Santos : Federal Court allows appeal against native title ‘future act’ decision for Narrabri Gas Project

Santos notes the decision by the Full Federal Court to allow the appeal against the determination by the National Native Title Tribunal that proposed future acts, being the grants of Petroleum Production Lease Application Numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16 for the Narrabri Gas Project, may be done.

The Court has determined the National Native Title Tribunal erred at law by declining to have regard to evidence on climate impacts that was tendered on behalf of the Gomeroi applicant.

The Court did not make any findings in relation to Santos' conduct. Santos has at all times negotiated with the Gomeroi people in good faith.

The Court's orders regarding next steps are yet to be made.

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

Santos will also continue to work through land access, native title, pipeline licensing and remaining environmental approvals processes to get Narrabri and the Hunter Gas Pipeline ready for a final investment decision.

The Narrabri Gas Project is 100 per cent committed to the domestic market and could supply up to 50 per cent of New South Wales' natural gas needs. Gas produced close to market will always have a cost advantage over gas imported from other states or overseas and will help to put downward pressure on domestic gas and energy prices for NSW customers.