Anti-coal seam gas groups say they will focus their efforts on the Pilliga near Narrabri in north-west NSW following AGL’s announcement it will relinquish its coal seam gas licences near Gloucester.
Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski described the Gloucester decision as a victory, but was quick to draw attention to the Pilliga project.
“Santos must be aware the movement will now turn its full attention to ending the threat posed by CSG to the Pilliga, the largest woodland left in NSW, where Santos plans to drill more than 850 wells,” she said.
That sentiment was backed up by the Wilderness Society’s Naomi Hodgson, who said protestors at the Pilliga site were celebrating when the news broke.
“We’re extremely jubilant that the community of Gloucester has been successful. I think the community across NSW will be empowered by this success and we’ll come together over this last remaining coal seam gas threat in the state,” she said.
Santos is still planning to submit an application for an 850-well gas field in the Pilliga region, and environment groups are determined to oppose those plans.