ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the background to coal seam gas (CSG) exploration in The Pilliga, then focuses on the current dispute surrounding Santos's Narrabri Gas Project. The assessment process for CSG exploration, as distinct from production has been at the centre of the conflict to date. The assessment process provides another angle from which to consider aspects of justice in land use decision making. In 2014, with its expanded exploration and appraisal program approved and underway, Santos had lodged a Preliminary Environmental Assessment for the full Narrabri Gas Project to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in order to obtain the SEAR necessary to prepare an EIS. Santos conducted a range of outreach activities to communicate with the public about its planned exploration activities and the foreshadowed Narrabri Gas Project, including community open days. They also established a Community Consultative Committee (CCC), which met monthly.
