Narrabri gas project: environment group says new groundwater evidence not considered

The NSW independent planning commission says Lock the Gate's evidence arrived too late to meet its strict approval timeframe

Evidence suggesting the proposed Narrabri coal seam gas development could have a greater impact on groundwater than previously believed has not been considered by authorities due to a strict approval timeframe imposed by the New South Wales government, activists say.

The state's independent planning commission is due to announce on Wednesday its decision on the controversial gas project in northern NSW following a 16-week assessment period in which opponents have raised concerns about implied political pressure on the commission to approve the development.