Letter of the Week: Nats sink to new relevance low

The most dramatic example is that of Santos's Narrabri Gas Project, with the leader of the NSW Nationals and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner trumpeting the government's support for the company's activities by way of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to "fast track" the establishment of 850 coal seam gas (CSG) wells in the Pilliga Forest.

This is a savage blow to the people of the North West.

Without consultation our elected representatives have aligned themselves not with their constituents but with Santos, citing trivial town benefits and job numbers that have been rubbery to say the least.

The price of these so-called benefits is the risk of irreversible contamination of underground water reserves and the Great Artesian Basin.

Our farmers are continually told they are uniquely placed to supply food and fibre into Asia, but how are the farmers of the North West expected to do that if they are left without clean water?

If ever there was an issue that a truly rural political party could rise to and support those who are to be directly affected, then this is it.

Instead we are brushed aside and told that regulations are in place and the government has full confidence in Santos, allowing the mining giant to help itself to as much water as it needs and to flatten as much forest as it likes.

For those of us who have been watching Santos, we don't share the NSW government's opinion and the recent exposure of a contaminated aquifer ("CSG leak spoils aquifer", The Land, March 13, p5) that had been quietly hidden for 12 months only adds to our resolve that this company cannot be trusted.

The Nationals must grow a backbone and stand up to their Liberal Party masters, and stand up for the people and the environment of the North West.

MARK ROBINSON,

"Nyleve",

Coonamble.