NSW Farmers say they are taking legal advice to challenge the Narrabri Gas Project.

The industry body's acting CEO Mike Guerin said they are ramping up opposition to the project and using the same legal counsel used to challenge a separate gas project in Queensland last year.

 “I’m happy to be getting the band back together on this one, because the risks with the Narrabri Gas Project are simply far too great to let it proceed,” Mr Guerin said.

"It’s a sad reality that governments, politicians and mining giants seem to be deaf to these genuine and real concerns about protecting this critical water source."

Mr Guerin was the chief executive of Queensland farmer lobby AgForce in 2024, which took the federal government and miner Glencore to court over a proposed carbon storage project in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB).

The case was discontinued around July that year after the Queensland government outlawed the practice.

A map of the Narrabri Gas Project. Developer Santos has faced longstanding opposition from First Nations, environmental and farming groups. SOURCE: Santos

Opponents to the Narrabri Gas Project fear it will risk contaminating the GAB, which is the only reliable fresh water source for many towns in the Western Plains.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for project developer Santos pointed to a 2020 report from the NSW Department of Planning.

The report said it is "difficult to reconcile the significant community concerns about the Narrabri Gas Project with the technical advice from experts that the risk of any significant impacts occurring is generally low and can be controlled using standard engineering practice and imposing strict conditions on Santos."

The Santos spokesperson said the project has faced "extensive approvals."

"It's time for everyone to now move on and respect the outcome of the extensive approvals and litigation processes that have been carried out for the Narrabri Gas Project under NSW and federal laws, including recognising that the project is in the public interest and is necessary to ensure energy security and reliability for east coast gas and electricity consumers," the spokesperson said.

"Santos has consulted extensively with local communities who are looking forward to the local jobs and business opportunities the project will bring."

The project has also faced challenges in the National Native Title Tribunal from Gomeroi people opposing use of their traditional lands in the Pilliga area.

READ: Gomeroi vow to 'keep fighting' after Santos wins drilling battle

An appeal against a decision to allow Santos to lease the land was scheduled to be heard on 25 November 2025.

However, the hearing has been delayed until March to find another judge after Justice Natalie Charlesworth recused herself from the case.

Justice Charlesworth declared a friendship with Santos employee Nick Malbon, which she said could compromise the case with a perception of bias.

She also disclosed an association with former employee Daniel Calderisi, who worked on two secondments with Santos.