Narrabri Gas

I care about the future of the land not only for farmers but for the all Australian's. As these mines will negatively affect the land in turn will mean every Australian would be impacted and suffer.

These are just some of the negative affects this type of mining would have which is why I am so against it.

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.

As an Australian citizen I strongly oppose any further CSG mining in our country. There is well researched science showing how this destructive industry and practice is destroying water sources especially our sacred Great Artesian Basin. For the sake of the future generations and the conservation of land please consider all written submissions as the peoples' voice - who you represent, and put a stop to this madness.

Over and again we hear about the destruction of land and its resources with gas and mining ventures. This project will have a profound effect of the environment, destroying (forever!) parts of the Piliga, our underground aquifers, reducing an already stressed habitat for many of our native wildlife as well as the impacts to our arable land the people who farm this land for our country.
If this project is able to advance, this short sighted and money driven disaster, will impact negatively for generations if not forever.
Please choose our environment over money.

Stop coal seam gas fields from wrecking our environment.

As a former resident of Narrabri, I was devastated to hear about the gas project proposed for the Pilliga and surrounding areas. As a current Geography Teacher, who teaches in rural NSW, I am even more concerned about the message that this project is sending to our next generation. I strongly object to this proposal and everything that it stands for.

The Narrabri area has been able to maintain a delicate balance of utilisation and conservation. It has a rich farming heritage that relies on its natural resources. It has supported economic development while ensuring that its natural resources are maintained. These natural resources, soil, water, flora, fauna and air, when carefully managed are renewable for future generations. While there are a number of concerns from my perspective as a geography teacher, the greatest concern is that the natural resources that the community and rural NSW value will be destroyed. The potential leaking of gas into aquifers could devastate all those that depend on it. As a farmer's wife that now relies on groundwater I now understand the life-changing impact that toxic ground water or the inability to access the ground water would have on numerous families throughout the district. As a senior geography teacher, part of the curriculum is to teach the importance of the precautionary principle. If the consequences of an action are not known then implement caution and don't proceed with the activity. It is vital that rural NSW's natural resources are carefully managed for the future.

An important part of the curriculum for both Geography and Science is the concept of renewable and non-renewable resources. It is a fundamental piece of knowledge. With the materialistic nature of society, it is more important than ever for governments to lead by example and demonstrate to the future generation that non-renewable resources take millions of years to create and renew. Hence in our life time, the use of these resources will mean that there will be no more or very limited supply. It seems ludicrous that not only that these resources are being extensively depleted but that Australian residents are not even to benefit from the use of our non-renewable resources.

I urge the government to reject this project not only for the residents of the Narrabri area but for rural residents across NSW. It is time to start respecting our natural resources and the future of generations to come.

To those considering the approval for the Narrabri Gas project,
My Name is Rachael Scott,
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.

I am disgusted by the push for coal seam gas and the ruin of our Australian farmland. Just "No!" Not in my name!

I do not believe that we should allow coal seam gas due to the risk to the environment and our water viability. Farmers should be allowed to say no to this type of thing on their lands.

We have a duty to return the land better than we received it. By mining coal seam gas we ignore the irrefutable scientific evidence that it degrades the land and its environment. For our children we mustn't allow this.

With the currently known and acknowledged information regarding the negative affects of csg and the coon-arsed gung-ho stampede of the csg companies (like they did in the early days of the oil boom worldwide), a wise and intelligent government and bureaucracy would stop and think before letting any private enterprise destroy our country for private gain.
Your children will hate you if for some immediate and misguided reasons you might allow Santos to destroy our environment for their own enrichment. Be it on your heads if, in your dotage, your children come to you and blame you for the total mess you allowed.
Wake up before it is too late.

I object to the application as I want our land and waterways be protected for our future generations

I am concerned about the massive amount of water to be taken from the aquifer, the impact on the well being of the Aboriginal people of the area, the impact on climate change, the clearing of the piliga forest, and the devastating legacy we will leave for our children. CSG has proven to be extremely unsafe. Please consider the wellbeing of our people and our environment in considering this project and do not proceed.

This project will see the clearing of 1000 hectares of the piliga, fragmenting the largest temperate woodland in Australia, further degragating the biodiversity in our country and threatening wildlife. With the state of water in the region and the impact on farmers we can not afford to compromise the viability of crucial water supplies for generations to come.

I object to the Nara bri Gas project.
I am concerned with the irreversible damage that will be done to such a unique part of Australia.
Yours Truly
Rebecca Ladner

I strongly object to the CSG Mining of the Pilliga Region.
Surely common sense would prevail here in this point of time, any form of environmental damage must be prevented! Our actions now, here, today are so very crucial to our future generations - which will one day be a page in our history - will our children be looking for ways to fix the damage done by this government?
As we know the long awaited EIS has been lodged by Santos, to which - basically it really does not matter how many pages long it is, we all know that the EIS is - in common sense (real) terms - an estimate of 'possible damage' calculated in the best interest of Santos.
Previous CSG exploration has already caused leaks of toxic waste water in the region impacting native vegetation with wildlife being found dead at saline drill ponds.
Of all times NOW is the time to protect and nourish our iconic and significant natural habitats. The protection of fragile native
species is imperative right now! Let alone the vitality of existing farming in this region, for over a century the Great Artesian Basin has provided clean water to sustain communities in the area. Why risk the future livelihoods and health of local farmers and their families? The risk of contamination is too enormous to dismiss.
The short term gain for an unknown long term pain is inexcusable.
The values of the Traditional Landholders must also be taken into consideration and respected. Indigenous heritage which is sacred to Australian history and this region must be protected, unity is paramount to protect, care and respect this land.
I have had the privilege of visiting the Pilliga recently and I urge anyone in a position of power regarding the outcome of the future of the Pilliga Region - to visit and meet with the local farmers, townsfolk and their families. That's when you will realize the importance of protecting this Region!
This is such a significant area for food production, agriculture and a refuge for threatened species.
Australian culture and nature face a growing crisis from Coal Seam Gas Mining. Wake up people!! Will we continue to ignore the consequences of past mistakes or will we learn and find a better way?
If this proposed CSG were to go ahead is only the beginning - leading to expansion and irreparable destruction that cannot be measured until its way too late! Protect the Pilliga for our children and future generations, don't let this be a disgrace in our history's page!

The gas wells are devastating for Australia's environmental future. I don't support CSG.

Guide for making a submission. Please to put in your own words...

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 & a detriment to all life in Australia & can be considered a Terrorist Attack based on current Terrorist Attack policy (whether it is a company, an individual, or from person's in political, legal, council, authority positions.

All States depend on each other as we are an Island Nation, one of the smallest and Driest continents in the WORLD!

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

Yours sincerely,

I object to the proposed expansion of the Santos Pilliga CSG project. The 850 wells covering 1000 hectares that are proposed will have a devastating effect on the environment including ground water issues risking integrity of Great Artesian Basin.

I object based on information presented to me on methane release in the same projects around Australia.

I am writing to object to the proposed CSG development at Narrabri.
* I am concerned about the impacts of this proposal on groundwater in the MDB. The
proposal estimates 35 Billion litres of toxic groundwater will be extracted mainly in
the first 5 years of the project. The risk to the groundwater resource is too great. We
must follow the precautionary principle and follow ESD principles in decision making.
* The groundwater extraction will result in diversion of water from recharge areas of
the GAB and this may impact on rural communities across western NSW.
* There are an estimated 1,000 hectares of Pilliga Forest to be cleared and
fragmented. This forest is home to some unique wildlife.
* Gas extraction can result in large and deliberate fugitive emissions of methane, a
greenhouse gas.
* The proposal will cause trauma to the regional Aboriginal community.
* Gas prices have been volatile. We need more investment in renewables. Leave the
gas where it is...if we ever need it in the future, there may be better technologies
than the "cowboy" operations we have seen in Queensland.
* The development may have an adverse impact on the local agricultural enterprises
as well as causing light pollution for the dark sky required by Siding Springs
Observatory.
* Coal Seam Gas is harmful to health. There has been a committee working on
advocacy for a Health Impact Assessment for the Gunnedah Basin, without success.
How can we endanger the health of our population without adequate
benchmarking? What will impacts be on the health of our community if this
development proceeds?
* The rural communities of North West NSW have been surveyed and the results show
that more than 95% of the population are opposed to CSG.
Please do not approve this development.