Sydney Gas to start drilling near Wollombi and Paynes Crossing
Date: 01-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
At the May Wollombi Valley Progress Association meeting yesterday, it was mentioned that Sydney Gas are going to start exploratory drilling near Wollombi - with preparatory work commencing THIS WEEK.
I have now spoken to the Land and Community Officer, Hunter - Colin Stace (0448 453 310 - colin.stace@sydneygas.com and he is not concerned at all that this work will commence before any public consultation with the community has occurred.
He said that the work had been moved up and that he only learned of it on Friday (though it seemed to get into The Advertiser before this) and that the whole process IS transparent.
He also said that there was no ongoing issue in the Broke Bulga region with the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) working very effectively. A look at the The Hunter Bulga Gas Action Group website doesn't really back that statement up.
He also said that the drilling would only last six weeks and that would be "it". I asked why you would do exploratory drilling if you didn't plan to mine if that exploration had a positive result, and his answer was less than convincing, that of course the aim was to find sufficient gas to mine and then it wouldn't be "it" at all.
He then said that the actual plant that would eventually be in place if the exploration was successful was a very low profile and barely visible plant, but there was no mention of how the gas gets to anywhere past the rig at that point... obviously a pipeline would have to be built. I assume that happens by magic with absolutely no environmental impact?
He also mentioned that an Aboriginal Heritage study and a study on the environmental impact had already been done. Really? I'll be very interested in reading those, no doubt, comprehensive reports this Saturday (as I can't open the files mentioned below)!
I am very concerned about the effect on the Brook and the water table but I guess we'll find out their spin on this at the meeting.
I have gathered some links that may be of interest (they open in new windows).
- The Hunter Bulga Gas Action Group
- Sydney Gas Exploration News December 2007 (176KB PDF)
- Sydney Gas Homepage
- Sydney Gas - Exploration - Drilling
- Appendix A - Site Map M161224 - Wollombi 01 A4P
- Appendix A - Site Map M161225 - Paynes Crossing 01 A4P
- Appendix E-Soil and Water Management Plan- PC01 (Paynes Crossing - won't open for me)
- Appendix E-Soil and Water Management Plan- WB01 (Wollombi - won't open for me)
- Questions from George Souris in NSW Parliament
- See another two specific local documents below
There is also a huge map on their website (over 30MB) so I have squashed it down to a reasonable size.
Comments (5)
Posted: 01-Jun-08 16:38 by Francisca Maul Permalink
It seems it is a done deal, when they approach a landholder and he agrees, it basically goes ahead.
The land-owner benefits to the tune of a driveway, $60,000 and a new bridge and $5,000 per year.
Those people do not care about this valley, just their pockets.
Posted: 01-Jun-08 19:19 by Richard Gulley Permalink
Peter. Is this the same mob who were monstering around Yarramolong a few years ago and got chased out?
Posted: 01-Jun-08 19:23 by Robert Padgett Permalink
Thanks for the heads up. The Paynes Crossing location is pretty close to home!
Sadly, I cannot be there for the meeting on the 7th. Any plan to circulate minutes?
Cheers
Rob Padgett
Lot 102 Bagnals Creek Road
Paynes Crossing
Posted: 01-Jun-08 19:58 by Peter Firminger Permalink
@Richard - Probably, there was some action around Wyong according to the Action Group website.
@Robert - I'll certainly take notes and post them here. My guess is that it'll be pretty fast moving so real minutes may be a stretch
Posted: 01-Jun-08 22:09 by john hannemann Permalink
The ill winds are blowing a gale in the Wollombi so hang onto your hats. In answer to your question Richard Gulley, YES it is the some mob who got the boot out of the Yarramolong Valley. If you think Paynes Crossing is a bit close to home, the next exploration drilling rig will most likely be opposite MULLA VILLA.
In answer another question YES the Bulga Action Group is alive and still kicking. This is yet another threat to our life style and to the wellbeing of the enviroment. Be VERY VERY CAREFULL.
A polluted Wollombi Brook is not a very pleasant thought.
John Hannemann Paynes Crossing
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