Landholders are criticizing NSW Premier Chris Minns after he indicated the government would consider compulsory land acquisition for the Santos Narrabri Gas Project. The multi-billion-dollar project proposes a coal seam gas field over 95,000 hectares in north-west New South Wales, with 850 wells and 1,000 hectares of land clearing.
NSW Farmers Association President Xavier Martin accused the premier of prioritizing Santos over families and farmers, citing risks of groundwater contamination. He referenced a Queensland groundwater impact assessment that highlighted contamination, subsidence, and dewatering of bores in the Great Artesian Basin.
Premier Minns defended his remarks, stating that after a decade without a definitive decision, predictions of pressure on the industrial base and higher prices have materialized. He noted a comprehensive scientific audit of the fields has been conducted.
The project is on land governed by a native title agreement with the Gomeroi people. Earlier this year, the National Native Title Tribunal ruled the NSW government could lease land to Santos, a decision Gomeroi applicant Polly Cutmore called upsetting but vowed to continue fighting.
Hunter Gas Landholder Rights Alliance President Mick Fetch said Santos is trying to bully landholders, with only 30% signed up along the 800km route. He warned of a fight, as contracts restrict land use for seven years.
Energy Quest CEO Rick Wilkinson, a former Santos executive, emphasized the project's importance, supplying half of NSW's gas, and warned that without it, LNG imports would likely be required. He stressed the need for goodwill between farmers and gas companies.
