I was one of those people. It has now been established that the scientific methods and assumptions employed by the proponent and its supporters are highly questionable.

This includes using outdated assessments, and grossly underestimating the CO2 content of Narrabri's gas.

Not only are the project's actual forecasted greenhouse gas emissions expected to rival those of coal; our state's particular richness in sun and wind, together with advancements in clean energy efficiency and battery storage, means we are ideally placed to transition to a renewable economy without the need for polluting gas as a stop-gap.

However, I appeared before the Commission not as an expert, but as a parent. To secure our continued existence on the planet, we need to halve our projected greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a goal we are far from being on target to achieve, and one which the Narrabri Gas Project would work actively against.

We cannot afford even the smallest increment in emissions if we are to avoid climate catastrophe. In this context, at this point in history, the establishment of any new fossil fuel projects is completely unjustifiable - and indeed reckless and immoral.

It is our grave responsibility, at this late stage of the game, to do everything in our power to secure a safe home for the next generation.

Our children deserve to be at the centre of the Commission's decision.

Tessa Rainbird, Tamworth

John Anderson (NDL July 20) may well say that the Narrabri coal seam gas project can be done safely. One can be married safely, as they say, it is the living together afterwards that causes all the trouble.

All the expensive engineering somehow did not prevent gas leakage into the water and land in Queensland. A high pressure gas leak followed by ignition can wipe-out a whole town, as seen recently in USA on TV. After a few earth tremors, even an earthquake, its maintenance may be very very expensive.

People and industry of Australia require low-cost energy in order to survive and compete industrially. Needs, not demands, have to be met. The spoilt child demanding investment must be ignored.

Do we need another expensive energy network when we have an expensive network of poles and wires already covering practically everywhere? No! Santos may need it, we don't.

We need basics like water far more than another expensive energy network where we can supplement what we already have by using our own green energy, as most of Europe is now doing.

The people of Australia need this gas project like a hole in the head. Far too many expensive risks. Our water supply is far more important.

'When will they ever learn? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind' - perhaps it is.

Lindsay Bridge, Quirindi

A couple in Britain have won the right to name their child Lucifer, a name banned in many countries.

There seems to be some people who value their rights more than the norms of society and the reality that their child will suffer for their choice.

There are literally thousands of names that would be a better choice including Dennis, although that is attributed to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.

Parents shouldn't put their child through hell just to make a point.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne

In recent past, we watched New Zealand and PM Ardern respond to disasters, massacres, and pandemics with grace, honour, respect, humanity, and strength.

Today, New Zealand responded to a humanitarian issue; again demonstrating grace, honour, respect,humanity and moral strength: New Zealand recognised the validity of Behrouz Boochani's asylum claim and granted him a visa.

Ardern and New Zealand demonstrate repeatedly how a nation, a leader, a people can display strength wrapped in humanity.

Sadly, we in Australia, have yet to overcome our hairy-chested, bloke-y, mate-y sense of showing strength;we focus on "punching above our weight" at the expense of lost grace and humanity.

Blessings on the Kiwis - our neighbours, our friends, and their leader, for reminding us with another beautiful example that we can demonstrate strength with grace, honour, respect, and humanity. Thank you New Zealand.

Judy Bamberger,O'Connor ACT