The appeal was lodged in December by the Mullaley Gas and Pipeline Accord (MGPA), which will be represented in the hearing by the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO).

In late September last year, the 850 gas-well project was approved by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) with 134 environmental conditions.

The Santos project had received an Australian-record of negative public submissions.

The EDO is set to argue the IPC did not fully consider the environmental impact the 95,000 hectare scheme would have.

"Our clients will argue that the IPC's decision to grant approval to the Narrabri Gas Project was not lawfully made," EDO managing lawyer of safe climate Brendan Dobbie said.

"This proposed project would contribute millions of tonnes (CO2 equivalent) of greenhouse gas emissions, and it is imperative that these impacts are properly assessed.

"We argue the IPC also failed to consider the environmental impacts of a gas transmission pipeline that will be needed for the project to proceed.

"Our clients will ask the court to find that the IPC's decision was invalid."

READ ALSO:

MGPA secretary Maddy Adams said she is glad the accord is able to continue fighting for concerned members of the community.

She also noted the group is extremely pleased with its legal representation and is going into the hearing with confidence.

"I do think that is relevant that it could be seen as a David versus Goliath situation," she said.

"Because we are just a community group trying to do what we think is best for the environment and our land and water.

"But we are so confident and happy with the Environmental Defenders Office."

Santos was approached for a response, but a spokesperson stated in would be inappropriate for them to comment on a matter that is before the court.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: