Protecting water from coal seam gas infrastructure
The Narrabri Pipeline challenge
This case has now concluded.
In northwestern New South Wales, a new gas pipeline could threaten the water that farming communities rely on.
The proposed Narrabri Lateral Pipeline would cut through rich agricultural lands and Gomeroi Country, transporting gas from Santos’ controversial 850-well coal seam gas project in the Pilliga Forest.
The federal minister decided not to apply key legal water protections to this pipeline.
That’s why the Mullaley Gas & Pipeline Accord (MGPA) – a community group based in the Namoi region of northwestern NSW – is going to court.
Represented by EJA lawyers, MGPA has just filed a case in the Federal Court, challenging the government’s failure to apply the “water trigger” under national environment laws.
“This pipeline would cut through productive farmland and risks damaging rivers, aquifers and the Great Artesian Basin.Every decision that could put water at risk should be subject to full scrutiny – and we say that hasn’t happened here.”
— MGPA spokesperson Noni Wells.
The water trigger is a legal safeguard. It ensures any coal seam gas project likely to significantly affect water must face additional scrutiny under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
However, the Minister decided the pipeline wasn’t “integral” to the gas extraction – and left the water impacts unassessed.
“The Narrabri pipeline is critical to transporting gas directly from the Narrabri Gas Project. Our client argues the pipeline's risks to water haven’t been properly assessed.”
— Environmental Justice Australia senior specialist lawyer Charley Brumby-Rendell
Without the pipeline, Santos’ gas project cannot go ahead. MGPA argues the pipeline is integral – and should have triggered the law designed to protect vital water resources.
“This is about making sure our national laws work as intended, and that communities like ours are protected from poorly assessed fossil fuel developments,” says MGPA spokesperson Noni Wells.
We’re proud to represent the Mullaley Gas & Pipeline Accord in their important fight.
We’ll keep you updated as the case progresses.
