Narrabri Lateral Pipeline

Submission Objecting to the Proposed Narrabri Gas Project and Associated High-Pressure Gas Pipeline

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Narrabri Gas Project and its associated high-pressure gas pipeline through the Pilliga Forest in north-west New South Wales. This project poses unacceptable environmental, cultural, and safety risks to the region and the communities who depend on it.

1. The Project Threatens the Ecological Integrity of the Pilliga Forest

The Pilliga is one of the largest temperate woodlands in eastern Australia and is a critical refuge for wildlife. Construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline would require extensive clearing of native vegetation, fragmentation of habitat, and disruption of fragile ecosystems.

The proposed pipeline route directly threatens habitat crucial for threatened species, including the Pilliga Mouse and the Eastern Pygmy Possum. These species rely on intact habitat corridors for survival. Clearing for pipeline installation and maintenance would degrade this habitat, increase exposure to predators, and reduce their already limited range.

2. The Pipeline Poses Safety and Environmental Risks

High-pressure gas pipelines carry inherent risks. Pipeline failures—whether through corrosion, ground movement, human error, or extreme weather—can cause explosions, fires, and long-lasting environmental contamination. These dangers are magnified when pipelines run through remote forests where emergency response is delayed and the potential for catastrophic bushfire damage is high.

Additionally, the extraction and transport of gas bring risks of methane leaks—a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to climate change. Expanding fossil fuel infrastructure now undermines efforts to transition to a safe and sustainable energy future.

3. The Project Endangers Culturally Significant Lands and Waterways

The proposed pipeline is set to be constructed directly across the Pilliga and underneath Bohena Creek, a place the National Native Title Tribunal has recognised as highly significant to the Gomeroi people.

The Tribunal specifically stated that no surface or ground disturbance should occur within 500 metres of Bohena Creek due to its cultural importance. Despite this, the proposed route cuts directly through the area, disregarding the Tribunal’s findings and the rights, history, and deep cultural connection of the Gomeroi community to this land and waterway.

Proceeding with the project in this location is a profound breach of cultural respect and due process.

4. The Project Threatens What We Value in North-West NSW

The Pilliga is cherished for its biodiversity, its role in regional water systems, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the identity and wellbeing of north-west NSW communities.
The proposed Narrabri Gas Project and pipeline jeopardise all of this. Rather than supporting regional prosperity, it risks long-term environmental degradation, harm to wildlife, and irreversible cultural damage.

The proposed Narrabri Gas Project and high-pressure gas pipeline pose serious and unacceptable risks. The environmental, cultural, and safety concerns associated with this development far outweigh any short-term benefits. I strongly urge decision-makers to reject the project and prioritise the protection of the Pilliga Forest, Bohena Creek, and the rights and wellbeing of the Gomeroi people and the broader community.

I respectfully request that this submission be considered in full and that the Narrabri Gas Project and associated pipeline be refused approval.

Twenty years ago I was impacted by the Sydney to Newcastle gas pipeline. Despite having requested that no work be done on my property while I was away on a short holiday, contractors entered my property (by removing my gate from its hinges) and began excavation work. I returned home to find my front gate wide open and a deep trench through my land. Thankfully, my horses were still onsite, as my land was in better condition than that surrounding. Because of the trench, my horses could not access the feed on the other side of the excavation. This open trench remained for quite some time. After the pipeline was installed, there was a mound above the site of the pipe, which did not settle down to the level of the surrounding land. This meant that my tractor stalled whenever, during slashing operations, the slasher went over the mound. The cleared easement alongside the pipe was never successfully revegitated, despite recalling the contractors. Although the worker's policy documents indicated that all machinery would be washed down when moving between properties, this did not happen and I had the problem of a new weed to deal with on my land (Richardia). The pipeline was installed downhill from one of my dams, and water seeped through into the trench and bubbled up in one section. I ended up with a small, algae ridden swamp in my lower paddock. On one occasion I had to rescue one of my horses which had become stuck in the muddy mess. At the lower end of my property, my fence was cut and left down. Kids on trailbikes came riding through my land. It took two phone calls before workers were sent out to remedy this. Subsequent to this, further "developments" in the form of high voltage power lines and an optical fibre telecommunications cable impacted my property. In each case I was given assurances by negotiators that everything would be done with utmost care and that the land would be restored, as much as possible, to its original condition. Unfortunately, the negotiators are not the ones doing the work, and the workers couldn't care less. Nothing was done right unless I nagged them about it, which I had to do on a daily basis. All in all I am against any project that impacts private land until such time as all work is properly supervised and problems are rectified without landholders having to waste their time chasing up people to do the right thing. Landholders are used as unpaid supervisors, which amounts to stealing their time. Farming is difficult enough without having one's time wasted in this way, and with climate change causing extreme weather impacts, which the burning of this unwanted, fracked gas will exacerbate, things are getting harder. Without this pipeline, there will be no economic reason to frack the beautiful Pilliga forest. That could only be a good thing.

The objection to Santos CSG extraction is based on scientific studies on Great Artesian Basin in Qld - see attached, particularly from page 53- regarding water drawdowns. Australia is the driest continent in the world, heavily dependent on groundwater sources and particularly the GAB. The interference with CSG extraction will cripple the agricultural industry which follows onto food security. You cannot drink gas.
A short term money making scheme will wreck Australia's future for all time.

The Pilliga is of deep spiritual, social and cultural significance to the Gomeroi people.
The proposed pipeline will cut across acknowledged Native Title lands and it will cut through the Pilliga East Forest and cause damage to the habitat of threatened species of native species; including the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern pygmy possum and Corben's Long-eared Bat.
There will also be damage to cropping farmlands.
The damage to the land and waterways and places of cultural and spiritual significance is far more expensive than the financial benefits of the scheme.

The current proposal includes a tunnel under neath a significant watercourse.
Constructing a pipe under this watercourse will probably permanently damage the aquifer connected with the watercourse.
The pipe could be constructed over the waterway.
Most landholders involved in the course of the pipelines proposed route are not in favour of the proposed project. Gas from the north west shelf be diverted to meet the industrial and domestic
needs of the south east.
The fracking of the Pillager fields will probably permanently damage the artesian basin/ acquifer in the Narrabri region as well.Why not err on the side of caution and protect these irreplaceable assets.

This project is an environment, cultural and farm bombshell:
- the pipeline will damage a number of cultural sites and is to run under a site of cultural significance, Bohena Ck, while showing no regard for the local Aboriginal people, not even a mention;
- The pipeline would cross 12 farms and will disturb agricultural land 1/5th of which is cropping;
- no consideration of threatened species of the Pilliga;
- land clearing - 186 hectares of forest and a 30m wide path through the forest;
- greenhouse has emissions should be considered in full.
Experience in the US has been that gas company monitoring is poor and leaks are usually discovered by locals

I’m a Narrabri business owner, and I support the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline project. It will bring jobs, activity and long-term economic benefits to the region, which flow directly to local businesses and families. Connecting the Narrabri Gas Project to the Hunter Gas Pipeline is an important step in strengthening NSW’s energy supply and supporting industries that rely on affordable gas. This project will help drive growth and create more opportunities for our community.

Our Pilliga region is not open to debate here is has already been thru a bushfire & the ecosystem & biodiversity can not with stand an assault from Santos. These forested habitats are homes to threatened & vulnerable species not to mention lungs for our planet. By the way, which our government seem quite willing & happy to destroy.
I'm not concerned about the farmers properties but I am extremely concerned about our environment, habitat & saving species.
Santos can take their gas fields elsewhere thank you

I support the project

The Narrabri Lateral Pipeline project is a crucial development for the future of NSW and domestic gas. I wholeheartedly support this project and think it's a step in the right direction for future development in Australia, that will bring about additional jobs for many different smaller towns in NSW, providing an economic benefit.

Affordable energy which in extracted from the earth ethically with full attention to human and environmental issues is critical to our modern society.
This pipeline makes this gas asset in Narrabri available to Newcastle and Sydney where it is needed. So I support this well thought out and designed pipeline to feed to a main pipeline being constructed by an Australian company.

Submission to NSW Planning – Narrabri Lateral Pipeline

I am writing to oppose the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline. Many people I care about live along the proposed route, and they now face the risk of losing their homes because insurers may refuse coverage near high-pressure gas pipelines. No community should live under that kind of pressure or fear for their future.

The pipeline route cuts through sensitive parts of the Pilliga Forest, an area that supports threatened species and is still healing after fire. Further clearing and disturbance will break up habitat and weaken the natural resilience of this region. The Pilliga is a living system that supports wildlife, culture and community life, and it deserves full protection.

Water security is another major concern. The pipeline crosses creek systems and parts of the Great Artesian Basin recharge zone. People in the region depend on these waters for their health, their farms and their livelihoods. Any project that places this water at risk creates long-term harm for current and future generations.

The social impact is also serious. Families in the Narrabri area have already endured years of uncertainty linked to coal seam gas development. The pipeline brings fresh stress, conflict and financial insecurity for landholders who simply want safety and stability on their own properties.

At a time when communities are working hard to shift toward cleaner and safer energy systems, a new fossil fuel pipeline sends us down the wrong track. It creates long-term commitments to gas infrastructure at a time when the focus should be on sustainable alternatives.
I ask the Department to reject the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline. The environmental, social and economic risks are too high, and the project offers too little benefit to the people who will live with its consequences.

Thank you for considering my submission.

I am a nsw resident and taxpayer.
Pilliga Forest is a recognized national diversity hotspot - we don't need a methane gas emitting project in the middle of this precious country.

I oppose the Narrabri pipeline.

I have friends who live in this area and I know how concerned they are about the damage to waterways. Surely we can’t risk damaging something so fundamental to life, especially in a context where drought is such a threat.

I also understand they risk not being able to be insured. That tells me this must be a high risk project.

I am also concerned about forest clearing and more harm to our native species.

Introduction:
I am a landholder at Baan Baa Road, located within close proximity to the proposed Narrabri Lateral Pipeline (NLP). Due to the location of the tie-in point and the proposed Baan Baa construction compound, it appears likely that my property will be directly impacted by construction traffic, noise, dust, land disturbance and potential impacts to livestock and water resources.
Based on the information available, and the considerable uncertainty surrounding key aspects of the proposal, I oppose the project.
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Proximity and Property Impacts:
The alignment, tie-in location and construction compounds place the project in the immediate vicinity of my property. The lack of detailed mapping showing exact distances between work areas, access roads and private properties prevents an accurate assessment of how directly or severely affected we will be.
My property supports livestock and contains several water sources essential for our agricultural operations. Any construction disturbance, chemical contamination, changes to drainage or noise intrusion has the potential to harm stock health and welfare.
Until detailed mapping and spatial impact analysis is released, landholders cannot evaluate the true extent of the risks.
________________________________________
Construction Impacts:
1. Traffic and Access Routes
The project documentation does not provide a definitive list of proposed access roads or transport routes. While it states that “existing roads, including highways, local roads and State Forest roads” will be used, this is insufficient for proper assessment.
Given our location relative to the Kamilaroi Highway and the Baan Baa construction compound, it is likely that construction traffic will travel near our boundary or on local roads adjacent to our property.
Key concerns include:
• heavy-vehicle traffic impacting road safety for rural residents
• increased dust, road degradation, and noise
• potential impacts to livestock movement and farm operations
• limited information about oversize load deliveries or night-time traffic
• lack of clear mapping showing proposed access points and upgraded tracks
Without clarity on traffic routes or volumes, residents cannot anticipate or mitigate impacts.

2. Noise and Vibration
Pipeline construction typically involves trenching machinery, haul trucks, hammering, generators and nighttime works depending on the schedule.
The proposal does not provide:
• predicted noise levels at nearby residences
• a buffer distance from construction zones
• an assessment of impacts on livestock, which can be sensitive to sustained or sudden noise
• any guarantees regarding work hours or after-hours operations
Given our proximity, we expect construction noise could be substantial.

3. Dust and Air Quality
Dust generated by:
• earthworks
• unsealed access roads
• heavy-vehicle movement
• stockpile handling
may:
• contaminate grazing areas
• affect livestock respiratory health
• foul water troughs and open water sources
• reduce amenity and liveability
No dust-control strategy specific to rural livestock properties has been provided.

4. Land Disturbance, Rehabilitation and Long-Term Impacts
Pipeline construction requires a right-of-way up to 40 metres wide, plus additional land for laydown yards, tracks and machinery turn-around areas.
Concerns include:
• loss of productive land
• soil compaction
• altered drainage
• weed spread
• integrity of rehabilitation on cracking-clay or flood-prone soils
• the long-term management of easements and restrictions on future land use
Rehabilitation commitments remain vague and lack measurable performance criteria.

5. Compensation and Landholder Protections
The proposal does not detail:
• how landholders impacted by traffic, dust, noise or disruption but not directly hosting pipeline easements will be compensated
• the process for claiming damages to fences, roads, stock, or water supply
• monitoring and reporting obligations
• minimum setback distances
Given the scale of works, comprehensive compensation and monitoring frameworks should be required.
________________________________________
Livestock, Water Sources and Agricultural Operations:
My property has substantial livestock and several water sources which may be exposed to:
• dust contamination
• noise stress
• vibration impacts
• potential chemical spills (fuel, hydraulic fluids, drilling additives)
• increased traffic inconsistent with farm operations
Livestock stress can cause behavioural issues, reduced productivity, calving problems, and in horses serious safety concerns.
No livestock-specific risk assessment has been provided.
Water sources require strict protection. Any sedimentation, runoff, chemical exposure or alteration to natural catchments poses a high risk to animal health.
The project currently provides no detailed assessment of these risks.
________________________________________
Lack of Detail and Inability to Properly Assess Impacts:
Across traffic, noise, access, land disturbance, water, biodiversity, and operational impacts, the project provides insufficient detail for landholders to make an informed judgment.
A project of this scale should not proceed to approval without fully developed:
• construction traffic routes
• noise impact assessments
• road-upgrade and maintenance plans
• livestock and water-source impact assessments
• rehabilitation performance criteria
• clear maps showing all work areas, laydown yards and access tracks
• a transparent compensation framework
• cumulative impact analysis alongside the Narrabri Gas Project
In the absence of these, the proposal cannot be adequately scrutinised.
________________________________________
Required Conditions (if the project proceeds):
If approval is considered, the following conditions should be mandatory:

Traffic & Access
1. Release of the full Construction Traffic and Access Management Plan (CTAMP) prior to approval.
2. Public mapping of all access routes, transport corridors and compound access points.
3. Commitments to maintain and repair all local roads used for construction traffic.
4. Advance notice to all residents within a defined buffer of any major traffic movements.

Noise & Work Hours
5. Clear limits on construction hours (no night works near residences).
6. Noise monitoring with accessible reporting.

Livestock & Water
7. Stock-safe fencing and traffic-control measures where construction activity intersects with livestock areas.
8. A water-protection plan addressing sediment, dust, chemical spill response, and runoff.

Rehabilitation
9. A measurable rehabilitation plan with soil restoration standards, weed management, and long-term monitoring.

Compensation
10. A defined compensation framework for:
• stock loss or stress
• water contamination
• road damage
• amenity loss
• operational disruption
________________________________________
Conclusion:
Given the lack of essential detail, the proximity to my property and the significant risks to agricultural operations, livestock, water security and rural amenity, I oppose the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline project in its current form.
The proposal does not provide enough information for affected landholders to understand or manage the likely impacts. Until the deficiencies outlined above are addressed, the project should not be approved.

As a young person, an Australian who loves our one of a kind landscapes, and a student studying the renewable energy transition, I strongly object to this pipeline through the Pilliga Forest, and the detrimental impact it will have on biodiversity, climate change, and Country. The Great Artesian Basin has not been adequately considered in the assessment of this project, and the risks involved are simply too high to accept. The impacts on groundwater will have flow on effects to the entire ecosystem, increasing erosion, change creek flows, and risk contamination.

In 2019 I ventured beyond the Great Dividing Range and for the first time experienced the Pilliga with its own unique forests, pink sandstone outcrops and caves, and hor springs the Great Artesian Basin. I had no idea at the time that this area, sacred to the Gomeroi and now me, was under threat.

I had no idea of the fracking that had happened, the 850 wells and the gas pipeline. All I knew was that it was above the Great Artesian Basin which provides a unique habitat for flora and fauna. Its water flows east, and west into inland water systems.

Now i know more. The pipeline and laying of 850 wells must be stopped. We need to protect the great artesian basin and its water sysytems, the flora, the fauna and the surrounding communities, especially the Gomeroi who have ancient ties to this ancient land.

What will be the short term gains? What do short terms company profits, mean when compared to long term destruction? Gas pipelines, that last only 200 short years, threaten precious water resources for future generations who depend on it.

'Jobs' is always an excuse in the extractive industries, but when it comes to making profits, jobs are sacrificed to processes of mechanisation, AI and FIFO workers. They do little to support local communities. Companies like Santos pay little to no tax, but if they were, that tax could fund real jobs in renewables.

A Gomerai women explained whats happening to the Pilliga as if its our body. The taking of hair off the skin (the land clearing), the mutilation of the flesh and the injection of poisons into our veins (the fracking and boring processes and toxicity in our rivers).

We cant let that happen. I urge the Department of Planning to think ahead on behalf of NSW and not succumb to the pressure exerted by the gas lobby to allow this travesty.

This proposed pipeline is set up to go through and destroy very valuable land. It will run through farm land, the food bowl of the nation, the Great Artesian Basin and the Pilliga Forest.
It will damage country important to the local Gomeroi nation. Water is very culturally significant to the Gamilaraay people and water levels have already been significantly affected by devastating droughts that plague that area. As someone who grew up in this beautiful country(Tamworth), to hear that this is even being considered is beyond disgusting. In no way can you say you care for the indigenous people and approve this plan. It is clear how much of a show your ‘care’ is.
This project should be assessed under the ‘water trigger’. Again, as a person who lived in Tamworth during the 10 year drought, this pipeline shows clearly that the farmers and rural communities aren’t being thought of. The basin provides water for the entire farming region surrounding it. Local farmers are concerned about contamination and changes to drainage of local water resources.

This pipeline is going to destroy Australia if it is approved. There are plenty of jobs currently available.
This isn’t your world you’re destroying. It’s our children’s, it’s our grandchildren. It’s the future of Australia. History is watching. Choose how you’ll be remembered.

1 we dont need to export any more poluting gas only to make profits fir Santos.
2 protect our valuable and at risk inland water ways
3 the pipeline is going through valuable agricultural land
4 keep out of the Pilliga! Way too precious!

I object the project as a resident of nearby Dubbo who frequents this area.
The impacts to the water, the environment, and the connection of First Nations people to their Country, that this project would have is of significance.

The waterways within the extent of this project have not been considered adequately in EISs. Occurring over the Great Artesian Basin, the potential for contamination would have catastrophic impacts to communities in the area. Often reliant on bores, these communities would be forced to face these hazardous consequences. The town of Narrabri itself recently having contamination and water supply issues with their bores. To me this is the largest and most catastrophic impact of this project and must be considered with the utmost caution. Water is the most valuable resource to our Western communities and anything which endangers this, endangers entire communities.

Pilliga forest is one of the largest forested areas in Western NSW, acting as a refuge for many species which are unable to exist in the conditions that pastoral expansion has imposed on their environments.Many of these species are already listed as threatened.

Lastly, the Pilliga forest contains many areas significant to the Gomeroi people. These areas and their access must be protected and considered in this project's proposal. First Nations people are continually removed of rights to their cultural heritage, a theme very visible in recent projects covered in media accross the country.

Thank you for your consideration.