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In vast swaths of rural New South Wales, there's only one election issue: coal seam gas In vast swaths of rural New South Wales, there's only one election issue: coal seam gas
(about 4 hours later)
Bruce Shearman has handed out how-to-vote cards for the National party for 50 years. It has been a big part of his life, a big part of his identity. He has a certificate proving his 40-year party membership. He was the president of the Lismore branch on New South Wales’s north coast, until he quit a few years ago, and a personal friend of local MP Thomas George. When he and his wife, Nola, built their dream home three years ago on their cattle property, George and his wife gave them a rose to plant in their new garden.Bruce Shearman has handed out how-to-vote cards for the National party for 50 years. It has been a big part of his life, a big part of his identity. He has a certificate proving his 40-year party membership. He was the president of the Lismore branch on New South Wales’s north coast, until he quit a few years ago, and a personal friend of local MP Thomas George. When he and his wife, Nola, built their dream home three years ago on their cattle property, George and his wife gave them a rose to plant in their new garden.
“I have known Thomas for 50 years,” Shearman says. “We used to play cards together and one thing and another, but good friendships sometimes disappear. It’s been a sad time for us.”“I have known Thomas for 50 years,” Shearman says. “We used to play cards together and one thing and another, but good friendships sometimes disappear. It’s been a sad time for us.”
On Saturday, Shearman, still a farmer at 78, won’t be encouraging voters to stick with the Nationals. He is too old-fashioned to disclose how he will vote himself, but he believes the Greens will get most support in Lismore, held by the Nationals by a normally impenetrable margin of 24.3%. One issue has shaken Shearman’s entire political outlook and is defining this election in large swaths of country NSW: the fight to stop coal seam gas.On Saturday, Shearman, still a farmer at 78, won’t be encouraging voters to stick with the Nationals. He is too old-fashioned to disclose how he will vote himself, but he believes the Greens will get most support in Lismore, held by the Nationals by a normally impenetrable margin of 24.3%. One issue has shaken Shearman’s entire political outlook and is defining this election in large swaths of country NSW: the fight to stop coal seam gas.
Before Shearman resigned as president at Lismore, he and Nola drove to Chinchilla in Queensland to look at its CSG operation. He decided that gas wells and water treatment ponds and endless trucks and dust didn’t suit the lush green hills of Lismore, with its small farms and bad roads. He came home and reported what he had seen to the Nationals, but says the party didn’t want to listen.Before Shearman resigned as president at Lismore, he and Nola drove to Chinchilla in Queensland to look at its CSG operation. He decided that gas wells and water treatment ponds and endless trucks and dust didn’t suit the lush green hills of Lismore, with its small farms and bad roads. He came home and reported what he had seen to the Nationals, but says the party didn’t want to listen.
“I’m very much against CSG. I don’t want them invading our land and transforming our land whatsoever. I went to see the local member, spoke at meetings, but all he would do is change the subject.” Nola, also a Nationals member for more than 40 years, adds: “We’ve got to stop it from coming here, once it’s here it’s here.”“I’m very much against CSG. I don’t want them invading our land and transforming our land whatsoever. I went to see the local member, spoke at meetings, but all he would do is change the subject.” Nola, also a Nationals member for more than 40 years, adds: “We’ve got to stop it from coming here, once it’s here it’s here.”
The Shearmans’ story can be interpreted in several ways. Maybe they’re “nimbys” – they have a CSG exploration licence over their 130-hectare property just outside Lismore. Maybe CSG is not right for the far north coast – the northern rivers, as it’s known, with its beauty, tourism, farms, and history of environmentalism – but might be better suited elsewhere. Maybe the Nationals got caught between backing miners and farmers and lost support of even diehard supporters because they didn’t pick up early enough how big this was getting.The Shearmans’ story can be interpreted in several ways. Maybe they’re “nimbys” – they have a CSG exploration licence over their 130-hectare property just outside Lismore. Maybe CSG is not right for the far north coast – the northern rivers, as it’s known, with its beauty, tourism, farms, and history of environmentalism – but might be better suited elsewhere. Maybe the Nationals got caught between backing miners and farmers and lost support of even diehard supporters because they didn’t pick up early enough how big this was getting.
The bigger pictureThe bigger picture
Maybe there’s something else going on. The prominent climate change activist Naomi Klein writes in her new book This Changes Everything that “resistance to high-risk extreme extraction (such as CSG) is building a global, grassroots, and broad-based network the likes of which the environmental movement has rarely seen … suddenly no major new project, no matter how seemingly routine, is a done deal”.Maybe there’s something else going on. The prominent climate change activist Naomi Klein writes in her new book This Changes Everything that “resistance to high-risk extreme extraction (such as CSG) is building a global, grassroots, and broad-based network the likes of which the environmental movement has rarely seen … suddenly no major new project, no matter how seemingly routine, is a done deal”.
Klein argues the big picture – that sustained and successful local revolts are not really about the environment, but about democracy, where people of vastly different backgrounds insist on having a real say about the crucial resources of air, land and water where they live. She outlines examples all over the world, including protests against Whitehaven Coal’s mine at Maules Creek in northern NSW.Klein argues the big picture – that sustained and successful local revolts are not really about the environment, but about democracy, where people of vastly different backgrounds insist on having a real say about the crucial resources of air, land and water where they live. She outlines examples all over the world, including protests against Whitehaven Coal’s mine at Maules Creek in northern NSW.
The state election has barely touched on Klein’s thesis, of course. Nor is it caught up with the now routine reports concluding that that 80% of the world’s fossil fuels will need to be left in the ground if the world is to avoid warming more than two degrees by mid-century (although gas gets off more lightly than coal, with half needing to stay in the ground, according to one report.)The state election has barely touched on Klein’s thesis, of course. Nor is it caught up with the now routine reports concluding that that 80% of the world’s fossil fuels will need to be left in the ground if the world is to avoid warming more than two degrees by mid-century (although gas gets off more lightly than coal, with half needing to stay in the ground, according to one report.)
This is a parochial state election about the privatisation of poles and wires, health, education, jobs, the aftermath of corruption scandals and the unpopularity of the Abbott federal government.This is a parochial state election about the privatisation of poles and wires, health, education, jobs, the aftermath of corruption scandals and the unpopularity of the Abbott federal government.
Related: Leave fossil fuels buried to prevent climate change, study urgesRelated: Leave fossil fuels buried to prevent climate change, study urges
But the regional uprising over CSG is more about an unconventional gas source where the gas is held tightly in coal seams saturated with water and where sophisticated technology is used to release it. Large numbers of wells are drilled, and water is pumped out to allow the gas to flow. The process was first used commercially in Queensland in 1996 and in the US since the 1970s – but it is still relatively immature in Australia.But the regional uprising over CSG is more about an unconventional gas source where the gas is held tightly in coal seams saturated with water and where sophisticated technology is used to release it. Large numbers of wells are drilled, and water is pumped out to allow the gas to flow. The process was first used commercially in Queensland in 1996 and in the US since the 1970s – but it is still relatively immature in Australia.
There are all the implications of what that technology might mean practically for regional communities, but there are bigger issues here, too: the urgency of climate change compared with the short-term necessities of politics, and the growing demand of people to be listened to.There are all the implications of what that technology might mean practically for regional communities, but there are bigger issues here, too: the urgency of climate change compared with the short-term necessities of politics, and the growing demand of people to be listened to.
A watershed momentA watershed moment
The immediate goal for those against CSG is to stop it before it takes hold in NSW. “We are at a watershed with CSG,” say Paul Spooner, local councillor, general manager of the Byron Bay community centre, and Labor’s candidate for the far north coast seat of Ballina. This is a seat first contested in 1988 that has been held by one man since for the past 27 years – the retiring member Don Page.The immediate goal for those against CSG is to stop it before it takes hold in NSW. “We are at a watershed with CSG,” say Paul Spooner, local councillor, general manager of the Byron Bay community centre, and Labor’s candidate for the far north coast seat of Ballina. This is a seat first contested in 1988 that has been held by one man since for the past 27 years – the retiring member Don Page.
A recent poll says that, despite its 24.6% margin on paper, it could fall to Labor with Green preferences on this issue – even though there are no known CSG reserves in Ballina and only a small slice of the electorate is covered by an exploration licence. Nearby Lismore and Tweed, both held by the Nationals with margins of more than 20%, are also vulnerable to Labor and Green challenges and do have exploration licences over big chunks of them.A recent poll says that, despite its 24.6% margin on paper, it could fall to Labor with Green preferences on this issue – even though there are no known CSG reserves in Ballina and only a small slice of the electorate is covered by an exploration licence. Nearby Lismore and Tweed, both held by the Nationals with margins of more than 20%, are also vulnerable to Labor and Green challenges and do have exploration licences over big chunks of them.
Spooner hands out his literature at a local farmers market at the town of Bangalow, beautifully green and hip. He compares the intensity of the mood to the battle to save Tasmania’s Franklin dam in the early 1980s. “This election is a referendum on CSG on the north coast.”Spooner hands out his literature at a local farmers market at the town of Bangalow, beautifully green and hip. He compares the intensity of the mood to the battle to save Tasmania’s Franklin dam in the early 1980s. “This election is a referendum on CSG on the north coast.”
Now that the election is almost here, everyone seems to be willing to listen hard to what people think about CSG, which leaves those who have been fighting for years sceptical.Now that the election is almost here, everyone seems to be willing to listen hard to what people think about CSG, which leaves those who have been fighting for years sceptical.
“The people of the Lismore electorate have continually made it clear to me that they do not want CSG here,” George said a few days ago. Nationals Ballina candidate Kris Beavis says he will fight the Coalition if it supports CSG in his electorate. “I’ve basically said from day one that I don’t think it’s appropriate for our area … if that makes me distinctive from the party, so be it.”“The people of the Lismore electorate have continually made it clear to me that they do not want CSG here,” George said a few days ago. Nationals Ballina candidate Kris Beavis says he will fight the Coalition if it supports CSG in his electorate. “I’ve basically said from day one that I don’t think it’s appropriate for our area … if that makes me distinctive from the party, so be it.”
Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest told the ABC the Coalition had a “plan to make the north coast coal seam gas-free”, a statement that surprised many. These Nationals suddenly face serious resistance – with a concerted campaign, and lots of posters – urging people to “put the Nationals last”.Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest told the ABC the Coalition had a “plan to make the north coast coal seam gas-free”, a statement that surprised many. These Nationals suddenly face serious resistance – with a concerted campaign, and lots of posters – urging people to “put the Nationals last”.
Across the state, there is barely any CSG production now, and nothing at all on the north coast. Only the Camden project in western Sydney is in full swing, accounting for 5% of the state’s gas needs. In Queensland, the industry is huge, with CSG providing 90% of domestic gas needs, with the NSW government warning of possible gas shortages in the state as Queensland gas is diverted to the Asian export market. There’s nothing happening in Victoria, with a moratorium in place since mid-2012 and the new Labor government pledging a parliamentary inquiry before any change.Across the state, there is barely any CSG production now, and nothing at all on the north coast. Only the Camden project in western Sydney is in full swing, accounting for 5% of the state’s gas needs. In Queensland, the industry is huge, with CSG providing 90% of domestic gas needs, with the NSW government warning of possible gas shortages in the state as Queensland gas is diverted to the Asian export market. There’s nothing happening in Victoria, with a moratorium in place since mid-2012 and the new Labor government pledging a parliamentary inquiry before any change.
Regulations changes and community resistanceRegulations changes and community resistance
On this issue, NSW is the national battleground to see whether this industry’s retreat will accelerate. The government has pegged back explorations that covered close to half the state when Labor was in power to about 11%, although critics say the buybacks have been mostly in non-active areas. Two big projects have been declared strategically important for energy needs, but have been plagued by delays, regulations changes and community resistance. AGL’s Gloucester gas project north of Newcastle has approval to begin, and Santos’s Narrabri gas project in the Pilliga forest in the north-west is at the appraisal stage, soon to submit its environmental impact statement.On this issue, NSW is the national battleground to see whether this industry’s retreat will accelerate. The government has pegged back explorations that covered close to half the state when Labor was in power to about 11%, although critics say the buybacks have been mostly in non-active areas. Two big projects have been declared strategically important for energy needs, but have been plagued by delays, regulations changes and community resistance. AGL’s Gloucester gas project north of Newcastle has approval to begin, and Santos’s Narrabri gas project in the Pilliga forest in the north-west is at the appraisal stage, soon to submit its environmental impact statement.
Until very recently, these two projects appeared to have broad bipartisan political support, although both are controversial. The state government in January suspended AGL’s operations near Gloucester after the company detected banned chemicals in two wells and a water storage tank. Its operations are under review.Until very recently, these two projects appeared to have broad bipartisan political support, although both are controversial. The state government in January suspended AGL’s operations near Gloucester after the company detected banned chemicals in two wells and a water storage tank. Its operations are under review.
Related: NSW election diary: parties face hostile environment in fight for green voteRelated: NSW election diary: parties face hostile environment in fight for green vote
The spiritual heart of opposition to CSG in NSW is in the northern rivers region, centred in Lismore. Up here, people are obsessed, with daily coverage in newspapers, and street stalls, fund-raisers and ubiquitous anti-CSG posters. The biggest of all is against Metgasco’s licence 15km from Lismore. In May last year, this was the site of the anti-CSG movement’s most significant stand, and most significant victory, and a dawning sense that an unlikely group of farmers, locals, Aboriginal elders and activists could win against a mining company with political support.The spiritual heart of opposition to CSG in NSW is in the northern rivers region, centred in Lismore. Up here, people are obsessed, with daily coverage in newspapers, and street stalls, fund-raisers and ubiquitous anti-CSG posters. The biggest of all is against Metgasco’s licence 15km from Lismore. In May last year, this was the site of the anti-CSG movement’s most significant stand, and most significant victory, and a dawning sense that an unlikely group of farmers, locals, Aboriginal elders and activists could win against a mining company with political support.
Hundreds of protesters who had camped out to block Metgasco’s drilling operation were due to be confronted and removed by about 800 police. Instead, there were hugs and cheers when the confrontation was avoided – the minister for energy and resources, Anthony Roberts, suspended Metgasco’s drilling licence for lack of community consultation, a decision that infuriated the company, which is now challenging it in court.Hundreds of protesters who had camped out to block Metgasco’s drilling operation were due to be confronted and removed by about 800 police. Instead, there were hugs and cheers when the confrontation was avoided – the minister for energy and resources, Anthony Roberts, suspended Metgasco’s drilling licence for lack of community consultation, a decision that infuriated the company, which is now challenging it in court.
Among the crowd that day was Adam Guise, who grew up on a farm, has worked as an adviser for the Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham, and was then a spokesman for Gasfield Free Northern Rivers. Guise was heckled a little at a candidates’ forum last week – one questioner demanded why the Greens wanted non-human animals designated as “beings” and declared that farmers who voted Green would be “putting a noose around your neck’’ – but nobody takes his candidacy lightly.Among the crowd that day was Adam Guise, who grew up on a farm, has worked as an adviser for the Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham, and was then a spokesman for Gasfield Free Northern Rivers. Guise was heckled a little at a candidates’ forum last week – one questioner demanded why the Greens wanted non-human animals designated as “beings” and declared that farmers who voted Green would be “putting a noose around your neck’’ – but nobody takes his candidacy lightly.
Only the Greens would ban CSG entirely in the state, and have always objected to it on the north coast, even when the issue was dismissed as a fringe concern. “The Greens are the only ones that have stood up for our farmland,” Guise said. “The others are playing catch-up now a week from the election.”Only the Greens would ban CSG entirely in the state, and have always objected to it on the north coast, even when the issue was dismissed as a fringe concern. “The Greens are the only ones that have stood up for our farmland,” Guise said. “The others are playing catch-up now a week from the election.”
And so they are. “Sink the Nats and that’s the end of coal seam gas forever,” NSW Labor’s leader, Luke Foley, told a crowd at the site of the blockade this week. “It won’t take riot police, it will take the power of the ballot box.”And so they are. “Sink the Nats and that’s the end of coal seam gas forever,” NSW Labor’s leader, Luke Foley, told a crowd at the site of the blockade this week. “It won’t take riot police, it will take the power of the ballot box.”
Gasfield freeGasfield free
Aidan Ricketts is a law lecturer at Southern Cross University, an environmental activist and strategist for the Gasfield Free Northern Rivers group. It got going just three years ago, and pioneered surveying communities to see what they think about CSG.Aidan Ricketts is a law lecturer at Southern Cross University, an environmental activist and strategist for the Gasfield Free Northern Rivers group. It got going just three years ago, and pioneered surveying communities to see what they think about CSG.
Tiny towns and communities have declared themselves “gasfield free”, attaching now-familiar yellow triangles to their gates. It’s a little disingenuous – the one question asked is: “Do you want your road and property to remain gasfield free?” Few people would say no to that – 95% of communities in the area have agreed – but it has proved a potent tactic.Tiny towns and communities have declared themselves “gasfield free”, attaching now-familiar yellow triangles to their gates. It’s a little disingenuous – the one question asked is: “Do you want your road and property to remain gasfield free?” Few people would say no to that – 95% of communities in the area have agreed – but it has proved a potent tactic.
The whole strategy is based on devolving everything to locals to run their own campaigns and to conduct their own surveys. Gasfield Free Northern Rivers helps with strategy and support, and is in turn backed by umbrella group Lock the Gate, which began in Queensland, where CSG is well established.The whole strategy is based on devolving everything to locals to run their own campaigns and to conduct their own surveys. Gasfield Free Northern Rivers helps with strategy and support, and is in turn backed by umbrella group Lock the Gate, which began in Queensland, where CSG is well established.
Ricketts believes the campaign has rattled and confused political parties and left established environmental groups behind. “One thing Lock the Gate did, it didn’t worry about parliamentary lobbying,” Ricketts says. “It just said we’re going to build a giant social movement and when we have, you’ll come to us, and if you look at this election that’s what you’re seeing. The politicians are now falling over themselves to make concessions, and if you look at the NSW election, it’s absurd: ‘I’m more against coal seam gas than you are’.”Ricketts believes the campaign has rattled and confused political parties and left established environmental groups behind. “One thing Lock the Gate did, it didn’t worry about parliamentary lobbying,” Ricketts says. “It just said we’re going to build a giant social movement and when we have, you’ll come to us, and if you look at this election that’s what you’re seeing. The politicians are now falling over themselves to make concessions, and if you look at the NSW election, it’s absurd: ‘I’m more against coal seam gas than you are’.”
Ricketts is right. The political shifts have been dramatic. Labor was the party in government that issued CSG exploitation licences “like confetti” as the premier, Mike Baird, likes to put it. All but one licence in the northern rivers were issued by Labor, for as little as $1,000 each, some to small companies with little experience or resources. According to Lock the Gate, there remain 28 licences that Labor approved while in office.Ricketts is right. The political shifts have been dramatic. Labor was the party in government that issued CSG exploitation licences “like confetti” as the premier, Mike Baird, likes to put it. All but one licence in the northern rivers were issued by Labor, for as little as $1,000 each, some to small companies with little experience or resources. According to Lock the Gate, there remain 28 licences that Labor approved while in office.
Related: NSW election: National party faces losing heartland seats in the bushRelated: NSW election: National party faces losing heartland seats in the bush
Now, Labor says it has changed. It supports a moratorium on the industry across the state until the recommendations of NSW’s chief scientist, Mary O’Kane, are fully implemented and the industry is “proven to be safe”. It will declare “no-go” zones, including all of the northern rivers, which cover the three seats it is targeting. It says it will cancel the licences of companies such as Metgasco, insisting that no compensation is needed. Unsurprisingly, Metgasco is furious, saying it has spent $120m on the project so far under licences approved and renewed by both sides of politics, and that it would demand compensation.Now, Labor says it has changed. It supports a moratorium on the industry across the state until the recommendations of NSW’s chief scientist, Mary O’Kane, are fully implemented and the industry is “proven to be safe”. It will declare “no-go” zones, including all of the northern rivers, which cover the three seats it is targeting. It says it will cancel the licences of companies such as Metgasco, insisting that no compensation is needed. Unsurprisingly, Metgasco is furious, saying it has spent $120m on the project so far under licences approved and renewed by both sides of politics, and that it would demand compensation.
The state government is furious, too, because it has it has done far more to reign in the industry than Labor. The Nationals leader, Troy Grant, has acknowledged that “people are yelling at each other” over this issue, “probably one of the most difficult things we’ve had to grapple with in government”. It has tightened regulations, bought back more than a dozen licences, and on Friday said it would insist on buying back the Dart licence covering most of the seat of Lismore. But it won’t cancel licences – which opponents want – saying that to do so would end up in costly legal battles. That means, say opponents, that companies won’t hand over lucrative licences, just ones in areas where there is little gas. The state government is furious, too, because it has it has done far more to rein in the industry than Labor. The Nationals leader, Troy Grant, has acknowledged that “people are yelling at each other” over this issue, “probably one of the most difficult things we’ve had to grapple with in government”. It has tightened regulations, bought back more than a dozen licences, and on Friday said it would insist on buying back the Dart licence covering most of the seat of Lismore. But it won’t cancel licences – which opponents want – saying that to do so would end up in costly legal battles. That means, say opponents, that companies won’t hand over lucrative licences, just ones in areas where there is little gas.
The moratorium on issuing new coal seam gas licences remains, but at some point after the election the Coalition says it will identify ­strategic areas for CSG development. There’s no doubt the government believes CSG is necessary. “It will remain a big part of the economy, yes, and it is part of our overall solution,” Baird told the Australian Financial Review recently.The moratorium on issuing new coal seam gas licences remains, but at some point after the election the Coalition says it will identify ­strategic areas for CSG development. There’s no doubt the government believes CSG is necessary. “It will remain a big part of the economy, yes, and it is part of our overall solution,” Baird told the Australian Financial Review recently.
Dean Draper, the co-ordinator of Gasfield Free Northern Rivers, says the government’s policy is all “smoke and mirrors” and it couldn’t just keep blaming Labor for the old cowboy days. “The government renewed these CSG licences – they didn’t have to renew them – and they’re saying once they’re in you can’t get rid of them. Labor and Greens talk about cancelling licences whereas the Nationals don’t have that policy.”Dean Draper, the co-ordinator of Gasfield Free Northern Rivers, says the government’s policy is all “smoke and mirrors” and it couldn’t just keep blaming Labor for the old cowboy days. “The government renewed these CSG licences – they didn’t have to renew them – and they’re saying once they’re in you can’t get rid of them. Labor and Greens talk about cancelling licences whereas the Nationals don’t have that policy.”
Great Artesian Basin feeds argumentGreat Artesian Basin feeds argument
In the northern rivers, it can seem as though CSG has no friends, but that’s not true across all NSW. Drive 600km from Byron Bay and you get to the north-western town of Narrabri, population 7,500, surrounded by cotton, wheat and cattle farms. This is also coal country – Whitehaven Coal’s contentious Maules Creek mine is in this shire.In the northern rivers, it can seem as though CSG has no friends, but that’s not true across all NSW. Drive 600km from Byron Bay and you get to the north-western town of Narrabri, population 7,500, surrounded by cotton, wheat and cattle farms. This is also coal country – Whitehaven Coal’s contentious Maules Creek mine is in this shire.
Santos’s $2bn CSG project is proposed in the Pilliga state forest 25km from town. It has government support, including that of the local Nationals MP and water minister, Kevin Humphries, who told a candidates’ forum that “if someone comes into your community and wants to spend $2bn … give them a go and see what they have to offer”. It has the backing of the local council and many businesses. Santos is confident most residents support it, too, although that’s not a universal view.Santos’s $2bn CSG project is proposed in the Pilliga state forest 25km from town. It has government support, including that of the local Nationals MP and water minister, Kevin Humphries, who told a candidates’ forum that “if someone comes into your community and wants to spend $2bn … give them a go and see what they have to offer”. It has the backing of the local council and many businesses. Santos is confident most residents support it, too, although that’s not a universal view.
The Narrabri gas project would be the largest CSG operation in the state, with 850 gas wells drilled over 20 years. The company estimates it could provide half of NSW’s gas needs when fully operational, at a time when the government is warning of looming shortages.The Narrabri gas project would be the largest CSG operation in the state, with 850 gas wells drilled over 20 years. The company estimates it could provide half of NSW’s gas needs when fully operational, at a time when the government is warning of looming shortages.
Until a few days ago, Santos believed it had Labor’s support, too, at least tentatively, and was confident that it would meet Labor’s condition that the chief scientist’s recommendations be implemented. It might have been sitting out the election, but that idea was upended when Foley announced Labor would ban CSG in the Pilliga and would refuse to allow Santos to proceed with production should Lanor win the election. No compensation was mentioned for a project that has already cost Santos more than $1bn. Until a few days ago, Santos believed it had Labor’s support, too, at least tentatively, and was confident that it would meet Labor’s condition that the chief scientist’s recommendations be implemented. It might have been sitting out the election, but that idea was upended when Foley announced Labor would ban CSG in the Pilliga and would refuse to allow Santos to proceed with production should Labor win the election. No compensation was mentioned for a project that has already cost Santos more than $1bn.
Foley said: “The risks CSG poses to the natural assets of the Pilliga, particularly the underground water storages, are unacceptable.”Foley said: “The risks CSG poses to the natural assets of the Pilliga, particularly the underground water storages, are unacceptable.”
Labor cited CSIRO modelling indicating the forest was an “important recharge area from the Great Artesian basin” and quoted the federal government’s environmental assessments team which acknowledged “the Pilliga region (in general) is recognised as an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin, [and] the potential for high-level impacts to a water resource presents a real possibility”.Labor cited CSIRO modelling indicating the forest was an “important recharge area from the Great Artesian basin” and quoted the federal government’s environmental assessments team which acknowledged “the Pilliga region (in general) is recognised as an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin, [and] the potential for high-level impacts to a water resource presents a real possibility”.
Foley said: “There’s some parts of the state that must be off limits to coal seam gas permanently, and the recharge zone for the Great Artesian basin has to be one of them.”Foley said: “There’s some parts of the state that must be off limits to coal seam gas permanently, and the recharge zone for the Great Artesian basin has to be one of them.”
Related: Battle for Liverpool Plains: Chinese coal project tears at fabric of rural NSWRelated: Battle for Liverpool Plains: Chinese coal project tears at fabric of rural NSW
The announcement flabbergasted Santos’s NSW general manager, Peter Mitchley, who was “at a loss” to understand it “given we have not yet released our environmental impact statement which will explain in detail how we will manage any impact from our work”. It stresses that Santos’s coal seams are hundreds of metres below the Great Artesian basin.The announcement flabbergasted Santos’s NSW general manager, Peter Mitchley, who was “at a loss” to understand it “given we have not yet released our environmental impact statement which will explain in detail how we will manage any impact from our work”. It stresses that Santos’s coal seams are hundreds of metres below the Great Artesian basin.
“We don’t affect the recharge of the Great Artesian basin,” Mitchley told the ABC. “It’s an entirely safe and sustainable project.” Foley’s announcement also stunned the government, and alarmed business groups in NSW.“We don’t affect the recharge of the Great Artesian basin,” Mitchley told the ABC. “It’s an entirely safe and sustainable project.” Foley’s announcement also stunned the government, and alarmed business groups in NSW.
Mitchley is frustrated with the whole debate, although he acknowledges the industry is partly to blame, with loose practices on some projects and a lack of real community consultation on others. Santos’s project has had its troubles, too, with the company in 2013 detecting elevated levels of uranium and other heavy metals in an aquifer below one of its wastewater ponds that was leaking. It was fined $1,500.Mitchley is frustrated with the whole debate, although he acknowledges the industry is partly to blame, with loose practices on some projects and a lack of real community consultation on others. Santos’s project has had its troubles, too, with the company in 2013 detecting elevated levels of uranium and other heavy metals in an aquifer below one of its wastewater ponds that was leaking. It was fined $1,500.
Its share price has dropped and in February it slashed $808m off the value of its holding, now standing at $543m, citing a reduction in reserves and delays.Its share price has dropped and in February it slashed $808m off the value of its holding, now standing at $543m, citing a reduction in reserves and delays.
Mitchley insists “we’re nowhere near that point” of giving up because it’s all too hard in NSW. If the project gets approval, he is confident of finding investors, and gas could be flowing in a little over two years.Mitchley insists “we’re nowhere near that point” of giving up because it’s all too hard in NSW. If the project gets approval, he is confident of finding investors, and gas could be flowing in a little over two years.
The project has some advantages. Unlike those in the northern rivers, it is mostly on state-owned land designated for these sorts of industries. Santos is bending over backwards to support the town financially and will take anyone who asks out to the Pilliga to have a look at its trial wells and water storage ponds.The project has some advantages. Unlike those in the northern rivers, it is mostly on state-owned land designated for these sorts of industries. Santos is bending over backwards to support the town financially and will take anyone who asks out to the Pilliga to have a look at its trial wells and water storage ponds.
Its policy is not to search for gas on private land without permission – there are a number of private landholders who have given access to Santos, although it will not reveal how many. He says there are no plans to frack – the controversial process involving pumping fluids and chemicals into a well to fracture the coal seam to allow it to flow more easily. Earlier work had showed the coal had already fractured naturally through earth movements and the idea was “redundant”.Its policy is not to search for gas on private land without permission – there are a number of private landholders who have given access to Santos, although it will not reveal how many. He says there are no plans to frack – the controversial process involving pumping fluids and chemicals into a well to fracture the coal seam to allow it to flow more easily. Earlier work had showed the coal had already fractured naturally through earth movements and the idea was “redundant”.
The environmental impact statement is not yet complete, but Mitchley says all the evidence to date is that the project would not affect groundwater, the big fear of locals and farmers and the stated reason for Labor’s new policy. For that he cites the chief scientist’s report, which said the risks of CSG were manageable and that the industry was no more or less risky than other extractive industries.The environmental impact statement is not yet complete, but Mitchley says all the evidence to date is that the project would not affect groundwater, the big fear of locals and farmers and the stated reason for Labor’s new policy. For that he cites the chief scientist’s report, which said the risks of CSG were manageable and that the industry was no more or less risky than other extractive industries.
As for water, Mitchley says Santos won’t be taking it from the same source that townspeople and farmers use. It will remove water – a relatively small amount, he says – from “much deeper down, a completely unconnected source”.As for water, Mitchley says Santos won’t be taking it from the same source that townspeople and farmers use. It will remove water – a relatively small amount, he says – from “much deeper down, a completely unconnected source”.
Mitchley believes in climate change, and the company has made much of its green credentials: that the greenhouse emissions from burning gas are half that of burning coal. That, like much in this debate, is ferociously contested. The argument is about how much gas – basically methane – is unintentionally leaked during the CSG process. Methane has 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and if too much is leaked, gas’s advantage over coal is lessened. Mitchley believes in climate change, and the company has made much of its green credentials: that the greenhouse emissions from burning gas are half that of burning coal. That, like much in this debate, is ferociously contested. The argument is about how much gas – basically methane – is unintentionally leaked during the CSG process. Methane has 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and if too much is leaked, gas’s advantage over coal is reduced.
Mitchley says the argument is “unbelievable” and shakes his head. “It’s one of the ironies of this current debate. Imagine for a minute a scenario where the development of gas is prohibited by green activism. There is a thirst for energy and that energy deficit is met by increased coal. What an ironic outcome. What an absolutely bizarre, twisted outcome.”Mitchley says the argument is “unbelievable” and shakes his head. “It’s one of the ironies of this current debate. Imagine for a minute a scenario where the development of gas is prohibited by green activism. There is a thirst for energy and that energy deficit is met by increased coal. What an ironic outcome. What an absolutely bizarre, twisted outcome.”
Mitcheley says what is missing in the debate in NSW is a discussion about how we balance the environmental cost of providing much-needed energy with the lifestyles most of us want to live. “We don’t have technology today at a cost we can afford where we can go magically we’re all green and renewables.”Mitcheley says what is missing in the debate in NSW is a discussion about how we balance the environmental cost of providing much-needed energy with the lifestyles most of us want to live. “We don’t have technology today at a cost we can afford where we can go magically we’re all green and renewables.”
‘We cannot afford to lose any industry’‘We cannot afford to lose any industry’
Russell Stewart , 58, boasts that he was “born in Narrabri and I will die in Narrabri”. He’s a local businessman and the president of the Narrabri chamber of commerce. He is “$100% comfortable” with the Santos CSG project and says most locals agree with him. He does volunteer that he worked for Santos as a community consultant for a time, and that the company leases some commercial properties he owns. “I’m bloody pleased they do otherwise they would have been empty otherwise.”Russell Stewart , 58, boasts that he was “born in Narrabri and I will die in Narrabri”. He’s a local businessman and the president of the Narrabri chamber of commerce. He is “$100% comfortable” with the Santos CSG project and says most locals agree with him. He does volunteer that he worked for Santos as a community consultant for a time, and that the company leases some commercial properties he owns. “I’m bloody pleased they do otherwise they would have been empty otherwise.”
“If it wasn’t for Santos and CSG at the moment, that street would be dead, I’m telling you. Look around you, we haven’t had rain in three years. [Opponents] say: ‘You’re only in it for the money’ and I say shit yeah, I want people to stay in the bush.”“If it wasn’t for Santos and CSG at the moment, that street would be dead, I’m telling you. Look around you, we haven’t had rain in three years. [Opponents] say: ‘You’re only in it for the money’ and I say shit yeah, I want people to stay in the bush.”
This is the other side of many country towns. Their populations are declining and ageing. They want jobs, and local businesses need contracts. Already, Santos spends $350,000 a year on supporting local groups, everything from the Rotary club to the men’s shed.This is the other side of many country towns. Their populations are declining and ageing. They want jobs, and local businesses need contracts. Already, Santos spends $350,000 a year on supporting local groups, everything from the Rotary club to the men’s shed.
Stewart talks of outsiders, particularly the Wilderness Society, coming to town and assuming people are opposed. There is a local group supporting the gas project and another one opposing.Stewart talks of outsiders, particularly the Wilderness Society, coming to town and assuming people are opposed. There is a local group supporting the gas project and another one opposing.
“The public feeling is that they’re sick and bloody tired of people speaking for them. The feeling is that we cannot afford to lose any industry.“The public feeling is that they’re sick and bloody tired of people speaking for them. The feeling is that we cannot afford to lose any industry.
“Have a look at country towns falling apart, why aren’t we?”“Have a look at country towns falling apart, why aren’t we?”
It is hard to tell the public mood in Narrabri. It is in the huge National-held electorate of Barwon, which makes up nearly half the state. An independent candidate, Rohan Boehm, is running largely in opposition to CSG, arguing it is just too risky “until we can be absolutely certain that there won’t be a depletion of our natural resource, our air and water quality.”It is hard to tell the public mood in Narrabri. It is in the huge National-held electorate of Barwon, which makes up nearly half the state. An independent candidate, Rohan Boehm, is running largely in opposition to CSG, arguing it is just too risky “until we can be absolutely certain that there won’t be a depletion of our natural resource, our air and water quality.”
A ReachTel poll conducted by Boehm found 87% of the electorate – broader than Narrabri, but still significant – were either very concerned or concerned about their risks to water supplies and food-growing areas from CSG mining. More then half of Nationals voters said they were very concerned.A ReachTel poll conducted by Boehm found 87% of the electorate – broader than Narrabri, but still significant – were either very concerned or concerned about their risks to water supplies and food-growing areas from CSG mining. More then half of Nationals voters said they were very concerned.
Just outside Narrabri lives grain and cattle farmer Ron Campey, aged 70. The Santos project won’t come near his farm, but he’s fighting hard against it anyway. “It’s for the next generation, it’s basically the water quality, or the damage to our water aquifers, and the escaped gases as far as health is concerned,” he says.Just outside Narrabri lives grain and cattle farmer Ron Campey, aged 70. The Santos project won’t come near his farm, but he’s fighting hard against it anyway. “It’s for the next generation, it’s basically the water quality, or the damage to our water aquifers, and the escaped gases as far as health is concerned,” he says.
As for those supporting the industry: “The town’s been bought by Santos. It’s as much money as you want to everyone in town.”As for those supporting the industry: “The town’s been bought by Santos. It’s as much money as you want to everyone in town.”
Far away in Byron Bay in the northern rivers, the mood is much more united. CSG is not wanted here. A group of 100 or so people gather at dawn on the main beach, to mark one year since the Bentley blockade victory, which people still talk about as though it were yesterday. There are children and adults, some wrapped in blankets against the chill.Far away in Byron Bay in the northern rivers, the mood is much more united. CSG is not wanted here. A group of 100 or so people gather at dawn on the main beach, to mark one year since the Bentley blockade victory, which people still talk about as though it were yesterday. There are children and adults, some wrapped in blankets against the chill.
Meg Nielsen, a farmer from Bentley who protested a year ago, grabs me for their signature song. The crowd sways as one with the music. “Let’s walk gently / on the hallowed ground of Bentley / let’s stand arm in arm / for our neighbour’s farm.”Meg Nielsen, a farmer from Bentley who protested a year ago, grabs me for their signature song. The crowd sways as one with the music. “Let’s walk gently / on the hallowed ground of Bentley / let’s stand arm in arm / for our neighbour’s farm.”
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Nielsen says the whole thing has brought the community together. “Hippies, Nimbin people, professional people, tradies, farmers, right across the community. We’ve never had so many friends in our lives,” she laughs.Nielsen says the whole thing has brought the community together. “Hippies, Nimbin people, professional people, tradies, farmers, right across the community. We’ve never had so many friends in our lives,” she laughs.
Nielsen, 66, is a National party member. A year ago, she quit her full-time job with an accountancy firm to work on this protest. On her T-shirt is printed: “Vote for a gas free Northern Rivers. Put the Nationals last.”Nielsen, 66, is a National party member. A year ago, she quit her full-time job with an accountancy firm to work on this protest. On her T-shirt is printed: “Vote for a gas free Northern Rivers. Put the Nationals last.”