Santos set to reactivate Kahlua coal seam gas wells near Gunnedah

Four legacy coal seam gas wells near Gunnedah are set to be reactivated following a mail out campaign by gas giant Santos.

Property owners in the surrounding area received letters on Friday, July 28, from Santos outlining the scope of works which will see the previously sealed wells reopened.

Farmer and member of Liverpool Plains Action Group Philippa Murray said the letters will galvanise opposition to the project, and came just days before training in non violent protesting was conducted, which had already been pencilled in.

"I think people realise now when they get a letter like that, that it's game on," she said.

The NSW Resources Regulator approved the 'Kahlua Pilot Reactivation Project' on the Liverpool Plains to take effect from March 15, which left community members feeling "blindsided".

READ ALSO:

The project allows Santos to continue exploration and appraisal activities to better understand the potential for "long-term energy security and affordability", according to Santos' website, and the approved site is located 20 kilometres west of Gunnedah.

The news gave greater impetus to a training session in non violent direct action on the weekend, which provided lessons on how to lock on to equipment and more.

"As the operation at Kahlua ramps up, then so will our actions," Ms Murray said.

About two weeks ago, Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah councils were presented with findings by an emeritus professor with half a century of hydro geology experience. Professor Acworth said the underground aquifer systems, from which water is extracted for both farming and mining, are interconnected.

This means if water is pumped out of coal seams to generate gas, or to support open cast coal, there will be a direct connection back to farmers, he said.

Ms Murray said people are fearful of the effects of the gas wells on the water table and water supplies.

"It's not even acceptable for livestock consumption and it can be quite poisonous," she said.

"We cannot risk such a valuable farming area, and let's face it, at the end of the day, it's about food security as well.

"It's beyond comprehension why the government is pushing forward with this gas initiative and allowing this gas project to happen."

Surrounding landholders wrote to Santos earlier this year requesting baseline testing of their water bores, according to Ms Murray, and were rebuffed.

Santos was contacted for comment.

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: