Image: Santos presentation at the October Business Hunter Energy and Resources lunch

Industry backs Narrabri gas as a 'critical enabler' at Hunter business event

Energy policy and technical experts reinforced the essential role Narrabri gas will play in meeting future industry needs at a business lunch in Newcastle this month. 

More than 90 members gathered for the Business Hunter event, where a panel of experts from Santos, Business NSW and the University of Newcastle provided insights into the state and region’s future energy needs, local gas developments and technical innovations. 

In his keynote address, Santos’ Andrew Snars, explained how the Narrabri Gas Project and Hunter Gas Pipeline would help secure a reliable and competitive energy source for industry, while also underpinning a smooth transition to renewable energy. 

“While NSW, Australia and the world transition towards decarbonisation and renewables, it is fair to say the pace of that energy transition is not matching our ambitions,” he said. 

“Natural gas is more important now than ever, because it’s the fastest way to decarbonise, working with renewables. 

“Natural gas isn’t just part of the solution, it’s a critical enabler of the entire energy transition.”  

Santos also took the opportunity to share with members that almost $10 million has been spent by the project with local businesses in the Narrabri and Gunnedah regions over the past 12 months. 

​ 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.   

Narrabri Lateral Pipeline (NLP) 

Santos is proposing to develop the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline (NLP) project which involves the construction and operation of an approximately 55-kilometre gas transmission pipeline to connect the approved NGP to the approved HGP. The NLP will be in the Narrabri Shire local government area in north-west NSW within the traditional Country of the Kamilaroi (Gomeroi) People. The pipeline will be buried underground with limited aboveground infrastructure, and the project will bring economic benefits to Narrabri and surrounding regions, supporting up to 200 jobs during construction.   

Environmental Impact Statement - Have your say

Santos recently submitted the NLP Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). Details of the EIS including public exhibition timeframes, and instructions for how to make a submission, will soon be made available on the HGP website and the Major Projects Portal.  

DPHI will soon place the EIS on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days inviting the public to review and comment on the project. DPHI will issue a public notice on the NSW Planning Portal with details of the EIS Public Exhibition period and instructions on how to make a submission. Information about the EIS and how to make a submission will also be provided on our HGP website. 

During the EIS exhibition period, Santos will be holding information sessions for interested community members. Sessions will be held in Narrabri, Baan Baa, Boggabri and Gunnedah – with dates to be confirmed shortly. Sessions will be advertised in local newspapers and on our HGP website. 

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

Community Consultative Committee and Advisory Groups

Effective community consultation is a vital part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration with the communities where we live and work.    

As part of the conditions set by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for the NGP, Santos has established a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and four Advisory Groups under NSW Planning guidelines for State Significant Projects.  

The CCC provides a platform for dialogue between Santos, community members, stakeholder groups, and local councils. Minutes from previous CCC meetings are available here. 

The next NGP CCC meeting will be held on Tuesday 9 December 2025. 

Advisory Groups include Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Group, Biodiversity Advisory Group, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Advisory Group, and Water Technical Advisory Group. Minutes from previous advisory group meetings can be accessed here. 

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