- Australia’s Native Title Tribunal approved Santos’ A$3.6 billion Narrabri gas project, citing public benefit over environmental and cultural concerns.
- Santos must supply gas domestically and meet added safeguards; it expects to decide on final investment by year-end.
Santos has secured approval to proceed with its A$3.6 billion (US$2.32 billion) Narrabri gas project in New South Wales after Australia’s National Native Title Tribunal ruled that energy security benefits outweighed climate and Indigenous heritage concerns.
The decision marks a major development in a legal battle that has lasted over a decade. The project, which involves drilling up to 850 coal-seam gas wells in an area overlapping the culturally significant Pilliga forest, faced strong opposition from the Gomeroi people. They argued that the project would accelerate climate change and threaten their traditional lands and way of life.
In its judgment, the tribunal acknowledged the project’s emissions would cause “serious detriment” to the climate. Still, it concluded that the public interest in domestic energy supply, including for the Gomeroi people, justified proceeding. The tribunal stated, “The project offers a net public benefit.”
Santos received tribunal approval in 2022, but the Federal Court overturned the ruling in 2024, ordering further consideration of the Gomeroi’s environmental objections. However, the latest ruling allows leases to be granted, with conditions: gas must be used solely for domestic supply, and Santos must meet additional cultural and environmental protections.
Santos welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step forward.” The company said Narrabri gas would provide lower-cost energy to New South Wales consumers than imported gas, supporting manufacturers, power generators, and households.
Santos still requires planning approval for a pipeline linking the project to Australia’s east coast and aims to reach a final investment decision later this year. The company pledged to continue engaging with the Gomeroi people to protect heritage sites and ensure community benefits.
NTSCorp, representing the Gomeroi traditional owners, did not comment on the ruling.