Narrabri council responds to Santos gas project EIS

Narrabri Shire Council wants Santos to create a gas industry pathway for high school students, if its coal seam gas development gets the green light.

The request is part of council’s response to the company’s 7000-page Environmental Impact Statement.

Council wants to see a “local skills package” aimed at preparing school leavers for “employment in the local energy sector”.

The organisation also wants Santos to develop an Indigenous Employment Agreement, to ensure the local Aboriginal community benefits from the gas project.

Council said while Indigenous involvement in labour was discussed, it was not done in enough detail and the company failed to provide “sufficient measurable commitment to Indigenous employment”.

“Council is particularly committed to improved outcomes for the local Indigenous community,” the report said.

“In this regard an Aboriginal Employment Agreement committing to specific targets for Indigenous employment is required.”

In its response, council also raised issue with the lack of community consultation regarding the project’s social and health impacts.

“The assessment appears to have been predominantly desk-top based and there is a need for further qualitative field work that facilitates a community discussion,” the report stated.

There was also concerned regarding Santos’ “dismissive” attitude towards the impact the project’s 1300 construction workers would have on local medical and health services.

Council says that such a large workforce will have impacts on vital medical service for existing residents and recommended the company look deeper into the issue.

There are also a number of traffic concerns. Council wants Santos to clarify when it will upgrade the Newell Highway intersection near its Leewood facility.

“[Council wants] to ensure it occurs before any significant construction works commence in relation to the project,” the report stated.

It also wants the government to confirm the company will have to enter into a Road Maintenance Agreement to get approval.

The agreement would see Santos covered the increased cost of rural road maintenance, which is expect as a result of the project.