. How is it a fair fight when mining companies have so many funds at their disposal, versus the small everyday person with limited funds? The government needs to remember we need food just as much as we need power. Although we can find alternatives for power (eg solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc), a viable alternative to food is yet to be discovered! With a rapidly growing global population, food scarcity and renewable energy sources are critical.

The environmental damage CSG mining causes is widespread; destruction of native vegetation and the natural landscape, pollution (dust, noise, light, gases, etc), fire risk, potential soil and water contamination. And what of all the salt and other toxins brought to the surface? All of which result in irreversible damage to the environment and potentially to the health of the population too. Look at all the physical and mental health issues affecting the people living surrounded by CSG fields in Queensland. I don't believe the EIS adequately accounts for these risks, particularly their plans to dispose of the produced water.

To produce food, farmers require land AND water. They are required to pay for all water used, but it seems mining gets a free ride... who is the government really protecting!? Our water is also being threatened by the greedy mining companies such as Santos. Farmers are being told to give back allocations to the environment, and improve water-use efficiency, yet Santos want to 'extract 37.5GL over 25 years.' So is the returned water really for the environment, or for the extractive industries to frivolently waste!? Drought can lower groundwater levels sufficiently to render bores useless, yet this extra drain of CSG on the aquifers could affect those much further away.

The risk of CSG extraction to underground water (aquifers) is too scary to contemplate. Given so many towns and cities in Australia rely almost solely on The Great Artesian Basin water to survive, one must ask how the government is happy to risk people's' health and livelihoods by exposing aquifers to dangers such as leaks and contaminants from CSG mining. It's not a risk worth taking. The mining companies may operate as safely as they can, but accidents can and sometimes do happen, at which time it's too late for all those using the affected water. One just has to watch "Gasland" to see the potential risks involved.

Having our own personal, untreated bore from which all our water comes, this is of great significance to my household and I fear for the health of my family should CSG mining occur near our aquifers. I don't want my family to be slowly poisoned as toxins flood the groundwater.

My children are the 5th generation of our family to live in the area, so I'd consider us well and truly locals, not 'out of town hire a hippy' types that Santos and others seem to think are the only ones opposing this project. I'd like this great part of Australia to be protected for future generations.

The Narrabri Gas Project is occurring far too close to Narrabri town, which alsof relies on bores for the town water supply. This project will sefe the slow death and decline of this town. In fact, a walk up Maitland Street would show what little confidence small business owners have in the future if this town as the numerous empty stores will attest. The number of houses sitting for sale seems higher too, suggesting a total lack of confidence in the Real Estate market too. We need to be encouragejng and protecting agriculture in this area.

Don't let Santos (or any other CSG Company) get a foot hold, as were this initial project to be approved, no doubt, they'll continue to expand until the whole of NSW becomes a toxic wasteland. I trust you will consider all that I have mentioned and act on behalf of the people and the environment to protect our health and our land before it's too late. We only have one Earth!

I'm 10years old and I am very worried about the impact that CSG mining could have on my health, and the health of all my friends and family in Narrabri. I'm also worried it will pollute the environment. We need to start looking after our environment and protecting it for future generations. With a growing world population, it's time to support farming/food production and look at renewable energy supplies, rather than relying on Earth-destroying energy sources such as coal and CSG.

I am submitting this letter as my written voice to strongly oppose the proposed planning and development of a coal seam gas field in the Pilliga. My personal beliefs and my love for Australia motivates me to submit this letter as my one voice among many who feel strongly about maintaining the Australian environment and preserving safe placesnfor flora and fauna to thrive.
PLEASE reconsider the proposed plan to develop mining ventures in the Pilliga region.
Thank you,
Kim Lawrence

I hate Santos! They are dividing our town and turning people against each other, oh and destroying the environment too! I wish I could just be a normal 8 year old kid and not have a care in the world, but instead, I worry every day about what is happening to my town, Narrabri. The CSG mining will ruin our town, and make people and the environment sick. We need to be protected by our government! Mum even lets me say 'Santos suck' coz she agrees with me!

I'm only a toddler, but my life should be of more concern to the government than making a few bucks to help their mates at Santos! It's time to protect the future generations and keep the environment safe for many years to come. I don't think this project is good for people or the environment. Santos have yet to properly remediate previous spill sites, so we know any future issues will either be left to continue destroying the environment, or too hard to fix. Once the damage is done, the consequences will be long term. I'm very concerned for the future world I will be living in.

I object to the Narrabri Santos Gas Project

1. The planning dept should not give approval to any project that is not complete in all details. AGL also obtained concept approval for the Gloucester Gas Project and failed to disclose where the wells were going, where the waste salt would go, where the piping would be laid etc. Is the Planning dept going to allow another half thought out concept to be approved?

2. There is no reason to risk the Great Artesian basin. The iconic Pilliga woodland should be preserved at all costs. Running roads and pipe lines through this area will only fragment the forest and eventually destroy it.

3. The Health dept is once again missing in any form of input into this project and its assessment.

4. Santos has mapped 7 gas fields in this North West region yet no mention is made of further expansion should the Narrabri project be approved. This project should be discussed as a whole, not as a standalone project.

5. No fracking ever in NSW.

6. This is a dark sky region no flares should be visible to maintain the dark sky.

I object to the Narrabri Gas Project on the following grounds
Possible damage to the Artesian Basin
Destruction of the Pilliga Forest
Interference with the dark skys
No health department assessments are carried out
No guarantee gas will be used domestically

No development in the Pilliga. Keep it clean and untouched. We need forests, as do the wildlife for Pete's sake.

https://www.wilderness.org.au/final-push-pilliga Please pay close attention to the narrative, especially from 1:05. How, when a minimum of 93% of the local community object, can you possibly go forward with this insanity?

Time to listen to the experts who are not paid off to say the opposite to what is the environmental truth.

Time to see money as a tool for all, not a tool for earth shattering gains. Invest in clean energy ...

Time to think of our children, and the generations to come.

Time to diversify investments into earth-nurturing as opposed to earth-destructive energy's.

Be the change that saves us, not destroys the future for so many.

WHY WHY WHY - would you choose to destroy some of the most natural and pristine lands of this country?

The politicians that we hoped would make us a more population and energy sustainable country; are in truth, paving the way to its destruction by letting big business in and over-riding the massiveness of the people's voice against these projects.

HAVE GOVERNMENT AND THE CORPORATE ENTITIES GONE MAD ???? What has blindsided them so, that they are incapable of grasping what is at stake here?

There is no safe disposal plan for the salt produced, - Australia already has a problem in this regard. Using far too much water - This is short sighted on one generational thinking - environmnetal vandalism and destruction, . Clearing forrest - ???, the planet needs the forrest more than your pockets do. Creation of methane - are you for real?. Have you spoken to the local Aboriginal community, because last time I checked we supposedly have stopped invading communities for own self interest and pocket lining. Coal seam gas mining is environmentally criminal and any supporter of it, whether government or private business need to be treated as such (criminals). Instead, why don't we focus on creating clean energy and clean jobs - the requirement is there, we have intellegent enough resources.

As a descendant of my Gamilaraay great grandmother I have very little left of her culture, this land is my link and is extremely important to the Gamilaraay.
Wildlife on this land, many being totems of the Gamilaraay people will be impacted. Animals such as the rare Spotted-tailed Quoll, Black-striped Wallaby, our dwindling and already stressed Koalas,Eastern Pygmy-possums, Pilliga Mouse and the South-eastern Long-eared Bat amongst many others call the Pilliga their home should be protected from such action.
I have grown up in the Pilliga, and although I have now moved away it is a strong part of my childhood and connection to not only family but to country. I know the community there do not want this - their concerns are valid and should be treated as such.The community there are directly impacted and will see serious threats to the environment,wildlife and health of the community.

I am totally against.mining of any sort in the Pilliga.

No, to Narrabi Gas project.

It is insane to e even consider , as it would ruin the water and the environment.

The largest Artesian basin in the world. Must be protected. .

As fracking is still envisaged to be done in the same contaminating way as all previous CSG wells, this archaic extraction method can only irrevocably harm all surrounding waterways needed for farming. Being fully aware of the devastation being wreaked on Qld farms and many American states it is negligent of our elected government to grant these leases. Being also aware of the need for energy into the future this form of energy is non renewable and thus has a termination date. However, the water table and reliant farming will thus also eventually have a termination date. There is no credible truly independent EIS being done. Asking Santos and /or it's associates or dependant entities to assess the risks is farcical and is contemptuous of the public. The Prime Minister is, at the very moment, coercing gas exporting companies to ship their gas to the eastern states so why is there a project of this nature still being considered. ? The State government as usual is just besotted with the revenue such mining, or for that matter any mining, will produce regardless of future environmental impacts. Why should they care ? The revenue starts in the short term which they use to placate a compliant public, furthering their own re election prospects. Then of course, the environmental havoc caused in the future affecting our children is well after our ponderous and industrial age politicians have departed. This is an unethical project and borders on the immoral. In this day and age ie the 21st century, it is breathtaking that politicians are so ignorant of the exponential explosion of new age renewable energy sources that will transform the state if given half a chance. One wonders what contributions have been made by Santos to both major political parties in the last few years. A curious question, of course.