The NSW Farmers Association has announced its opposition to the controversial Narrabri Gas Project, engaging senior legal counsel to mount a vigorous challenge. This decision follows growing concerns over potential risks to Australia’s vital groundwater resources, particularly the Great Artesian Basin.
Mike Guerin, the Acting CEO of NSW Farmers, highlighted the urgency of this initiative during a recent media release. He previously led a successful legal battle against the federal government and mining giant Glencore in a case concerning carbon dioxide injection into the Great Artesian Basin. “I’m getting the band back together to fight Santos’ Narrabri Gas Project,” Mr. Guerin stated.
The legal team previously engaged by NSW Farmers proved effective in a 2024 Federal Court case, where they presented evidence indicating significant risks of groundwater contamination. An independent hydrologist’s report revealed alarming levels of arsenic and lead that could threaten the purity of water supplies.
Farmers relying on the Great Artesian Basin are increasingly anxious about the implications of the Narrabri project. “The people who depend on the Great Artesian Basin for their water are living in fear that this project will go ahead and go wrong, creating tens of thousands of water refugees,” Mr. Guerin expressed. He described the potential consequences as catastrophic, with farmers possibly forced to abandon their land due to irreversible contamination.
This situation reflects a broader issue, according to Mr. Guerin. “It’s a sad reality that governments, politicians, and mining giants seem to be deaf to these genuine and real concerns about protecting this critical water source,” he said. He emphasized that the agricultural community is prepared to hold decision-makers accountable.
In light of these developments, the NSW Farmers Association aims to safeguard the interests of those who depend on clean water for their livelihoods. Mr. Guerin firmly believes that the risks associated with the Narrabri Gas Project are too significant to ignore. “We are actively exploring the best way to defend Australia’s precious groundwater from mining giants,” he asserted.
As the legal challenge progresses, the NSW Farmers Association is determined to advocate for environmental protection and the welfare of farming communities. The outcome of this initiative could have substantial implications for agricultural practices and water management across the region.
With the stakes high, the association continues to rally support within the farming community and beyond, aiming to ensure that vital natural resources are preserved for future generations.
