Santos returning to Tiwi Islands in February for further talks on Barossa gas

After the Federal Court rejected Santos’ Barossa gas project, the global energy giant is now doing what the court’s ruling said it should have done from the outset. Find out when.

Energy giant Santos will hold three consecutive days of consultation meetings on the Tiwi Islands next month.

The global oil and gas producer will be on the Tiwis from February 6 speaking with stakeholders from Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi.

It follows a successful legal challenge by Tiwi Island senior lawman Dennis Tipakalippa to the company’s $5bn Timor Sea Barossa gas project.

Work on the project stopped following a September Federal Court decision that Santos failed to adequately consult with local Indigenous people on the development.

Mr Tipakalippa challenged petroleum regulator the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority decision to allow Santos to drill wells about 260km north-west of Darwin and about 140km north of the Tiwi Islands.

Dennis Tipakalippa Tiwi Senior Lawman gives a thumbs up. Picture: Environmental Defender’s Office

The company appealed Justice Mordy Bromberg’s judgement but declined taking further legal action when the Federal Court upheld the decision on appeal in December.

Santos wants to develop the Barossa gas field and link it by pipeline to the Darwin LNG plant.

The company believes the project has the potential to create multiple Territory jobs and inject significant royalty dollars into the NT economy.

A Santos spokesperson said the company is serious about consultation.

“We’re committed to building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with the communities where we operate,” Santos said.

ConocoPhillips old Darwin LNG plant. Picture: Supplied

“As part of the Barossa gas development project, we have worked with the Tiwi Land Council to schedule three community sessions for the Tiwi Islands in early February where the community are invited to attend to learn more about the project and upcoming plans, ask questions, and tell us how they want to be consulted on the project as it progresses.

“Feedback is important to us. Santos wants to build strong, positive and productive relationships with Traditional Owners and communities of the Tiwi Islands, and we respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and culture. We are committed to carefully assessing all the feedback from the community sessions and consider it going forward.

“The Barossa Gas Development Project has the potential to create and sustain hundreds of jobs in the Northern Territory and inject significant money into the local economy, through the purchase of local goods and services during both construction and operations.”

Following the rejection of the appeal, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said she would direct NOPSEMA to provide improved guidance to the petroleum and gas industry on consultation requirements.

Federal Resources and North Australia Minister Madeleine King: Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“The Federal Court decision has provided directions on what is expected in relation to consulting Traditional Owner groups. The Government will work with NOPSEMA to ensure that robust consultation requirements are clearly communicated to industry,” Minister King said.

She said it was the government’s “clear expectation” that industry make genuine and rigorous efforts to consult with First Nations peoples as part of the regulatory approvals process and in accordance with law.

“I will also ask the NOPSEMA advisory board to advise government on further steps, if any, that the regulator or government should take to clarify consultation expectations,” Minister King said.

Tiwi Islands Land Council has been contacted for comment.

Santos will be at Milikapiti Sport and Recreation Centre at 10.30am February 6, Pirlangimpi Club at 10.30am February 7 and Mantiyupwi Motel meeting room 10.30am February 8.