Santos' Narrabri Gas Project in limbo after traditional owners' appeal
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The news: The full Federal Court has allowed an appeal by the Gomeroi people against a decision by the National Native Title Tribunal relating to energy giant Santos' Narrabri Gas Project.
The context: The three-judge review panel said the appeal would be allowed as the tribunal had erred by declining to look at evidence on climate impacts tendered on behalf of the traditional owners.
The National Native Title Tribunal made its decision in Santos' lease applications for its gas project in December 2022, imposing conditions on each application that Santos takes all necessary steps to ensure the that an additional research program as defined by the projects Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan be implemented.
Santos said in a statement that it noted the court decision and that court orders regarding next steps are yet to be made.
What they said: Santos said in its statement that the company 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".
The company has also said it will continue to pursue pipeline licensing and environmental approvals to get Narrabri and the Hunter Gas Pipeline ready for a final investment decision.
The source: Santos media release
