Narrabri Gas

I am deeply concerned about the impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga region on ecosystem health and human health.
I am worried about the following possible impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga:
- groundwater contamination in a region close to our agricultural food bowl (endangering human health and Australia's export potential)
- heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems, the effects of which are well documented. Such as its disruption of neurological and physiological function of plants and animals.
- methane gas emission, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- the clearing of precious tree cover and habitat in the Pilliga region which will increase erosion, increase risk of bushfires, remove a valuable carbon sink and devastate numerous native species.
- Interference in the sacred lands and sites of the Indigenous Nation.
I truly believe it would be incredibly irresponsible and short-sighted for this project to go ahead. Whether the project has an environmental management plan or not, ecosystems are fragile and interconnected and the slightest disruption can have devastating, far-reaching and irreversible consequences.
Furthermore, as our world hurtles towards 2 degrees of global warming and higher, the release of methane gas during gas extraction is a serious concern. As a member of the generation that is to inherit this earth and this man-made problem, I am continuously frustrated that decisions are being made that exacerbates the catastrophic effects of climate change. With millions of climate refugees forecasted to be mobilised in the Pacific Islands and low lying areas of India and Pakistan, it is morally unacceptable to further invest in fossil fuel exploration. The cost of managing climate change will far exceed the profits made from this project.
I want to reach adulthood and raise children in a world that is not plagued by resource conflict, increased natural disasters and increased risk of disease. I want my children to be able to wander the streets of New York, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific Islands, be able to visit glaciers and enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, be able to enjoy natural spaces and the full, beautiful biodiversity of this earth.
And I know you want the same for your grandchildren.
In 50-100 years from now, when we are in the midst of a potential volatile world, people will ask, what did you do to stop this from happening?
What will your answer be?
You are writing the future, and you will never be able to erase this decision from history."

"To those considering the approval for the Narrabri Gas project,
My Name is annabelle macansh

I am a 21 year old environmental science student and an avid nature lover.

I am deeply concerned about the impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga region on ecosystem health and human health.

I am worried about the following possible impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga:
- groundwater contamination in a region close to our agricultural food bowl (endangering human health and Australia's export potential)
- heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems, the effects of which are well documented. Such as its disruption of neurological and physiological function of plants and animals.
- methane gas emission, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- the clearing of precious tree cover and habitat in the Pilliga region which will increase erosion, increase risk of bushfires, remove a valuable carbon sink and devastate numerous native species.
- Interference in the sacred lands and sites of the Indigenous Nation.

I truly believe it would be incredibly irresponsible and short-sighted for this project to go ahead. Whether the project has an environmental management plan or not, ecosystems are fragile and interconnected and the slightest disruption can have devastating, far-reaching and irreversible consequences.

Furthermore, as our world hurtles towards 2 degrees of global warming and higher, the release of methane gas during gas extraction is a serious concern. As a member of the generation that is to inherit this earth and this man-made problem, I am continuously frustrated that decisions are being made that exacerbates the catastrophic effects of climate change. With millions of climate refugees forecasted to be mobilised in the Pacific Islands and low lying areas of India and Pakistan, it is morally unacceptable to further invest in fossil fuel exploration. The cost of managing climate change will far exceed the profits made from this project.

I want to reach adulthood and raise children in a world that is not plagued by resource conflict, increased natural disasters and increased risk of disease. I want my children to be able to wander the streets of New York, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific Islands, be able to visit glaciers and enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, be able to enjoy natural spaces and the full, beautiful biodiversity of this earth.

And I know you want the same for your grandchildren.

In 50-100 years from now, when we are in the midst of a potential volatile world, people will ask, what did you do to stop this from happening?

What will your answer be?

You are writing the future, and you will never be able to erase this decision from history.

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin.

There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath.

Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG.

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 barium.

The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots'.

Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO².

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 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 pollution.

Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced.

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days.

I have visited the Pilliga and I am saddened by the fact that there may be CSG wells all over it if the development application is approved. It is a lovely spot to visit with abundant wildlife and wonderful spots for picnics and nature contact. The damage already been done by the existing CSG infrastructure is clearly visible, with a deadened, eerie feeling in that particular part of the forest. The Great Artesan Basin, is Australias largest underground water source and it's existence will be greatly compromised by the addition of CSG wells. The light created by the potential CSG infrastructure and gas wells have the potential to ruin the light in the sky necessary for effective viewing at the Siding Springs Observatory. CSG has been banned in other states in Australia and in other countries around the world, these states and countries are well aware of the damage caused by CSG which is why they have banned the harmful practice. Please do not put our Great Artesan basin at risk, please, for the sake of our water supply and for future generations enjoyment and appreciation of the Pilliga do not allow this DA to go ahead.

Water Damaged
Wildlife Damaged
Environment Damaged
Gamilaraay Sacred Land Damaged
Leakage of toxic waste resulting in Damage
Farmers physical and psychological health and livelihood Damaged
Climate Damaged
People Damaged
Astronomical Observatory Damaged
Bush fires resulting in Damage

It seems that the cons far out-way the pros in this situation and I see a

BIG RED FLAG with WARNING ' DO NOT PROCEED' written all over it.

I am writing this submission against the Santos' Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga, with such a heavy heart. It seems absurd, that with all the short and long term damage this project would incur on the people who are the heart of our great nation and the environment and wildlife we have a duty to protect, that everyday average Australians should even have to submit such a document to their Government in the hope that they pay attention and look at the irreversible damage it would create.

The personal stories of loss and hardship from people who have experienced CSG wells on their land have been heard by all. The proof of damage to our precious Artesian Basin water supply has been seen. The effects on our precious wildlife, the damage to our precious environment is nothing short of unacceptable. The damage to the sacred land of the Gamilaraay peoples is nothing short of disgraceful.

All the negative attributes this project would instil on this fragile environment, well it goes beyond the comprehension of this everyday average Australian that this project is still being considered.

I hold great fears for the future generation. My children, their children, your children, their children. What sort of legacy are we leaving them? What are we doing to this country of grandeur and all that dwell on her? How dare we do this. When I look upon our Australia, from Google Earth and see the vastness of this continent, I also see the vast area of desert and salt plains. The Great Artesian Basin and The Murray-Darling are precious resources that we can ill afford to contaminate and even more frightening, lose. Water is life.

My ancestors arrived here on the First Fleet, in fact, one in particular, James Bloodsworth, built our first Government House for Governor Phillip. I wonder what they would make of the men and woman who now hold office in our Government, a Government that is suppose to Govern in the best interests of its country and people. Instead it seems we have a Government that is willing to allow a company like Santos to rape, pillage and plunder our land for financial gain. Should this not be termed a crime against humanity.

Please give this submission and all submissions you receive, your utmost consideration.

This HAS to stop. The Coal industey is dead. Stop destroying the world to make some rich. It is utterly disgusting and selfish.

I am deeply concerned about the impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga region on ecosystem health and human health.

I am worried about the following possible impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga:
- groundwater contamination in a region close to our agricultural food bowl (endangering human health and Australia's export potential)
- heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems, the effects of which are well documented. Such as its disruption of neurological and physiological function of plants and animals.
- methane gas emission, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- the clearing of precious tree cover and habitat in the Pilliga region which will increase erosion, increase risk of bushfires, remove a valuable carbon sink and devastate numerous native species.
- Interference in the sacred lands and sites of the Indigenous Nation.

I truly believe it would be incredibly irresponsible and short-sighted for this project to go ahead. Whether the project has an environmental management plan or not, ecosystems are fragile and interconnected and the slightest disruption can have devastating, far-reaching and irreversible consequences.

Furthermore, as our world hurtles towards 2 degrees of global warming and higher, the release of methane gas during gas extraction is a serious concern. As a member of the generation that is to inherit this earth and this man-made problem, I am continuously frustrated that decisions are being made that exacerbates the catastrophic effects of climate change. With millions of climate refugees forecasted to be mobilised in the Pacific Islands and low lying areas of India and Pakistan, it is morally unacceptable to further invest in fossil fuel exploration. The cost of managing climate change will far exceed the profits made from this project.

I want to raise children in a world that is not plagued by resource conflict, increased natural disasters and increased risk of disease. I want my children to be able to wander the streets of New York, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific Islands, be able to visit glaciers and enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, be able to enjoy natural spaces and the full, beautiful biodiversity.

We live In The Only Known Habitat In The Universe.

I say there is only one Habitat. There are different climates, environments and ecosystems within The Habitat, but there are no different habitats. There is no separation or division to the integrity of The Habitat. The Habitat is the one place known to support life, which we share with all other living things on this Earth. Joined by gravity, soil, water, air and temperature The Habitat is a one and only, and a singularity.
It could be argued that our Habitat includes all that there is in the universe. But, no mater what your position of relativity or point of view, our Earth and near/orbital space is where we will be remaining for most, if not all of our combined futures. Even though an artificial life support system can sustain a person in Space for rather long periods, the eventual need to restore and recreate health on Earth is prohibiting any plans of long distance space travel for people.
As clearly the dominant species on the only living planet, the only known Habitat in our galaxy, we have one chance only, to care for and protect the balance of life supporting systems in our world.
The fearful, aggressive extractive nature of human activity over the past one thousand years, and the fiscal-fiasco we call "The Economy" has resulted in massive alterations to our Habitat around the planet and is directly responsible for the permanent extinction of many plant and animal species, and has even altered the thermal dynamics and chemical processes of our atmosphere, soils and oceans.
Now that human culture has invented and created fiscal systems that run and rely wholly on money, there is a growing disconnect developing between people, our economy and our ecology. This situation will need special attention because the children in lower primary school today are likely to be the people who will make or break our already extremely challenged ecosystems. These young people must be allowed to maintain and strengthen their natural connections with the nature and ecosystems on Earth.
Every time we change or alter The Habitat to support big-business and a thing ironically called progress, we permanently alter systems that have taken tens or hundreds of thousands, even millions of years to develop. Once altered it is nearly impossible to interpret and predict what will happen with these systems in the long-term parameters of geologic time-frames.
As we head into an ever shortening future, to continue on with "business as usual" would be in my mind be extremely stupid. As I often say "Business as usual is dead!" We must work to protect The Habitat while we transition to sustainable values, reconnected ecosystems, low carbon technologies and a viable carbon sensitive economy.
Fear, one of the driving mechanisms of human conquest and the industrial consumer economy will need to be diminished substantially around the planet if new values and a sustainable life's ethic is to be realized and adopted. A new confidence and fearless sense of humane good-will can be cultured through community, social and mass media alike. The violent, fear, terror and threat approach to life, so strongly promoted by big business, Hollywood and popular television around the planet is in my opinion just a bad hangover from World War II. This adrenalin-triggering stimulus used so widely to make money is now coming around to bite us all in the backside and will need to be shown up for what it really is, a cheap and easy trick or gimmick to get attention and divide consumers.
In reality we know too much about our world to fear it. The days of bug-eyed-monsters and man-eating sea-serpents has passed. Now is a time for peoples around the Earth to learn about each other and to love all the life that exists here on Earth, the only known Habitat in the entire universe.
From now, the near future will likely be a grab-bag of do-or-die attempts at redeveloping out-dated extractive systems of industry and agriculture, and restoring Earth's life support systems to some sort of balance.
Our present situation and awareness needs to be seen very clearly as our good luck, because collectively people accomplish big things very quickly in geologic time scales. By using our best technologies and ideas, people can make the big actions of redeveloping and restoring natural systems in relatively quick geologic time. The damage to ecosystems caused over the past 1000 years can be addressed and compensated for within just a few generations. If we are able to recognize the true situation on Earth and engage industrial forces to develop fiscal energies to re-building wildlife corridors and rebalanced ecosystems, we could all be employed at doing things we approve of and enjoy, while at the same time addressing global warming and the futility of extractive mass-consumerism.

I ask you to consider very carefully the legacy your decisions, lifestyles and behaviors will leave for future generations of your own family, and on our one and only Earth, the one and only known Habitat of any life, anywhere.
I live and work to spread this message and know that there must be a change coming, a change in values, a change in attitudes, a change in lifestyles and peoples' habits. I know because young people show me it's true every day.

Sincerely - Mark Merritt - Mobile Phone 0427 571 770

I say - People do not spoil the Earth, it is corporations and corporate driven demands that do. Corporate law must be re-written to sustain and protect our Habitat first, to replace its fiscal profit priority with a priority to protect Earths' Habitat.

No. This gas project is a once profit and a legacy of damage that will cost the earth

Nature is more important than profit. Focus on protecting rather than raping it.

I am deeply concerned about the impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga region on ecosystem health and human health.

I am worried about the following possible impacts of coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga:
- groundwater contamination in a region close to our agricultural food bowl (endangering human health and Australia's export potential)
- heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems, the effects of which are well documented. Such as its disruption of neurological and physiological function of plants and animals.
- methane gas emission, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- the clearing of precious tree cover and habitat in the Pilliga region which will increase erosion, increase risk of bushfires, remove a valuable carbon sink and devastate numerous native species.
- Interference in the sacred lands and sites of the Indigenous Nation.

I truly believe it would be incredibly irresponsible and short-sighted for this project to go ahead. Whether the project has an environmental management plan or not, ecosystems are fragile and interconnected and the slightest disruption can have devastating, far-reaching and irreversible consequences.

Furthermore, as our world hurtles towards 2 degrees of global warming and higher, the release of methane gas during gas extraction is a serious concern. As a member of the generation that is to inherit this earth and this man-made problem, I am continuously frustrated that decisions are being made that exacerbates the catastrophic effects of climate change. With millions of climate refugees forecasted to be mobilised in the Pacific Islands and low lying areas of India and Pakistan, it is morally unacceptable to further invest in fossil fuel exploration. The cost of managing climate change will far exceed the profits made from this project.

I want to reach adulthood and raise children in a world that is not plagued by resource conflict, increased natural disasters and increased risk of disease. I want my children to be able to wander the streets of New York, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific Islands, be able to visit glaciers and enjoy the thrill of skiing and snowboarding, be able to enjoy natural spaces and the full, beautiful biodiversity of this earth.

And I know you want the same for your grandchildren.

In 50-100 years from now, when we are in the midst of a potential volatile world, people will ask, what did you do to stop this from happening?

What will your answer be?

You are writing the future, and you will never be able to erase this decision from history.

No. A short term profit for a long term cost.

I object to Santos' Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga for the following reasons:

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

- 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

- potential damage to Gamilaraay cultural sites and songlines. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians have already voiced their opposition to this Project.

- loss of habitat for native animals.
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.

- 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.

- 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.

Sincerely
Belinda Burton

You cannot mine without destroying the most important resources for life. Arable land and drinking water. Who do you think you are to command such dominance over water. You are wrong and immoral. No one should command such ownership of water. You will kill creatures you have never heard of such is your arrogance. Please do not do this. This is my personal opinion. There are far more qualified scientists who give accurate information on the dangers to people and the environment.

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Objection to the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project (SSD 6456)

The Pilliga Forest is the largest temperate woodland remaining in Australia. It comprises woodlands of Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Broad-leaf Ironbark, Pilliga Box and Bimble Box, as well as many other plant communities including Brigalow, Green Mallee and Broombush scrublands that have been cleared from other parts of the Central West of NSW.

The Pilliga woodlands are home to more than 900 plant species, including at least 12 rare and threatened plants. There are 14 frog species, 32 mammals (including 12 bats) about 50 reptiles and over 200 bird species. Pilliga woodlands support 22 threatened animal species (Glossy Black Cockatoo, Regent Honeyeater, Gilbert's Whistler, Painted Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Barking Owl, Masked Owl, Malleefowl, Square-tailed Kite, Black-breasted Buzzard, Bush Stone Curlew, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Squirrel Glider, Koala, Black-striped Wallaby, Rufous Bettong, Pilliga Mouse, Greater Long-eared Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, Little Pied Bat, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat). It's not a suitable place for coal seam gas (CSG) field development.

It's inappropriate to fragment and degrade the Pilliga's woodlands with CSG infrastructure and roads as proposed by Santos. A network of intersecting roads and pipelines, water extraction, lines of wells, chemical intrusions, structures, work sites of the proposed gas field will bring ruin the Pilliga woodland ecosystems.

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) aquifers have intake areas in the Pilliga forest that must be protected.

Recharge of the Pilliga aquifer will become impossible due to the proposed quantities of water extraction required for coal seam gas (CSG) development. The GAB and the integrity of the intake bed strata must take priority over CSG production in the Pilliga. Fracking of the coal seam will compromise the GAB strata. It fracking is a contingent part of the proposed project, and Santos must be refused consent.

Damage to the GAB will have dire consequences, such as loss hydrostatic pressure in the artesian wellheads of the GAB. Water is gold for the agriculture and grazing Central West NSW and region is heavily dependent upon access to the GAB. The GAB is also essential to the survival of unique mound spring ecosystems located further west. Any disruption to the fine balance of groundwater and its replenishment has ripple effects well beyond calculation or modelling by Santos. The regional economy and ecology are dependent on the GAB and the GAB must not be jeopardised.

After considering the environmental constraints of the Pilliga forest and hazards related to CSG production and the GAB, I request that the NSW Department of Planning and Environment recommends refusal of development consent of this Santos proposal in the Pilliga.

There should be No CSG infrastructure in the Willala Wilderness Area; areas of old growth woodland must be protected, as well as all endangered ecological communities, and threatened plant and animal species habitats. Adequate protection of these and other heritage values of the Pilliga woodlands will be impossible if this CSG proposal is approved.

I also believe that the natural dark night sky will be compromised by light pollution from gas flares and CSG lighting infrastructure. Dark night skies are essential for the effective operation of the internationally renowned Siding Springs Observatory located nearby.

The CSG industry has proven itself unable to effectively rehabilitate the very extensive areas it has mined, leaving many clearings and infrastructure in forests and farmlands across NSW and Queensland. The industry has shown itself to be incapable of removing its fence lines, tanks, dams, quarries, access roads, accommodation and clearings should also be removed from the mined out areas. Santos must be refused development consent.

I hope you will give my representations serious consideration and I thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Yours sincerely,

William Story

The Great Artesian Basin..... the major water source for our country. 850 gas wells are proposed in this area.... Billiga.... or Pilliga as you know it to be. We all know CSG is an unconventional gas extraction that is only profiting off-shore companies and countries. Why are we lining the pockets of China and Korea?. There is nothing to gain for locals.... and by locals I include all of Australia. This is our WATER.... our major WATER supply. What shall we do when our water runs dry? When our farmlands are no longer able to produce food... raise livestock? I have spent many months recently in this region.... a most beautiful region.... rich and full of flora, fun and Aboriginal sacred sites. You want to destroy this for short term gain....long time loss? Shame..... shame on anyone that supports this atrocity.

Be Responsible and leave the Pilliga alone

In regards to the CSG submission for the town of Narrabri and district, I would like to put forward the following important items:

Having been living and working in and around Narrabri since 1969 in the Agriculture field, I have seen a lot of changes and advancements. While agriculture has been the mainstay for Narrabri in the past with wool, wheat, other grain crops and cotton, there are still gap years where the district's income is very low due to the weather events. We have managed with agriculture, so I am sure we can with CSG.
What CSG will do, is fill in those gaps with more permanent employment on a long term basis.
While some sections of the community have some reservations about CSG, I can't envisage it becoming negative, providing everything is done accordingly to the rules and regulations. I am sure that Santos will to there utmost to do so.
I am sure that we can, and must work together for the best that we can get for our community.

I strongly oppose The Narrabri Gas Project. I believe it will have long term irreversible negative effects to the area and the local wildlife.

I would like to make a submission on the EIS currently on public exhibition regarding the Narrabri Gas Project by Santos.
I have chosen to take the time to make a submission because I have lived my whole life in rural communities, often isolated areas, and feel that it is important to show support for projects which will help secure and improve the future of rural NSW.
I have visited Narrabri on a regular basis having close personal friends live in the town, and we often choose to detour there to make a stop there on our way to Queensland, despite it not being the most direct route. The reason we go out of our way is that Narrabri is a vibrant, friendly town with plenty to offer. I believe a big part of this is having a major company like Santos operate in, and therefore support, the town.
Without the secure employment opportunities offered by Santos, families would not settle in Narrabri. Shops would close, schools would lose enrolments, and community and sports groups would struggle. The opportunity for Santos to create extra jobs is a step forward for Narrabri allowing the town to continue to prosper, even for those not directly employed by this project.
I currently live in a community where the main industry is mining. There are various major mining related companies which operate in the town, and yet none of them match the level of community support that Santos has for Narrabri.
This EIS is a very comprehensive document, reflecting the many hours of studies and consultation which have already gone into the project. It already demonstrates the company's commitment to Narrabri, the residents, and the environment.
The level of study is far above anything government or private individuals could ever conduct into the local environment meaning Narrabri is in a unique position of having plenty of quality, published information about the region's flora, fauna, Aboriginal heritage sites and agricultural industry, something most other rural communities do not have access to.

I work in csg....and am opposed to it. It's environmentally destructive.