Several years in the making, fossil fuel extraction company Santos released their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Narrabri Gas Project on February 21 with hard and digital copies being made available for the public view.
With an initial 60 day review period, which was extended to 90 days, most community members were shocked to see that the document, which spreads out over about 7,000 pages, does not address what many feel are the pertinent issues surrounding the project. The general consensus is that there are glaring inaccuracies within the document.
The EIS is the last opportunity for the public to respond before Santos attempts to get their project approved. Thousands of people from across north-west NSW and across the country are determined to see the proposed gas fields shut down and to this end have commissioned award winning activist filmmakers Cloudcatcher Media to create a series of clips as part of the response to the EIS.
Cloudcatcher Media are also releasing a series of internet memes in the lead up to the submission deadline featuring Indigenous elders, landholders and residents as well as experts on the subjects of land, air and water pollution, economics and law.
The first film, Make Your Voice Count: respond to the Santos Narrabri EIS, hopes to encourage everyone to have a say and respond to the EIS by making an official submission.
The second film, to be released before the submission closing date on May 22, will present more in-depth information about the shortfalls of the project and the hazards associated with the unconventional gas mining industry in general.
The films are free to view and will be available on social media platforms including Facebook and YouTube, and DVDs will be available on request.
For more information visit: www.csgfreenorthwest.org.au.
It’s been awesome working with David and Eve on this historical account of community strength and determination. They have exposed the depth of love and respect we have for our country and shown we are united in our goal to protect the presciousness of what she provides. Mother Nature, you are our hero!