Narrabri Gas Project Must Be Stopped
The controversial Santos Narrabri Gas Project in NSW must be stopped because of the greenhouse gases it will emit, contributing to dangerous climate change.
Climate Councillor Professor Will Steffen and Climate Councillor Greg Mullins - a former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner - will today give evidence to the NSW Independent Planning Commission about the proposed project.
"The fossil fuel industry cannot continue to expand. Allowing any new gas development is fundamentally at odds with protecting Australians from the impacts of climate change," said Professor Will Steffen.
"The Narrabri gas project would contribute to climate change, which is making bushfires worse. It is unthinkable that more fossil fuel projects would be approved following the catastrophic summer fires," said Climate Councillor Greg Mullins.
"The Pilliga in northwest NSW is becoming increasingly flammable and subject to extreme fire weather. Gas flares and general mining activities introduce many new potential ignition sources which is irresponsible," said Mr Mullins.
"Australia doesn't need any new gas infrastructure," said Professor Steffen.
"Instead, we must hasten the transition to renewable energy. Australia is the sunniest and one of the windiest countries in the world with the potential to be a renewables powerhouse," said Professor Steffen.
The Climate Council and economic modelling firm AlphaBeta have recently produced the Clean Jobs Plan which finds 15,000 jobs could be created in renewable energy in the short term.
