Our Fossil Fuel Team’s focus is on projects in the planning system, where they are up to and what we can do to stop them and hold both federal and state government to account for approvals.
Gas
Nannas are clear that gas is a fossil fuel that needs to be phased out, not expanded. Climate science tells us that gas is a powerful greenhouse gas and when measured over a 20 year period it is around 85 times more dangerous to the climate than CO2. We have a lot less time than 20 years to make deep cuts to emissions, so gas cannot be the international transition fuel touted by governments and the gas industry.
We do not believe that new gas mines are necessary to meet any short-term domestic shortages that arise in the next few years. As one of the largest exporters of gas Australia needs to control its resources and protect our water, land and climate.
Santos’ coal seam gas (CSG) plans for north-west NSW include:
Pilliga Narrabri Gas Project – Santos gained approval (with conditions) from by both state and federal government in 2020 to drill 850 coal seam gas wells in the Pilliga Forest and surrounding farmland near Narrabri.
The Gomeroi people appealed a decision by the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) to allow Santos to go ahead with the project without their consent. The Court ordered the case be sent back to the NNTT for a decision. A decision is expected in March 2025.
Hunter Gas Pipeline – Construction of gas infrastructure cannot commence until a pipeline is approved to transport gas to the east coast. In 2022 Santos acquired the 413km Hunter Gas Pipeline (HGP), approved 15 years ago but never built. The route passes through the prime agricultural land of the Liverpool Plains where Santos plans to expand their operation. Farms along the proposed route produce cattle, grains, vegetables and fruit (some organic). Most landholders have refused Santos access to their property for pipeline surveys.
Pilliga Lateral Pipeline– If approved the Narrabri gas lateral pipeline project would link the Narrabri Gas Project and the Hunter Gas Pipeline. Over 90 hectares of the Pilliga Forest would be cleared for a 30 metre x 30 kilometre easement with turnaround points and construction of hard surfaced areas for materials.
The Environmental Impact Statement was released in November 26 and submissions closed 18 December. Santos has to now respond to submissions.
Energy Minister Penny Sharpe extended Authorities to Survey (ATS) for both of these pipelines for a period of 18 months from 20 September 2024. Santos said they expected to make a final investment decision in 2025, but they have been saying that for over 10 years.
The project could face competition from the newly-completed Port Kembla import terminal. The terminal has the capacity to supply 500TJ of gas per day – enough to meet all of NSW’s gas needs on a peak day, or half of Victoria’s peak day demand.
Northern Territory & WA Gas – Sydney Nannas protest against fracking the Beetaloo, Barossa offshore gas and the government’s support for Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct in Darwin – a major manufacturing hub for gas, petrochemicals, hydrogen and minerals. These projects are likely to be the first of many proposed huge new gas projects in the NT and WA.
In WA Woodside has gained state and federal approval for its North West Shelf extension for 50 years.
Coal
Sydney Nannas work with other groups to stop coal mines being approved in the Hunter, North West NSW and the Illawarra. Lock the Gate, Move Beyond Coal, 350.org.au and Market Forces organise lots of actions and events in Sydney targeting Minns government MPs, company AGMs, and banks that continue to finance coal and gas projects.