Narrabri Gas

I wish to object, in the strongest possible terms, any expansion of coal seam gas exploration and extraction NSW, or Australia.

Coal seam gas and its extraction are far too damaging to our environment and climate to even contemplate expanding. The damage through;

Land clearing for roads, wells and infrastructure
Fracturing of the substrata
Flooding it with a mass of poisonous chemicals
Extraction, storage and potential leakage of fracking fluid
Leakage of methane into the atmosphere
Potential draw down and contamination of the groundwater
Loss of and impact on habitat for threatened species
Burning of the subsequent gas product for fuel contributing further to carbon emissions

all add up to a compelling argument for never contemplating developing coal seam gas extraction again.

As the gas will be destined for export and not for use in Australian homes anyway there is no excuse to allow Santos to reap huge profits while further degrading an environment already under immense pressure.

I trust that reason and regard for our precious environment will out way any commercial pressure to pursue this appalling industry.

I strongly objet to the Narrabri Gas Project on the following grounds:

1. The area threatened by this project is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

The government may have very little discretion if an application is received which complies with the law in every respect. However I hope that, in the decision-making process, consideration will be given to the long-term, over-arching principle of maintenance of the environment. This project if it proceeds will devastate the forest, risk the integrity of water in the region, threaten threatened species, and encourage global warming - and for what? Profits to private shareholders. Can the site ever be restored to its current condition? (No.) Do we need the product? (No. Doubtless the gas harvest will be short term and will be exported, and we could invest in renewable energy instead which would be much more friendly to the environment.) Is there overwhelming public interest in the project? (No. It's private interests impacting our land and water for private profit and public detriment.) Please do not allow this application to proceed.

Water is our most precious resource. No jobs are worth the risk of destroying or even just damaging the Great Artesian Basin. The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

This project will significantly increase the risk of bushfires as methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires.

As one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' the Pilliga is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

Then there is the issue of climate change to which CSG fields contribute through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

How many more reasons does the government need before it sees sense regarding this damaging and unnecessary technology?

I am strongly opposed to the Narrabri Gas Project and the development of a Coal Seam Gas Field.

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.
2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.
3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.
4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.
5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

I object this proposal for Santos to develop CSG through the Pilliga:

The indigenous Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

Besides the deep disrepect to these people and their ability to care for country, practice culture and educate, a major byproduct of this extraction is methane.
We know methane gas is far more potent than CO2 and is illogical to pursue given the evidence and the climatechange that we're already experiencing.

I sincerely hope and expect the NSW government to rule this project out on environmental, ecological grounds. Why support an industry that relies on taking valuable habitat from our threatened wildlife. What about our precious farming land and water supplies, these need to be prioritised over a finite resource that entrenches ecological degredation in exchange?

As a resident, l want to consume LPG. Why export this and force the domestic consumer CSG that 'rapes' and degrades our land and it's resources for all other noninvasive uses?
Santos should be diversifying it's business esp.into renewables; sustainable, non impact ways to generate power ie, the future.

Thank you,
Viviain S.

The Pilliga has been well known for many decades as an area of great importance to flora and fauna. Even ignoring the danger of greenhouse gas leakage and water table contamination, the damage caused by pipeline work and the weeds which would follow the pipelines is enough to say that there should be no CSG gas extraction in the Pilliga.

The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed biodiversity hotspots and is vital to the survival of threatened species such as the Koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy possum, Pilliga mouse & long-eared bat. CSG extraction, processing and transport in the Pilliga would be highly detrimental to their survival.
Coal seam gas is largely methane, which is 72 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Leakage during the production, transport, processing & use of CSG would add unnecessarily to global warming.
The Pilliga is within the highest recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. CSG extraction in its environs would be a huge risk to the waters of the GAB and also the Murray-Darling Basin.
The traditional owners, the Gamalaraay people, are vehemently opposed to any CSG work in the Pilliga.
Last but not least, methane flare stacks up to 50 metres high, burning 24 hours a day, all year around, even on total fire ban days, can only add considerably to the bushfire risk in the already very fire prone environment of the Pilliga.

The Pilliga coal seam gas project is a disaster for our climate, local bushland and wildlife and for the Traditional Owners and farmers who call the region home.
This is the last remaining CSG proposal in NSW, and it's essential we make our powerful opposition clear.
Here are 5 reasons to oppose the Pilliga CSG project:

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.
2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.
3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.
4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.
5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

I wish to notify your office of my opposition to the Pilliga coal seam gas project.

This project is detrimental to the health of our planet, people, fauna and flora.

Our eyes should be turned to non polluting energy production, that are utilised to reduce damage to our environment.

Coal seam gas, is a huge danger to our world. Health and the environment are far more important than company profits.

CSG allows the uncontrolled release of methane gas and other contaminants into the waterways and ecosystem threatening biodiversity and contributing to global warming. It must be banned before additional harm is done to our environment.

I oppose the Pilliga CSG project on the following grounds:
1. It senselessly risks damaging the areas precious water resources, the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. These two basins sustain the forests, wildlife and farmers of the region.
2. Traditional Owners are opposed as the area contains hundreds of cultural sites, and their songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the ground water. This project will go against their wishes, as advised to Santos.
3. This project further endangers the survival of several threatened species of wildlife. The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed biodiversity hotspots and is vital to some of our most critically endangered wildlife species.
4. The Pilliga is already prone to bushfire and methane flares running day and night will further increase the risk of severe bushfires and endanger the forest, the wildlife and people.
5. Methane is a dangerous component of natural gas, 72 times more powerful than CO2. CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane in production, transport, processing and use of CSG.

I am completely opposed to this utterly destructive and completely unsustainable industry being incorporated into our largest inland woodland of NSW for the following reasons-

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

I trust these reasons provide ample justification to not allow this project to proceed. Alas, like most large mining projects in this state that have clear majority democratic opposition the current government will yet again pathetically ignore its constituents and approve another short term environmentally destructive industry to which it is beholden to via a corrupt system.

No thanks.

Here are 5 reasons to oppose the Pilliga CSG project:

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed `biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

It is shocking as a retired citizen of NSW to see the government giving approval to the proven destructive and value debasing industry of coal seam gas. This industry has no place in a modern society, and the destruction of our natural environment as well as opening up the potential for the long term spread of an environment and community degrading industry is out of step with community values and the needs of our country. We have masses of gas already avilable from existing fields in Bass St and the north, and if states cant cooperate to share resources for the good of the whole country then the states will have to be abolished. In Qld CSG has been demonstrated to make farming country worthless for any other purpose, and thus to destroy country communities, the backbone of our economy at present and in the past. As a consequence, we the community will throw out any governemnt which continues to support CSG. Here are 5 incontestable reasons for CSG to be banned permanentlyin the Pilaga:

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed Â`biodiversity hotspotsÂ' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the koala, spotted-tailed quoll, black-striped wallaby, eastern pygmy-possum, pilliga mouse and south-eastern long-eared Bat.

2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change
Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

3. It risks our clean water
The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest.

4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

5. Bushfire risk will rise
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is already prone to severe bushfires, this project will increase the risk of ignition.

Thanks to our friends at The Wilderness Society, Lock the Gate and the Narrabri community for their long standing work to protect this ancient forest.

I object to the proposal on environmental grounds - the country needs to be addressing climate change in the first instance rather than investing in coal seam gas which has the potential to pollute water systems and poison the land for future generations.

I wish to object to the destruction of a state forest for the drilling of gas seam wells. The Pilliga State Forest is a valuable resource as a forest and other uses will mean destruction of wild life habitat, contamination of water supplies, disregard for aboriginal sites and greater risk of fires. We must protect what is left of our natural environment .

I have studied Geology and Water Resources as part of my Environmental Resource Management degree.
There are far too many risks involved in the exploration and exploitation of Coal Seam and or Shale Gas.
1. The process uses large volumes of precious water. It is documented that in many gas fields the quality aquifers, relied on by farmers have been lowered significantly.
2. Dangerous chemicals are used in extraction and other dangerous contaminants are released from the coal or shale seams. These can migrate into fresh aquifers (no well is completely 'tight').
3. Produced water is often very saline and has other contaminants. Whatever is done to clean this water these contaminants do not disappear and must be disposed of.
4. Well documented leakage of gas negates any reduction in Greenhouse Gas production when comparing gas with coal as a fuel. In fact Greenhouse Gasses may be more.
5. Due to fracking of rock strata, gas may be released in areas around wells. The Condamine River bed, now bubbling Methane, is a classic example.
6. We do not need more fossil fuels. Several years ago, Beyond Zero Emissions published the Zero Carbon Australia Plan. This Plan was produced using consultants and specialists in all relevant fields. It shows that we have the proven technology now to provide all Australia's energy needs with Renewable Energy. Solar Thermal with Storage can provide both baseload and peak power.
The study showed that Zero Carbon Energy may be achieved within ten years, currently at competitive cost and eventually cheaper.
It would provide more, ongoing jobs than mining does,
take less land than our mines and Australia would have the opportunity to produce and export equipment providing more jobs.
We are facing a global crisis with climate change. Coal Seam Gas exploration and production will accelerate this process.
Stimulating our economy with Renewable Energy generation would move us towards a sustainable future.
For ourselves and future generations please do not allow this inappropriate development.
Sincerely, Andy
B.App.Sci. Environmental Resource Management

Please do not let this go ahead! We need to protect our waterways and the lives of our animals.

I am totally opposed to any gas wells. Experience with existing wells, both here and overseas, has shown that environmental safeguards are never sufficient to prevent permanent damage to the environment. The future is renewables, not fossil fuels.