The IPC’s 134 conditions of approval are a huge hurdle for Santos. Some, including the disposal of 840,000 tonnes of salt waste, have to be solved before Phase 1 of the project can start.

• Phase 1 – Drilling up to 25 wells for ongoing appraisal will enable the company to make a final investment decision
• Phase 2 – Construction of production wells and related infrastructure can only commence when a pipeline is approved linking the project to the domestic gas network
• Phase 3 – Gas production can only begin when a pipeline is commissioned

The two pipelines proposed to transport gas out of the North West – APA’s Western Slopes pipeline and the Hunter Gas Pipeline are strongly opposed by the landholders. Both pipeline routes have not been surveyed. Local opposition has made this very difficult in the past.

For more information see

North West Alliance

North West Protection Advocacy