Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher has foreshadowed ongoing activism affecting its Barossa project and resource ventures more broadly after announcing a fund linked to the project that will disburse at least $110 million to Aboriginal communities over its life.

The oil and gas producer will invest up to $10 million through the development phase in coastal Aboriginal communities, including the Tiwi Islands, home to traditional owners who unsuccessfully brought legal action to block a gas pipeline for the project.