GROUPS opposed to the Santos Narrabri Gas Project yesterday said the fight to stop it was far from over as they were left smarting by the project's conditional approval by the Independent Planning Commission.
Some have predicted "severe and savage" opposition will greet workers when they begin work on the gas field.
The project has 134 conditions attached.
Santos yesterday welcomed the decision.
The APA Group, which is looking to construct the western Slopes pipeline, also welcomed the IPC decision.
Another pipeline construction company, Jemena, has also proposed to extend its 797-kilometre Eastern Gas Pipeline by 185km.
The company plans to move gas bi-directionally between NSW and Victoria through the pipeline, extending it from Sydney's Horsley Park to the Hunter Valley.
Coonamble's David Chadwick, who has been heavily involved in a campaign to stop the project, said the approval was unbelievably disappointing.
"This is a disgraceful blight on our generation, and particularly our political leadership, that we choose to ignore the environment for a sunset industry," he said.
"Against overwhelming opposition, the National and Liberal parties have betrayed not only rural communities, but future generations.
"What promises have been made to the gas industry by conservative parties that they would side with it in total contempt of those they are meant to represent?"
Mr Chadwick was dismissive too of the conditional approval, suggesting agencies such as the Environment Protection Agency were already under resourced and stood little chance of policing them.
The Greens' Cate Faehrmann echoed Mr Chadwick: "The campaign against the project will continue. We should be fast tracking renewables, but instead are pouring billions into an outdated technology."
"We risk becoming a fossil fuel pariah."
The Country Women's Association of NSW expressed disillusionment at the decision, saying approval "doesn't stack up".
Conditions applied by the IPC to the project's approval include:
- Construction of wells cannot begin until planning permission for a transmission pipeline is obtained;
- No hydraulic fracturing [fracking] permitted;
- Any greenhouse gas emissions in excess of the projected amount will have to be offset by Santos at its expense;
- Dark-skies provisions to protect Siding Springs Observatory.
Have you signed up for The Land morning briefing? You can register free below. Each weekday morning you'll receive the latest in NSW agriculture.
