Narrabri Gas Project would make land 'uninsurable' Planning Commission hears

A farmer speaking at the hearings on Tuesday said it means the insurance industry considers the Narrabri Gas Project too risky.

A series of local farmers' groups opposing the 850-well project fronted the Commission to denounce the $3.6 billion scheme during the second day of public hearings on Tuesday.

David Quince, who represents the Mullaley Gas and Pipeline Accord, repeated many of the criticisms aired on the first day of hearings.

Mr Quince, who says he represents 100 locals, said the project would exacerbate climate change, would risk water contamination and does not have social licence.

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"Landholders with CSG infrastructure on their land cannot obtain public liability insurance suggesting that the risk has not been reduced to an acceptable level for insurers," he said.

"Insurers are expert assessors of risk and likely damage.

"Their business success depends on the accuracy of their assessments.

"The fact that it is not possible for a landholder in this situation to obtain public liability insurance must be seen as a red flag."

On Monday the first of 404 speakers on the scheme spoke on the project, with many in favor of the scheme.

President of the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Russell Stewart said local business is strongly in favor of the scheme.

And Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher, speaking in favour of the project, said the company had used the best science to mitigate any threat to ground water.

He said the project would mean better roads, an upgraded airport and a country university centre among other economic benefits, plus would help fund up a $120 million community benefit fund.

But on Tuesday many in opposition had their turn.

They cited years of personal research, community campaigning and what they said was personal stress caused by the project.

Gomeroi Traditional Custodians Maria Cutmore, one of the first speakers on Tuesday, compared the project to massacres of Aboriginal Australians during colonisation.

"My people have been suffering and we can't suffer no more," she told the IPC through tears.

"How much more do we have to put up with in our country? You can't destroy the water on us.

"We've had this done to us over and over for 250 years.

"It started with the massacres, it started with the bushfires, the destruction of our country.

"We want to be able to live and enjoy life in our country. We can't have this any more."