NSW MLC Greens environment spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has questioned recent comments by Environment Minister Matt Kean in parliament.

Ms Faehrmann said in a statement that recent comments from the Environment Minister Matt Kean ‘supporting Santos’ gas project in the environmentally sensitive Pilliga Forest near Narrabri will alarm environment groups and the local community.’

“The Minister for the Environment expressed his support for the controversial Pilliga CSG project on Friday during Budget Estimates” said Ms Faehrmann.

“It was shocking to hear the Environment Minister express his hopes that Santos will get the go-ahead to develop the largest CSG operation in NSW history right in the middle of the precious Pilliga Forest,” said Ms Faehrmann.

“The Pilliga is the only major surviving forest in inland NSW and the largest temperate forest left in Eastern Australia.

“It is a critical wildlife refuge home to 900 native plant species, 240 bird species and more than 100 animal species.

“This project does not have a social licence and has been rejected by the community time and time again.

“The Environment Minister needs to commit to protecting the Pilliga,” said Ms Faehrmann.

Ms Faehrmann included a
transcript from the Budget Estimates in her statement:

Mr Matt Kean: “Renewable energy is fantastic and the technology is evolving very quickly.

“However, it needs to be firmed up so other technologies are needed to support that.

“The best technology available to support and firm up renewable energy is, at this stage, gas—it can quickly come on and come off when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. In order to achieve that objective, we need to open up new access to gas reserves in New South Wales. Currently, a major project is in the pipeline in the planning system up in the Narrabri area and that is going through the normal planning assessment process. If that project comes online, it will provide the support necessary to ensure that renewables are viable in meeting the Government’s objectives around reliability and affordability.”

“I obviously am keen to see more gas supply coming into NSW.

“ That is one project that will deliver on that objective. That project is currently being assessed through the independent planning process, and is entirely appropriate. I will wait until the outcome of that independent assessment occurs. As you know, as the Minister for Energy and Environment, I do not have the ability to make a decision with regard to that project, but would I like to see more gas supply coming in? Absolutely.”

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