Hospitals, schools, houses above planned gas drilling sites

GAS will be mined from directly underneath Campbelltown Hospital under plans being considered for approval by the state government.

By InvestSMART · 30 Dec 2012

By InvestSMART ·
30 Dec 2012

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GAS will be mined from directly underneath Campbelltown Hospital under plans being considered for approval by the state government.

The mayor of Campbelltown, Sue Dobson, said people would "stand and fight" a proposal by gas company AGL to extract coal seam gas from underneath key infrastructure and thousands of homes. Opponents to coal seam gas say drilling leads to the environmental hazard of gases escaping to the surface and polluting water courses. The gas industry says the process is proven and safe.

According to AGL's submissions report, the desired gasfield feeding 66 new wells includes the central business district of Campbelltown, including both the public and private hospitals.

The Campbelltown campus of the University of Western Sydney would also be affected by the "horizontal drilling" planned by AGL. Schools would also be in the path of the drilling 700 metres below the surface, as would the Macarthur Square shopping centre and the M5 motorway.

AGL insists the process is safe but Ms Dobson said locals were unconvinced. "It's not on to mine under our homes and under our hospital. It's outrageous," she said.

John Fraser, 61, who lives in Eschol Park close to one of the proposed wells, said he was concerned about the expected nine months of non-stop drilling. "I'm worried about the byproducts of the mining, how it might damage the water system, devalue our house and cause health issues," he said.

An AGL spokeswoman said underground extraction posed no danger to surface infrastructure and community health.

"AGL has consistently consulted with the community about the proposed northern expansion of the Camden Gas Project, in line with NSW legislation and regulations for well over three years," she said.

"It is possible that horizontal drilling could take place under populated areas however it is worth noting that ... horizontal wells do not cause any impact on surface infrastructure above."

The Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham said extracting coal seam gas from underneath built-up areas was "completely inappropriate", claiming evidence from Queensland's industry that gas escapes to the surface, posing an environmental risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What exactly is AGL proposing in Campbelltown and the Camden Gas Project expansion?

AGL has proposed a northern expansion of the Camden Gas Project that would use horizontal drilling to extract coal seam gas from about 700 metres below parts of Campbelltown. The company’s submissions describe a gasfield feeding roughly 66 new wells that would pass under areas including the CBD, public and private hospitals, the University of Western Sydney campus, nearby schools, Macarthur Square shopping centre and the M5 motorway.

How deep are the planned wells and how many new wells does AGL want to drill?

According to AGL’s submission referenced in the article, the planned drilling would extend to roughly 700 metres below the surface and the proposed expansion would feed around 66 new wells using horizontal drilling techniques.

What safety and environmental concerns are local residents and politicians raising about coal seam gas drilling?

Local residents and leaders cited in the article worry about gases escaping to the surface, pollution of water courses, damage to the water system, potential health issues, and possible devaluation of homes. Community figures like Campbelltown’s mayor and a Greens MP described drilling under homes and hospitals as unacceptable and pointed to evidence from other states that gas can escape and pose environmental risks.

What is AGL’s response to concerns about safety and impacts on surface infrastructure?

AGL says underground extraction is proven and safe, that horizontal wells do not impact surface infrastructure or community health, and that it has consistently consulted with the community in line with NSW legislation and regulations for well over three years.

Could horizontal drilling under hospitals, schools and motorways actually damage those surface facilities?

The article reports conflicting views: AGL maintains horizontal wells do not cause impacts on surface infrastructure, while opponents and some politicians remain unconvinced and cite examples where gas has escaped elsewhere. The article does not provide independent technical proof either way, only these competing claims.

What short‑term disruption should nearby residents expect during drilling?

A local resident quoted in the article said they expected about nine months of non‑stop drilling near one proposed well and expressed concerns about noise, byproducts and broader community impacts. AGL’s submission and timeline details beyond that resident’s comment are not provided in the article.

How might the proposal affect local property values and community sentiment?

Community members in the article expressed worry that drilling could devalue houses and raise health and environmental concerns, generating strong local opposition. The article reports sentiment and concerns but does not include data quantifying any actual change to property values.

What approvals and actions should investors and the community watch next regarding the Campbelltown gas plans?

The article says the state government is considering approval of AGL’s proposals. Investors and local residents should watch the NSW approval process, any further company submissions or community consultations, and public responses from local politicians and interest groups, since these factors will influence whether the project moves forward.