NSW coal seam gas battle reignited by Santos EIS

On Wednesday, Santos announced it had submitted the final key document – the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – the outcome of which will determine if the project gets the state government’s approval.

The company said the EIS, which was created from 13,000 hours of on-ground environmental surveys, found “the project can proceed safely with minimal and manageable risk to the environment”.

Opposition groups were not surprised to hear Santos’ own report gave the 850-well development the all clear and are preparing to go over the 7000-page document with a fine comb.

Greens Resources and Energy spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham said the EIS was merely a “fattening up” exercise ahead of a sale, pointing to the company’s recent move to demote the project to a “non-core asset”.

“Santos has recently made it clear they have little interest in developing the project and have instead spun it off into a separate entity, ready for sale,” Mr Buckingham said.

“The government should not allow Santos to jerk people around, waste their time and create uncertainty just to fatten up the project for the stock market.”

Yes2Gas, an organisation that represents Narrabri businesses who support the project, said the EIS was an exciting step forward for the development.

Group spokeswoman Lousie Tout said to her knowledge, the project had the “unanimous support” of the local chamber of commerce.

“Local people want to see the project underway – Santos has been very professional in its management of the project to date and that professionalism is appreciated by the local residents,” Ms Tout said.

“There are great opportunities in the Narrabri Gas Project in terms of local employment and diversity. The Narrabri district is ready to take those opportunities when the project is approved and commences operation.”

NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) said the document will “soon” be placed on public exhibition for 60 days, to ensure the community had an opportunity to have a say.

DPE director of resource assessments Mike Young said the applications were assessed on their merits under planning legislation, and government policies and guidelines.

“The department will be consulting broadly on this application, including holding public information sessions in the local area during the exhibition period,” Mr Young said.

“These sessions will provide guidance on the planning assessment process and how to make a submission. Dates for the public exhibition and information sessions will be announced shortly.” After all the submissions have been received, they will be published online. The department will then ask Santos to respond to the issues raised, before making its final determination on the project.