Native Title tribunal backs Santos’ $3.6bn Narrabri gas project despite cultural concerns

A tribunal ruling has found Santos’ proposed Narrabri gas development in northern NSW is in the national interest, but the project now faces further political and regulatory hurdles.

Protestors at Santos headquarters in Adelaide. Picture: Matt Turner

Santos’ $3.6bn Narrabri Gas Project has cleared a key regulatory hurdle after the National Native Title Tribunal ruled in favour of granting land leases to the energy giant, despite opposition from traditional owners and environmental groups.

The tribunal concluded the proposed development in northern NSW was in the national interest, citing the urgent need for additional gas supply on the east coast.

“The panel has found the project offers a net public benefit, particularly where conditions are imposed to address the environmental and social impacts,” the ruling read.

The ruling marks a major step forward for Santos, which first secured conditional native title consent in 2022 for the development of up to 850 gas wells.

That decision was quickly appealed by Gomeroi traditional owners, who have strongly opposed the project on the grounds that it threatens sites of deep cultural and spiritual significance.

While the tribunal’s latest ruling gives the project new momentum, Santos still faces a number of regulatory and political hurdles. Approvals are still required for related infrastructure, and the company must navigate ongoing resistance from Indigenous groups and environmental activists.

The Narrabri project has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over gas supply and energy security.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has warned that the east coast could face gas shortfalls by 2029 unless new sources are brought online. Narrabri could meet up to half of New South Wales’ gas needs, according to Santos, which has committed to reserving all production from the field for the domestic market.

The decision also puts pressure on both the federal and New South Wales Labor governments, which have faced criticism for delays in approving new gas projects even as the energy crunch looms.

In a statement following the tribunal’s decision, Santos said it was committed to working closely with the Gomeroi people and broader community stakeholders.

“Like all communities, there are a range of views about the Narrabri Gas Project across the roughly 13,000 individuals who identify as Gomeroi in NSW,” the company said.

“Santos will continue to engage constructively and work closely with the Gomeroi people to ensure their heritage is protected and they benefit from the project development through training, employment, and involvement in cultural heritage protection and management.”

The project remains politically and socially contentious, but the Tribunal’s ruling marks a significant milestone as Santos pushes ahead with one of the most high-profile gas developments in the country.

Originally published as Native Title tribunal backs Santos’ $3.6bn Narrabri gas project despite cultural concerns