Narrabri Gas

I am writing to object to this proposal. It is clear from many studies and many people's personal experience both in Australia and overseas, that the fracking process required to extract the gas does enormous damage to the environment; to farming land; and to life-giving water reserves - which we all need. This proposal by Santos with up to 850 wells over 20 years will do irremediable damage to all three of these. Promises of safety and remediation are hollow. From experience and recent audits, it is well known that mining is not as safe as the companies claim it to be, and also that the sums put aside to repair the land at the end of the project are woefully inadequate.
The cost of gas has increased in a horrifying way in very recent times. This is not because of a shortage in supply of gas, it is because of the way the sale of gas is prioritised to oveseas countries who pay more than domestic users. CSG would not be needed for domestic supply if the conditions of foreign sale were more appropriate, and had been from the beginning.
Furthermore, renewable energy is the way of the future. With the advent of affordable domestic batteries for solar power, the whole energy market will be altered. It is an appalling idea to ignore this fact and proceed with such a damaging plan.
I strongly object to this proposal and ask that it not be approved.

I am writing to voice my dismay at the Santos proposal to industrialise the Pilliga with the imposition of 850 coal seam gas wells. With climate change well and truly in evidence it beggars belief that the NSW government would give oxygen to such an environmentally destructive project. Not only does this monstrous proposal threaten the survival of many endangered species living within the Pilliga, but it also threatens the natural water sources which are the lifeblood of farming communities throughout the southeast and inland Australia. Meanwhile the benefits to the people of NSW for this massive imposition are dubious at best.
I request that the NSW Government reject the Santos invasion of the Pilliga once and for all by putting this indecent proposal to rest.

I support the Narrabri Gas Project for the jobs that it will create for the younger generation - in particular youth that have left Narrabri to further their careers, may have the opportunity to return to town.

There is much evidence to prove that fracking undermines groundwater. Depletion of groundwater will have a serious effect on the soil probably causing a rise in salt levels which will be detrimental to vegetation. We do not need the gas in New South Wales. Renewable technology is the way forward making our society clean and sustainable. Nobody who loves Australia would allow the Narrabri Gas Project to proceed. Also, the fact that the Pygmy Possum will be threatened is sufficient to say "No". I do not want to see yet another species die out because a few idiots think that money is more important than anything.

I support Santos in the development of the Narrabri Gas Project for the employment opportunities it will generate. Currently, my employment takes me away from my young family 5 nights a week. The approval of the project may mean an employment opportunity for myself, that enables me to not have to travel away for work.
I believe the science has proven that it can be done safely and without harm to the environment.

Santos have become a trustworthy company to the Narrabri Community. They are committed to employing local people and there are many current examples of this.
Being a mother of 2 young children, I like that my kids will grow up in an economically strong community. The outcomes of the Community Benefit Fund will help my kids prosper, and potentially mean that they will stay in Narrabri rather than leave town for their careers.

Attn: Executive Director, Resource Assessments Department of Planning and Environment GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001
Date: 21 May 2017

I object strongly to the expansion of CSG mining in the north west region of NSW and have questions on the incompatibility of coal seam gas with farming and its destruction to the incredible natural habitat of the Pilliga State Forest. I object for the reasons listed below, studied and shared by professionals in their field.

1. Santos says its Narrabri project will not interfere with a GAB recharge zone. However all government hydrogeological mapping of the GAB shows the project will straddle the most important inflow zone into the GAB in NSW (Hydrogeological Atlas of the Great Artesian Basin (2016); Department of Water Resources (NSW) Hydrogeological Series Sheet SH 55-12; NSW Department of Water & Energy April 2009 PN00799 WR2008-089)

2. There is no evidence provided which shows there is no connectivity between aquifer strata. Recent studies document migration of coal bed methane to the surface (https://www.nature.com/articles/srep15996)

3. It is a known that all well casings will fail eventually. Who is going to maintain the well integrity after Santos has gone? Where is the long term planning for maintenance of the wells in perpetuity. The GAB is the source of water for farmers. There is no alternative to food security. There is an alternative using solar and renewables to provide energy. (and of course, we know this gas will go off shore so it is not about energy security at all but profit). We will have 850 leakage time-bombs through the GAB, Australian citizens carrying the cost of privatised profit. (http://www.pnas.org/content/111/30/10955.full)

4. Santos wants to release treated water into Bohena Creek during high and moderate flows, with its EIS ignoring the knowledge hat this creek is a recognised surface groundwater ecosystem (Australian GDE Atlas).

5. The EIS fails to respond to the public health risks from fugitive emissions, including from methane, sulphides and ozone. How can this gas be so clean when all others is so dirty?

6. Recent research confirms that the levels of methane emissions from CSG operations is high and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas levels and the impact on climate change. IF the gas is used in Australia this must be counted against the Paris Climate Agreement. IF it doesnÃÂ,Ã,Â't count because the gas is going off shore then what is the justification for the project?

7. The region is an astronomy destination providing jobs, business and tourism. Flaring gas and dust creation is a huge risk to this sector and the region.

8. Fragmenting the bush of the Pilliga forest will add to pressure from fox predation on threatened species. No control program will compensate the additional areas of forest which will see increased fox activity.
This project must not proceed as the risks are too high for the environment and the community.
9. The project wll 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.

10. The project will clear close to 1,000 hectares of the Pilliga Forest, fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in New South Wales, home to unique wildlife.

11. The project 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.

12. The project will lead to large deliberate and fugitive emissions of methane, adding to climate change.

13. 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.

14. It is not justified: SantosÃÂ,Ã,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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

I can think of no socially, economically or environmental reason to approve the project. This EIS from Santos does in no way make the case for neutral or beneficial gain.

Yours sincerely
Sean Donaldson

I would like to see the Narrabri Gas Project approved, as I feel it will boost the local long-term economy for which most people in Narrabri will see the flow-on effect, no matter what current career they have. The project will in-directly have a positive effect on everyone who lives and works in the shire

It's interesting that the anti-gas movement that is targeting the Narrabri Gas Project continually likes to compare the gas fields in Qld and the USA to the 850 well program proposed by Santos in the Pilliga scrub.
I have worked in the Qld gas fields and I have also worked on the Narrabri Gas Project. I have experienced firsthand the same industry working in two different states and I can assure you that the very strict regulations in NSW and the proposed project in the Pilliga is not at all comparable to the Qld gasfields.
I have also witnessed the difference between Gas operating companies. I have heard of the horror stories associated with land access on some Qld properties. The difference between Qld and the Narrabri gas project is simple, Qld have a lot of different operators trying to get the gas out of the ground in a very competitive environment whereas the Narrabri gas project has the luxury of dealing with a single company- Santos, who has made it very clear that if you don't want them on your property then they will NOT enter your property. SIMPLE....
My family and I own a property within the proposed exploration area. We have a flowline running through our property and also have neighbours with gas wells on their property and not once have I heard a single complaint about Santos or their operations.
I can hear it now from people opposing the project saying ` hes only saying that because he wants money from gas wells on his property'. Knowing the strict regulations surrounding the Narrabri gas project and having witnessed the way that Santos operates I would be more that welcome to host Santos operations on my property. Who wouldn't?

I object to this project because:

1. It will extract over 35 billion litres of toxic groundwater.
2. This water will be treated and thus will generate tens of thousands of tonnes of salt, for which there is no safe disposal plan.
3. It will clear close to 1,000 hectares of the Pilliga Forest, fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in New South Wales and home to unique and threatened wildlife.
4. 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 and our country's largest supply of fresh water.
4. The project will lead to large deliberate and fugitive emissions of methane, adding to climate change.
5. It will cause trauma to the regional Aboriginal community because the area of impact is crucially important to the spiritual, cultural and social life of Gamilaraay people.
6. It is not justified: SantosÂ' 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

I am a third generation farmer. I work at one of the local primary schools in Narrabri. My daughter currently works for a childcare provider in Wee Waa, and my son works for a locally owned quarry in Narrabri. Although my children are currently employed, it is comforting that there will be other local employment options if the Narrabri Gas Project is approved - should they wish to change their career. Santos brings diversity to our region, which is a positive attribute to a developing shire.

Kyogle Group Against Gas
1047 Green Pigeon Rd
Kyogle NSW 2474

Attn: Executive Director, Resource Assessments
Department of Planning and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001

This is a submission to the Narrabri Gas EIS.

KGAG has over 50 members and objects to this project and believes it should be outright rejected. The EIS is based on assumptions & misleading data.

This Group supports the submissions of the Coonabarabran Residents Against Gas, The North West Alliance, the People for the Plains, the NSW Nurse & Midwives Association, The Wilderness Society, the EDO, The Australia Institute, Artesian Bore Water Users Assn. (ABWUA), Nature Conservation Council, Gloucester Groundswell, GABPG, SOS Liverpool Plains, Mullaley Gas Pipeline Accord, Lane Cove Coal and Gas Watch, Namoi Water, Groundwater Solutions, Market Forces, IEFFA and Moree Council.

We support the submissions of expert individuals:

Kevin Hayley, Brett Cole, Andrea Broughton, David Millage, Rod Campbell, Hugh Sadler, Stuart Khan, David Paull, Gavin Mudd, Isaac Santos, Bruce Robb, Tim Forcey, Marion Llyod Smith, Geralyn Mccarron, Methuen Morgan, Matt Carrol, Stuart Lockey, Peter Cusky, Helen Bender, Caroline Reid, Gerralyn Mcarron, David C. Paull, Michelle Cullen and our Sovereign Gamillaraay voices that speak out in objection - Vanessa Hickey, Donna Kenny, Dolly Talbot

AND the 20,000+ individuals who have objected.

There are many more that haven't made it to this list. Kyogle GAG would like to suggest that the NSW government do the right thing by the people and not allow this project to proceed any further down the assessment process.

Economic Assessment:

The economic assessment of the Narrabri Gas Project is misleading and does not comply with NSW assessment guidelines. The benefit cost analysis by consultants GHD is contradicted by the proponents' financial statements and analysis commissioned by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
(As noted by the Australia Institute in their submission).

It is not justified: Santos' own coal seam gas export activities in Queensland have caused gas prices to rise and supply to become unpredictable.

Demand for gas is falling in NSW, reverse cycle air conditioning is cheaper... 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.

Groundwater:

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 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 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.

Threat to biodiversity:

SANTOS plans to clear 988 ha of native vegetation (700 ha of State Forest) for their NSW gas field. Independent studies have shown that koalas are still present in the Pilliga Forest. This would have a devastating impact on their population. Also threatened are
http://pilligapush.com/koala-survey-within-pel-238/

The description of important habitat for a number of key fauna, such as the Regent Honeyeater, Pilliga Mouse, Koala, Black-striped Wallaby and Five-clawed Worm-skink does not appear to be accurate.

Survey effort for some key fauna species appears to be deficient and would have adversely affected the ability of the EIS to adequately account some species.

We urge the Government to reject this project and make the Great Artesian Basin recharge off-limits to coal seam gas mining.

I support the Narrabri Gas Project for the following reasons:

- NSW needs gas, otherwise we will have to build another coal fired power station. CSG is a cleaner energy with less emissions.
- The Pilliga Scrub is the ideal place for a gas field. It will not disturb anything and won't cause damage if it is done correctly. The project lies within an area that is zoned for the extractive industry.
- The out-of-town no-gas people do not wash often enough and do not represent the Narrabri Community

Please, stop destroying our magnificent country, and endangering our people and our unique flora and fauna. This shortsighted project has massive deleterious consequences for our future! Enough!

NSW securing its own supply of CSG will mean it will help reduce gas and electricity prices. I do not believe it will cause harm to the environment.

I strongly object to this project in consideration of the following:

* The will abstract more 35 billion litres of noxious groundwater which will be treated and thus generate tens of thousands of tonnes of salt which there is no safe disposal plan.
* The project will clear close to 1,000 hectares of the Pilliga Forest, dividing the biggest temperate woodland in New South Wales and habitat to endangered wildlife.
* The project will cause substantial change of water from a recharge aquifer of the Great Artesian Basin. This vital water resource is relied upon by rural communities across western NSW and is our country's largest supply of fresh water.
* The project will lead to large considered and quick emissions of methane, contributing further to climate change.
* The project will trigger distress to the local Aboriginal community because the area of impact is significantly important to the spiritual, cultural and social life of Gamilaraay people.
* The project is not reasonable as Santos' own Coal Seam Gas export activities in Queensland that have caused gas prices to rise and supply to become unpredictable. NSW would be wise to respond to this by investing in more dependable and ultimately cheaper renewable energy, not by allowing Santos wreak added environmental, social and economic damage.
*The project will cause economic turmoil in Narrabri and place farming industries in jeopardy. It will also cause light pollution that will obstruct the night sky required by the internationally recognised Siding Spring Observatory.
* Evidence is emerging that Coal Seam Gas is detrimental to human health and neither the NSW Government or Santos have examined the serious health effects of coal seam gas now appearing in southern Queeensland and in peer-reviewed research from the United States.

I support the Narrabri Gas Project because it will provide jobs to the local people of the shire. I believe the project will have a positive flow-on effect for our community

I support Santos because of the jobs it will create and the opportunity to drive down energy prices for NSW

Northern Beaches Greens members object for the following reasons:

There needs to be an independent verification of the data provided by Santos. They have produced suspiciously low production costs, along with some wildly optimistic gas prices.

Over 35 billion litres of toxic groundwater to be extracted mostly in the first 5 yrs. This will generate enormous amounts of salt, for which there is no safe disposal plan.

There is no economic analysis of the costs of the water damage. Rural communities across western NSW rely upon the aquifer and there will be a significant diversion of this extremely valuable water from the Great Artesian Basin.

Agriculture and the long term future sustainability of farming will be negatively impacted as the countryside becomes increasingly industrialised and polluted.

The cost of the gas pipeline must be provided and accurately assessed.

The Pilliga Forest will lose 10,000 hectares, thus fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in NSW and the dependent wildlife, particularly koalas.

The unaccountable fugitive emissions of methane from a proposed 850 mines will be adding to climate change. The greenhouse gas cost has been underestimated.

The cultural and spiritual connections of the Gamilaraay Aboriginal community to this place are not being respected.

NSW should be investing in more reliable and ultimately cheaper renewable energy, and must oppose this Santos proposal because their gas mines will inflict unacceptable environmental, social and economic harm.

The Siding Spring Observatory will be affected by light pollution such as gas flares and other lighting, which will ruin the dark night sky needed for the telescope's activity.

Neither Santos nor the state govt have seriously investigated, costed, or acted upon medical reports detailing the damaging health effects of CSG.

I support Santos for the following reasons:

- economical growth for our local area (eg jobs for our future generations)
- transport hub support - giving our local politicians more weight in Parliament (State and Federal) to encourage Narrabri to be a central hub for the Inland Rail - which will also benefit our other major industry, agriculture.
- potential for Santos to generate cheap electricity for the industries and community of Narrabri