Barwon MP Roy Butler still concerned about CSG impact on Narrabri groundwater despite Santos tour

Throughout the state election campaign, coal seam gas and its potential impacts on groundwater emerged as one of the big issues.

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Roy Butler has been talking to all sides of the debate - politicians, activist and the gas company.

"I took up an offer from Santos for a tour of their site," Mr Butler said.

"They don't share the same concerns about groundwater, but that position hasn't changed for us.

"Until there are assurances that the project doesn't impact groundwater, I won't support the project."

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Mr Butler stressed that his party isn't against resource industries.

"I'd love to have all the economic benefits the Santos project would bring - the jobs, the cheap power for Narrabri to attract industry, I'd love to have it all," Mr Butler said.

"But all the jobs in the world don't matter if we can't use the water so many of us rely on.

"That's my sticking point and I can't support it if the ground water is at risk."

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A Santos spokesperson said the company was confident in its scientific water data would "stand up to the highest scrutiny".

"We know how important water is to farmers and communities and we are absolutely committed to ensuring water resources are protected," the Santos spokesperson said.

"We have used the best available science to build a regional groundwater model which was peer reviewed by the CSIRO, which described it as 'state of the art'."

"The scientific studies conducted as part of the EIS concluded the Narrabri Gas Project would have a negligible impact on existing water users."

Mr Butler said he's spoken with NSW Energy and Environment Minister Matt Keen's office and will be meeting with the minister in the near future.