Santos NSW

Monthly Activities Update

June 2025

Welcome to the June issue of our Monthly Activities Update for NSW.

Read on to find out what’s been happening in our NSW project areas this month.

Santos in the news

XRG Consortium's non-binding, indicative proposal to acquire Santos

Santos received a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire Santos from a consortium led by XRG P.J.S.C, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, on 13 June 2025.

Further details on the proposal can be found here.

Narrabri Gas Project (NGP) Update

Natural gas is an important part of our local energy supply, generating the electricity we need to cook our food, light our homes, and power our businesses. It will continue to play a critical role in the state’s energy transition; with half the emissions of coal, it can help power our towns and cities when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. Santos has committed 100 per cent of gas from the NGP to the domestic market, with the potential to supply up to half of the state’s natural gas needs, delivering energy security for the region and putting downward pressure on gas and electricity prices.

The NGP involves the development and production of natural gas near Narrabri and around the Pilliga.

On 16 June 2025, the Gomeroi Applicants lodged an appeal in the Federal Court to review the National Native Title Tribunal determination.

If you would like more information about this project, please contact our team via email at Energy.NSW@santos.com or give us a call on (02) 6790 9235. You can also visit the NGP website.

Drilling activities

There are no drilling activities planned at this time.

Pilot wells

Bibblewindi East, Bibblewindi West and Dewhurst South, Tintsfield and Kahlua wells are online.

Leewood

Santos does not need to irrigate at this time and water is stored in the holding ponds at Leewood.

Wilga Park Power Station

Wilga Park Power Station is online

Other activities

Groundwater monitoring activities for Environmental Protection Licence compliance are ongoing.

PEL 1

Kahlua pilot wells are online. An application to operate the Kahlua pilot wells for a further two years, to potentially install a small solar array and to undertake workover activities as required, was submitted to the Resources Regulator this month.

Hunter Gas Pipeline and Narrabri Lateral Pipeline Activities

Santos is proposing to deliver natural gas from Narrabri to the east coast domestic market via two new underground pipelines – the Hunter Gas Pipeline (HGP) and the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline (NLP). These pipelines would run approximately 400 kilometres from Narrabri to Hexham, where they would connect into the NSW energy grid. To finalise the pipeline’s exact location, we are seeking feedback from landholders along the proposed route to consider their preferences, as well as any technical, environmental, and cultural heritage factors.

Survey activities are ongoing on both public and private land to confirm the alignment. Our land access team continues to liaise with landholders to discuss the alignment and negotiate survey and deed of option agreements. We encourage landholders to engage with our team to address any feedback, questions or concerns. Landholders can contact us at any time on 1300 427 546 or via email at info@huntergaspipeline.com.au.

On 16 June 2025, the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confirmed it had reviewed a request to reconsider its previous decision regarding the Hunter Gas Pipeline and upheld its original assessment that the project is ‘not a controlled action’ in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) 1999.

Narrabri Lateral Pipeline (NLP)

Santos is progressing plans for the NLP, which will serve as the crucial connection between the NGP and the HGP. This ‘missing link’ will enable natural gas from Narrabri to flow into the existing transmission network near Newcastle, supporting energy reliability across the region.

Santos has been advised that the Commonwealth (DCCEEW) EPBC ‘controlled action’ decision for the NLP has been challenged.

We are currently finalising the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NLP project.

For more information on the HGP or the NLP, please visit the HGP website.

Community Consultation

Effective community consultation is a vital part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration with the communities where we live and work. We’ve held nine community consultation sessions in regional NSW this year, offering landholders, stakeholders and community members the opportunity to drop by and learn about the HGP, NLP, or any other Santos activities. The feedback we receive during these sessions plays a vital role in shaping our decisions and outcomes. You don’t need to wait for the next round of community consultation sessions to have your say. You can reach out to us any time by phone on (02) 6790 9235 or email at Energy.NSW@santos.com.

Community Consultative Committee and Advisory Groups

As part of the conditions set by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for the NGP, Santos is required to establish and operate a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and Advisory Groups in line with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Community Consultative Committee Guideline: State Significant Projects.

Mr. Garry West was appointed as the Independent Chair of the CCC and Advisory Groups.

The CCC serves as a forum to facilitate open dialogue between the project proponent and representatives from the community, stakeholder groups and local councils on issues directly relating to a state significant project.

The most recent NGP CCC meeting was held on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

Previous meeting minutes are available here.

The Advisory Groups include:  

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Group 
Biodiversity Advisory Group 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Advisory Group 
Water Technical Advisory Group

Minutes from previous advisory group meetings are available here.

Community Partnerships

Santos celebrates community spirit at Narrabri Rugby Club's Sponsors Day

Image: Santos staff and supportive stakeholders – proudly supporting Narrabri Rugby.

Santos was delighted to host over 90 landholders and key stakeholders at the Narrabri Rugby Club’s Sponsors Day recently. The annual event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with stakeholders and the broader community while supporting local rugby.

The Narrabri Blue Boars delivered outstanding performances against rivals, the Tamworth Pirates with the Women’s 10s, Second Grade and First Grade teams all coming out on top.

Beyond the scoreboard, the day highlighted the Narrabri Rugby Club’s commitment to making a difference through initiatives that increase female participation, support Indigenous engagement, and raise awareness of mental health and local support services. These initiatives reflect our values and commitment to supporting communities where we operate and building a better future for all.

Partnering for community wellbeing: Santos and Lions Auxiliary create a space for reflection

Image: Cemetery seating – a team effort and thoughtful improvement.

We are proud to support the Narrabri Lions Auxiliary in their latest community initiative—installing new seating at the Narrabri Lawn Cemetery. Thanks to our community grant, this meaningful project has created a more comfortable and welcoming space for families and visitors to reflect, remember, and connect.

The project is a powerful example of what we can achieve through strong local partnerships. The Narrabri Lions Auxiliary identified a simple but impactful need, and our team was proud to be part of bringing their vision to life. Together, we’re making a difference—one thoughtful improvement at a time.

Our partnership with the Lions Auxiliary reflects our ongoing commitment to projects that enhance wellbeing, foster connection, and leave a lasting positive legacy.

Santos Fours Carnival a rolling success

Image: All smiles at the Santos Fours Carnival in Murrurundi.

Santos was proud to partner with the Murrurundi Bowling Club to deliver the second annual Santos Fours Carnival recently, an increasingly popular event on the regional bowls circuit.

Following a successful launch in 2024, this year’s event attracted 16 teams and 64 players from across the Hunter, Central Coast and North-West NSW regions.

The four-player teams competed over two days, with two Scone sides taking home first and second place prizes.

Organisers were pleased to see the event attract so many competitors and supporters to Murrurundi, with the committee observing a welcome boost to local businesses.

Santos values the opportunity to partner with local organisations such as Murrurundi Bowling Club to deliver meaningful projects and events in the regions where we operate.

Clontarf Foundation's North West NSW Employment Forum - inspiring the next generation

Image: Clontarf Foundation’s Employment Forum - real connections, real opportunities.

This month, Santos hit the road to Tamworth for the Clontarf Foundation’s Annual Employment Forum – and what a day it was!

We joined an inspiring group of Year 11 and 12 students from Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Quirindi, and Tamworth, all eager to explore what their futures could hold. Our team was on hand to chat with the students about life at Santos, the industry more broadly, and the exciting potential career paths which lay ahead.

We are proud to partner with the Clontarf Foundation nationally and support these initiatives locally.