Santos Ltd has taken a major step forward in its push to unlock new gas supplies from northwestern New South Wales, following a favourable ruling this week by the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). The decision once again greenlights the company’s $3.6 billion Narrabri Gas Project, dismissing longstanding objections from the Gomeroi People.
The ruling comes after the Federal Court remitted the case to the NNTT, finding the tribunal had failed to adequately weigh environmental and public interest evidence when it originally backed Santos in 2022.
After a fresh review process, the NNTT has reaffirmed its support for the project, concluding in the 127-page ruling that its public benefits outweigh the concerns raised by traditional owners.
“The evidence in this matter has shown that if the leases are not granted, there will likely be a gap in the available supply of reliable, secure energy on Australia’s east coast, which would have significant short-to-medium-term detrimental impacts upon the wider community, including Gomeroi people,” the tribunal wrote.
A setback for native title holders
The Gomeroi People have fiercely opposed the Narrabri development, arguing that it will cause significant environmental harm, contribute to climate change and desecrate sacred sites. Their representatives previously argued that the project was not in the public interest, citing expert evidence on greenhouse gas emissions and the cultural importance of the Pilliga Forest.
In its May 19 decision, however, the tribunal rejected those claims, finding that while the Gomeroi People’s concerns were genuine and substantial, they did not outweigh the broader economic and energy security benefits of the gas project.
The ruling allows Santos to proceed with applications for petroleum production leases covering land where native title has been determined.
The Narrabri Gas Project has been on the drawing board for years and remains one of the most contentious resource proposals in Australia. It aims to supply up to 200 terajoules of gas per day, about half of NSW’s demand, from the gas-rich Narrabri region – with extraction planned within the culturally significant Pilliga Forest.
Despite state and federal environmental approvals, the project has faced significant delays due to legal battles, community opposition and scrutiny from regulators. The NNTT’s latest ruling removes a major legal hurdle, though further challenges could still arise.
Industry reaction and next steps
Santos welcomed the tribunal’s decision, saying it provides regulatory certainty and supports the delivery of reliable energy to the domestic market. The company has said the project will create hundreds of jobs and help ease pressure on east coast gas supplies particularly as legacy gas fields decline.
Gas industry groups applauded the ruling, while environmental campaigners have condemned it as a blow to climate action and Indigenous rights. The Gomeroi People may consider further appeals.
The company still faces a number of hurdles before gas starts to flow, including securing planning approval for a proposed pipeline to connect the Narrabri project to the existing east coast gas network.
The pipeline has yet to receive formal environmental and regulatory sign-off and is likely to face scrutiny from both local communities and environmental authorities.