Last weekend a peaceful protest took place against the drilling of gas wells in the Pilliga Scrub but this time powerful allies walked alongside the local First Nations people.

The protests coincide with a Federal Court hearing, which began on August 9, as the court considers the Gomeroi appeal against last year's decision of the Native Title Tribunal to allow the Santos Narrabri Gas Project to proceed.

Starting in Coonabarabran, heading in convoy through the Pilliga to rallies within the forest and then at the Santos office in Narrabri the Gomeroi people in Coonabarabran and Narrabri were supported by the state’s peak trade union body.

Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Vanessa Seagrove who travelled to Coonabarabran to lead the union delegation said the Unions NSW affiliates resolved to stand alongside the Gomeroi people in their fight to protect the Pilliga Forest and organised a delegation to show solidarity.

"We have learned first hand from Gomeroi people about the destructive impacts on climate, water, eco systems, cultural heritage and practices that would result from 850 coal seam gas wells being imposed on their Country," she said.

"The actions on August 12 are about stepping up our support. It is outrageous that Santos is exploiting weaknesses in the Native Title system to impose this project without Gomeroi consent. We are calling on the NSW and Commonwealth governments to intervene here, stop this project and ensure Gomeroi rights are respected.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), representing more than 76,000 members, is also supporting the Gomeroi people in their fight against the Narrabri Gas Project.

Part of the peaceful protest last week. IMAGE: Kodi Brady

Local First Nations challenge Native Title Tribunal decision

Last December, the National Native Title Tribunal ruled in favour of a $3 billion gas development that allows SANTOS to drill more than 850 coal seam gas wells in the native Pilliga Forest over the next 25 years.

Dismissing opposition to the project by the traditional owners – the Gomeroi people – the tribunal allowed SANTOS to drill the 95,000-hectare site so long as the company met one condition imposed on each of Santos’ four NSW petroleum production licences.

At this point, although implementing an additional research program linked to the Aboriginal cultural heritage management plan before phase two drilling of coal seam gas wells starts, the project is still progressing as planned.

Santos say they want the regional communities who host the Pilliga project to benefit from working with them and, as well as benefits such as local jobs, business opportunities and land use payments to landholders, SANTOS will establish a Regional Community Benefit Fund when the Project reaches production.

They estimate the Fund will provide up to $120 million over the life of the Project to fund projects, programs and infrastructure in the Narrabri region.

Last year's decision was seen as a major win for the Narrabri project – on which Santos has already spent more than $1.5 billion over more than 10 years – but it still faces major hurdles, including planning for a pipeline to get the gas to market.

However, a group of First Nations people who have applied for native title of the Pilliga area have fought against Santos’ development for years on cultural and environmental grounds.

Support for the Gomeroi opposition to the Santos gas project extends far beyond the forest. A rally was held in Sydney recently. IMAGE: Phil Bradley facebook

Supporting the Gomeroi 

Suellyn Tighe, a Gomeroi woman from Coonabarabran, explained why Gomeroi are fighting so hard to protect the Pilliga.

“The Gomeroi people and the Piliga Forest continue to archive our stories and culture in oral histories and the uniqueness of the landscapes and ecological systems," Ms Tighe said. "We, just as our ancestors did, are born, live and return to Earth Mother.

"Our DNA from tens of thousands of years is in the very land which Santos seeks to destroy. As Gomeroi people, we are guided by our Ancestors and Elders. With this in mind, we hold our traditions sacred. We also recognise the important roles which the Piliga provides in the Great Artesian and Murray Darling Basins.

“We have clearly said no to Santos’ gas-field through the Native Title process and are fighting the development on the ground. As the state and federal governments promote the Voice in this referendum year, we need them to listen to the clear voice of Gomeroi and stop Santos destroying our Country.”

Members of the Nurses & Midwives Association show their support for the Gomeroi stance in the Pilliga. IMAGE: Kodi Brady

Traveling to the Pilliga, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said members were dismayed the National Native Title Tribunal had determined the project proceed, in contradiction to the wishes of the Gomeroi.

“Climate change is the biggest health challenge of this century. We see the impact on personal health, the health of our communities, and the health of our lands and water. As health professionals, we have a responsibility to inform the community about the health effects already being felt. We will continue to use our voices to advocate for action on climate change – this means no new fossil fuel extraction should occur. We stand with the Gomeroi and support them in this fight.”

Karra Kinchela, Gomeroi woman and campaigner for Lock the Gate in Narrabri said union support was welcome.

“We welcome support from the union movement and thank them for standing in solidarity with Gomeroi people," she said.

"We call upon Santos to do the same, leave fossil gas in the ground where it belongs and recognise that the future will be powered by renewable energy and not by their gas. And it’s already happening here with our Council planning a renewable energy hub right in the heart of Narrabri,” Ms Kinchela said.