Decision on $3.6bn Narrabri coal seam gas development delayed after late submission from Santos

Public comments on the project reopened after oil and gas company claimed economic benefits would be greater than thought

A decision on a controversial coal seam gas development at Narrabri, in north-west New South Wales, has been delayed after the company behind it lodged a last-minute submission suggesting it will have greater economic benefits than previously claimed.

The state independent planning commission announced on Friday it would reopen public comments on the $3.6bn project, proposed by the oil and gas company Santos, and push back a decision by four weeks, until 30 September.