Narrabri Gas

I am a 63yo married man with two adult children and five grandchildren. We moved to the Lismore area from Sydney 36ys ago, to live on a hobby farm 20klm north west of Lismore. I am a registered nurse, I have worked in Mental Health for the past 40ys. I don't consider myself an extremist but hold strong views on the health of the environment and how we leave the plant to our children and grandchildren. I feel there are too many risks involved with this proposed development and that the gas should be left in the ground. I object to this proposed development for the following reasons;

* GHD, the company who prepared this EIS, admits the information in the EIS was provided by Santos and has not been independently verified or checked. This means we have to rely on the honesty of the company,

* Any gas produced by Santos in Narrabri will need a pipeline to get gas to a market. The EIS doesn't include the pipeline, it will be submitted separately with its own EIS. The pipeline should be part of this EIS as one development can't proceed without the other.

* A company involved with the proposed pipeline wants the NSW government to force Santos to sell the Narrabri gas to the NSW market, '...rather than be transported across state borders for export abroad'. (SMH, 15/5/17.) The managing director of Hunter Gas pipeline Gabis Simonian said, 'NSW gas users are now being asked to pay more for natural gas than customers in Japan, China, Malaysia and Korea. Queensland LNG projects are hoovering up gas to preserve their own capitol and shifting the commercial risk of their investments to Australian gas customers'.

* Santos owns 30% of the Gladstone LNG project, it committed to the project, knowing it would have to source much of its gas for export from local supplies-60% in the march quarter.( SMH editorial 28/4/17.) Santos talk of supplying its gas to the NSW market needs to be evaluated taking this into account.

* The huge size of the EIS-7000 pages making it almost impossible for the general public to read it all.

* Santos claim of environmental responsibility with this proposal needs to questioned. The businesses own shareholders at its current AGM have a resolution on the agenda that the company implement the recommendations of the Financial Stability Boards Taskforce on climate related financial disclosures ( TTCFD), (SMH,4/5/17). The article points out, ' Santos is one of Australia's largest pure-play fossil fuel companies and in many ways is going backwards on disclosure after deciding to not even produce a sustainability report this year, Santos doesn't disclose climate change mitigation scenario analysis, it doesn't have targets to reduce emissions and its discussion of climate related risks is severely limited. Late last year investors specifically asked Santos to improve its disclosure, yet it has delivered nothing'.

* There is no social license for this proposed development. Peter Coleman the chief executive of Woodside Petroleum, at an industry conference pointed out the nations coal and gas industry has, 'lost the trust of the public'. (SMH,16/5/17).

* The financial health of Santos is another risk. In feb 2017, Santos announced it lost more than a $ billion in 2016 and has flagged a possible exit from CSG in NSW. (SMH,22/2/17). LNG prices are on the floor amid a world glut that could last the rest of the decade. (SMH,28/5/17). If Santos sells or stops the plant what happens to the rehabilitation of the site ?

* The impact of climate change on the Australian environment and its ecosystems is increasing and some aspects may be irreversible , the latest State of the Environment Report warned (SMH,8/3/17). A summary warns of increasing pressure from coal mining, the CSG industry, habitat degradation, land use changes and invasive species. Environmental impacts of this proposed development include;

- 351ha of agricultural land will be taken out of production for 5-25ys.
- 700 ha of state forest will be cleared.
- 988 ha of new disturbance of native vegetation.
- the chief scientist has reported this year that the Koala population the Pilliga has declined by 80% since the 1990's.
This proposed development and planned clearing of Koala habitat may mean the extinction of the Koala in the Pilliga.

* The drilling of wells is another risk;
- 850 production wells
- an unknown number of pilot wells and core and chip wells.
- production wells will be vertical, lateral and horizontal and up to four coal seams may be mined in one horizontal well.
- production wells will be depressurised where salty, chemical contaminated water, 1.5 gigalitres per year is extracted under pressure, threatening aquifers used for irrigation, agricultural production and drinking water supplies. The complex system of aquifers, rock layers and coal seams to be drilled through will create a Russian roulette of risks hidden underground.

* Wastewater, 1.5 gigalitres/year, some will be pumped into Bohana ck during creek flow periods.
- the use of existing plastic lined dams to store wastewater at Bibblewindi/Tintsfield with the risk of chemically contaminated water leaking.

* A concoction of chemicals used as drill fluid in well drilling with the potential to contaminate wastewater.

* This gas field will operate as a salt mine;
- 100 tonne/day of salt produced.
- an average of 47 tonnes/day over 25ys.
- will be dumped at an 'appropriate licenced facility' in plastic lined pits. which facility ?
- Stuart Kahn, an associate engineering professor at the university of NSW, points out that ,'all synthetic liners have a lifespan and they will fail over a period of time. In time it is certain that someone will need to come along and clean up these legacy salt landfills, in order to prevent environmental damage'. (SMH, 22/2/17).

* Cultural issues. The Gomeroi are the local indigenous people. 5-6000 Gomeroi live in the district, a large number in the claim area, They may be the people most affected by this proposed development. Many are fiercely opposed to the gas field. The proposed development area contains many culturally significant sites including. burial sites, caves, marked trees, grinding stones etc. An example of Santos commitment to protecting cultural sites is highlighted by the cancellation of a site verification visit, including a burial site, because of rain ! (table 20-4, aboriginal heritage assessment).

* In conclusion this proposal should be rejected for the reasons stated above. There are too many environmental risks too proceed. Australia is about to become the biggest exporter of LNG in the world. The Resource Mining Tax is impotent, most companies will pay no tax for 10ys. At the same time we are flooding Asia with our gas, Australian consumers are paying record prices. We don't need an industrial gas field with all the resultant risks. We need to harvest renewables and put more resources into storage to facilitate reliable energy supplies. The CSG industry uses crude, risky technology.The risk to water supplies, contamination from chemicals and salt, the further fragmentation of already stressed natural environments and the disregard of the local indigenous people wishes, for a 20y supply of gas we don't need, makes no sense.

I object for the reasons listed below
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: Santos' 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.

I object to the Narrabiri Gas Project.for the following reasons:

Some Key Issues:

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: Santos' 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.

The Narrabri cycle and triathlon club supports the project fully. Along with other sporting bodies, We have received support from santos in the past which allowed us to run events for our members. Without organizations such as santos, A lot of sporting entities would struggle to stay afloat. Whilst santos themselves actively support local sporting associations, a lot of other entities supporting such associations could only do so due to the success they have achieved by association with the project. If this project was not to go ahead, it would have a devastating effect on sporting financial support.

Australia's underground water resources are too valuable to put at risk of depletion or contamination by unconventional gas recovery processes. The EIS process to protect natural assets for future generations of Australians is only good as far as it goes. Its capability is severely limited. It addresses projects individually. It must rely on incomplete data. The models used are mathematical statements of the opinions of the people who write them. The moral hazard of having a project proponent prepare an EIS is not effectively assuaged by oversight of biased political appointees.
The Soviets managed to drain the Aral Sea. The Americans have pretty much dried up the Colorado River. The settlers of the 19th Century destroyed the grasslands of western New South Wales. It is not good enough that we go on repeating these stupid actions based on contemporary pressures when we have only the slenderest grasp of the long term consequences. Look after the future of our country's water and forest assets by declining approval of the current application and wait for the industry to develop gas recovery techniques that are benign to the environment in which they are conducted.

At this stage I don't think that there is anyone who can categorically state that this proposal, if approved, will not adversely affect Australia's Artesian Water Table. Many towns and communities depend on the water table for their drinking water and activities of daily living. By allowing this proposal to proceed, you are risking the life and health of countless Australians.

I am a locally born and bred, proud community member of Narrabri and a mother of 2 young children. I first became aware of Santos, when I was working for a locally owned company. Like many other local contractors, that Santos engaged in business with, the high WHS and Environmental Standards were passed onto local companies, as it was a requirement to obtain a contract. I believe this gave local companies a competitive edge when tendering for other contracts against multi-national companies.

I have seen first-hand, Santos engaging with local contractors and supporting local businesses. This is what is often referred to as "flow-on" effects. Additionally, my trust in Santos was strengthened by the people that worked for them - as the majority were local people that I knew, had worked with at some stage, or went to school with.

Santos has firmly knitted itself into the Narrabri Community. Sponsoring local sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations. Furthermore, I have seen so much individual participation from the employees, in the community. For example, those employed by Santos, who have relocated to Narrabri for the project have taken on roles within the Narrabri Show Society, local football clubs, local cricket clubs and Lioness organisations to name a few. I believe that it demonstrates that those working for Santos actually care about our community.

Yes2Gas was formed in September 2014 - to represent the massive local support for the Narrabri Gas Project. We believe in the local job opportunities, we believe in the millions of dollars that can be injected into this area from royalties, we believe that our agriculture industry CAN and WILL coexist, we believe that the integrity of water used domestically, for stock and irrigation will be maintained. Overall, we believe in the Science that states that the risks involved with the Narrabri Gas Project can be managed.

The angst that has been created in regards to this debate, is largely at the fault of the regional and national media. On numerous occasions, I have found the media to be one-sided and used to create fear within the community. At times, Yes2Gas was given an opportunity to have our say, however, we were often not given the space or the time that the Anti-CSG debate was given. I can only put this down to, emotions and fiction being a better selling point than facts. One thing I have learnt is the untrustworthy space of Social Media - a world where anything can be said with no accountability. I have seen those apart of the anti-csg debate glorified on national TV and perceived as victims, to then turn into vindictive personas on social media and attack anyone who has a pro-csg view. If there is a negative social impact to be realised, it has been created by the anti-csg movement and regional and national media - not the Narrabri Gas Project itself.

Narrabri has an exciting future ahead of it. With the current industries of Agriculture, Tourism and Research along with the prospective projects of the Inland Rail, Narrabri Gas Project and Narrabri Solar Farm - it can only mean a prosperous future of our economy and community

I am a local businesswoman in Narrabri. My children are also prominent business-people in town. I support the Narrabri Gas Project for the flow-on effects that will generate for all local businesses within the Shire.
Additionally, any industry that provides another source of employment for our youth is a great thing.

For the future for my child. I say No.

Growing up in rural NSW you understand very early on as a child the importance of water out here. The facts are undisputable this type of mining will destroy or contaminate our water sources! Water is LIFE!!
It seems as if money is the only thing on the Government & the Gas Industry's agenda. These people are ruining lives & the health of the land. Do they not realise the catastrophic situation they are entertaining?
I completely object to 'The Narrabri Gas Project'

Being a local businesswoman, I would like to see Santos be approved for the Narrabri Gas Project.
The project will boost the local economy, thus supporting local businesses like my own. An increase in the Narrabri population through increased workforce will mean more money being spent in the town.
Agriculture has been a vital industry for our shire, and I believe both industries will be able to work side-by-side to strengthen our community and promote more industries to town.

I support the Narrabri Gas Project for the following reasons

- Good for the town and district
- Will create job opportunities
- Gas is a much needed commodity
- Santos contribute heavily to the district

CSG is old technology that has proven harmful to this earth. We need to switch to renewables as at yesterday. The younger generation needs us to speak up for them.

To those considering the approval for the Narrabri Gas project,
My Name is Sarah Kennedy,

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.

I object to the application because of the great environmental harm the project will no doubt cause, not to mention the amount of greenhouse gas it will emit over the life of the project. And at a time when renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, the proposed project is even more unnecessary.

CSG should be illegal through out the entire country. Australians don't want fracking. QLD is proof that fracking is deadly and it's banned in Texas USA where it began. That should say it all! Wake up Government. Wake up

I object to the proposed project and believe it should not proceed for the following reasons.

1.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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. It will clear close to 1,000 hectares of the Pilliga Forest, fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in New South Wales.

5. Coal seam gas has not been extracted successfully without interfering with the immediate surrounds and the long term damage to the Great Artesian Basin is unknown. The potential to destroy much of Australia's water would be devastating, not only for Australians, but worldwide.

Too much evidence exists re damage to environment, water, poisonous gaseous waste output. Too much is at risk for current and future generations. Short term gain does not benefit the long term outcome.

Our government needs to at the very least protect our food security and water. Our Great Artesian Basin needs to protection. CSG is a short sighted industry with a limited period of profit. Food can be grown indefinitly with an infinite source of profit for future generations. #cantdrinkgascanteatcoal.
We need to learn from the catastrophic side effects of frackong in the United States. Regardless of shale or CSG the fracking this method cement casings fail at alarming rates.

I am am writing to advise that I am strongly opposed to the Narrabri Gas Project. I am familiar with the local environment, community, with the Piliga being a significant temperate woodland . The scale of the program and potential long term negative impact to subterranean water resources, terrestrial and social environament, I believe have not being adequately assessed/ considered. The NSW govt must seek more sustainable long term energy solutions.