Santos will ‘vigorously’ defend environmental claims over Barossa gas pipeline plans

Tiwi Islands traditional owners are asking for an “urgent injunction” in federal court to stop work on Santos’ $3.5bn Barossa gas pipeline project.

Artists impression of the proposed Barossa gas pipeline project off the coast of Darwin.

Santos say they will “vigorously” defend allegations made by a Tiwi Islands traditional owner against their $5.3bn gas pipeline project in the Federal Court, denying they failed to properly assess the risks to cultural heritage if construction goes ahead.

Work on the 262km underwater Barossa pipeline off the coast of Darwin could be paused amid the fresh case, but the oil and gas producer asserted its plans were accepted by the offshore renewables regulator in March 2020.

“Santos rejects the allegations in the application that there are significant environmental impacts or risks in relation to submerged Tiwi cultural heritage,” a statement to the ASX read.

“We will vigorously defend Federal Court proceedings commenced by the Environmental Defenders Office on behalf of Mr Simon Munkara.

“In the event any injunction is granted, Santos will need to assess any impact on the schedule and cost of the Barossa Gas Project and will update the market accordingly.”

Mr Munkura, represented by the Environmental Defenders Office, is asking the court for an “urgent injunction” on the project while his case is heard.

“We are going to court because we can’t let Santos build a pipeline through our Songlines and our ancestor’s burial grounds. I don’t want it to be destroyed,” he said.

“Santos doesn’t want to hear this story, so we are going to court. My Country, both the land and sea, it’s everything to me and my kids.”

Mr Munkura will argue the environment plan submitted by Santos to offshore regulator NOPSEMA did not assess the risk of the project to underwater cultural heritage.

As well, it was approved before another landmark case — brought by Tiwi Island traditional owner Dennis Tipakalippa — that established the rights of traditional owners in relation to the Barossa gas field project last year.

Mr Tipakalippa sued the national environmental watchdog for approving the offshore drilling plans, and successfully argued Santos did not properly consult with the Munupi Clan as a “relevant person” given its spiritual connection to sea country rights.

The Barossa gas field, 300km north of Darwin, is being developed as a source of gas to keep Santos’ Darwin LNG plant running.

The pipeline will run from the Barossa gas field 262 km offshore along a narrow underwater corridor on top of the sea floor in water depths ranging from 33 to 254 metres.

But Tiwi traditional owners say reports from independent experts found the pipe would damage Sea Country, dreaming tracks, songlines and areas of cultural significance.