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Santos NSW
Monthly Activities Update
May 2026
Welcome to the May issue of our Monthly Activities Update for NSW.
In this edition:
- Recognising the driving force behind our community partnerships
- Key facts about landholder compensation
- Celebrating 150 years of Narrabri Show
- Sharing our passion for volunteering
Santos in the Community
Recognising the driving force behind our community partnerships
Image: Community and Stakeholder Adviser, Abby McClure, at Narrabri Show
Welcome to the latest edition of the NSW Monthly Activities Update.
May has been a constructive month for Santos, as we continue to finalise the remaining approvals required to make a final investment decision on the Narrabri Gas Project. We are focused on negotiating Deed of Option for Easement agreements with landholders ahead of submitting a pipeline licence application later this year. Our Community and Land Access teams have been out and about in the community, at a range of events including the Narrabri Show, where we made the most of the opportunity to speak with locals and provide an update on our activities.
Earlier this month we celebrated National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of the invaluable contribution volunteers make to local communities right around Australia. Santos has a proud history of supporting volunteer-run organisations across our operational footprint, including here in NSW, where we partner with dozens of organisations across the Narrabri, Gunnedah, Upper Hunter and Hunter Valley regions.
The groups we support are pivotal in delivering the many events, sports and services which both connect and assist our communities. We applaud the tremendous effort and contributions these dedicated individuals make and look forward to many more years supporting the wonderful causes they champion.
We're proud to say volunteering is also a passion shared by many Santos employees - including our entire shopfront team in Narrabri - who all volunteer in various capacities including at local markets, events and fundraisers. You can read more about one of our most dedicated volunteers, Julie Herbert, in the Community Partnerships section of the newsletter.
Narrabri Gas Project
The Narrabri Gas Project involves the development and production of natural gas near Narrabri in New South Wales. Santos has committed 100 per cent of Narrabri gas to the east coast domestic market, helping to bring energy security to the region and putting downward pressure on gas and electricity prices for homes, manufacturers and businesses.
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, 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. April power production was an average of 349 MWh per day and minor routine maintenance activities were completed.
Other activities
Groundwater monitoring activities for Environmental Protection Licence compliance are ongoing.
PEL 1
Kahlua pilot wells are online.
Hunter Gas Pipeline and Narrabri Lateral Pipeline
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). Survey activities continue on private and public land as Santos works to finalise approvals. Learn more about these projects on our website.
Hunter Gas Pipeline
Pipeline Easement Key Information
Landholder Information: pipeline easements explained
If you're a landholder who will host the pipeline on your property, this section of our monthly update addresses common questions about how our compensation packages for easements work.
Santos has been working side-by-side with landholders across Australia for more than 70 years, successfully negotiating thousands of land access agreements for our onshore domestic operations.
When a landholder agrees to host our infrastructure on their land, we work together to ensure they are compensated fairly and can benefit from our activities.
Santos has a well-established compensation framework in place and is committed to working cooperatively with all landholders located along the HGP route. Our strong preference is to reach voluntary agreements for easement acquisition and entry onto properties.
Key elements include:
- Independent Valuation
- Legal/Valuation Costs
- Option Fee
- One-off Easement Payment
- Construction and Damage Compensation.
Importantly, normal agricultural activities can resume on the easement post construction.
If you have questions about this process, please get in touch with our Land Access team on 1800 071 278.
Community Consultation
Community Consultative Committee, Community Reference Group and advisory groups
The next Narrabri Gas Project Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting will be held on Wednesday 17 June 2026. Minutes from previous CCC meetings are available here.
The first Hunter Gas Pipeline Community Reference Group meeting will be held on Thursday 18 June 2026.
The next Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, Greenhouse Gas and Water Advisory Group meetings for 2026 are to be scheduled. Previous minutes from the advisory group meetings can be accessed here.
Community Partnerships
Celebrating 150 Years of Narrabri Show
Image: Santos was thrilled to be part of the 150th Annual Narrabri Show
The Narrabri Show is an enduring tradition which has brought joy and connection to the local community for 150 years - and this year was no exception!
From livestock exhibitions to cake competitions and a brilliant fireworks display, the 150th Narrabri Show was one not to be missed.
Santos was both a sponsor and exhibitor again this year, with our Community and Land Access teams speaking to dozens of showgoers about our NSW projects during the event.
Our team always values the opportunity to engage with locals and visitors at the show, with the relaxed atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for a chat. We love giving away plenty of Santos merchandise too!
A big thank you to all the volunteers and organisers who made this year's event such a wonderful success, your dedication and determination to keep the show going are greatly appreciated.
Santos is proud to support events that bring the community together to celebrate our unique industries and way of life.
Sharing our passion for volunteering
Image: Santos Community Coordinator, Julie Herbert, is a regular volunteer with Rotary Club Narrabri.
For Santos Community Coordinator, Julie Herbert, volunteering is a passion.
As an active and dedicated member of the Narrabri Rotary Club, Julie has been cooking barbeques and hosting fundraising events to support those in need for more than 15 years.
Reflecting on the significance of National Volunteer Week, held each year in May, Julie says time spent helping others is deeply satisfying.
"Volunteering connects you to people in a way nothing else does," she said.
"It's not just about giving your time - it's about building friendships and seeing first-hand the difference you can make."
In her role at Santos, Julie is known for always putting in extra effort to support to the volunteer organisations we invest in through our Community Partnerships program.
From wrapping gifts for the Narrabri and District Community Aid Service Christmas Drive to cooking breakfast at the Clontarf Gala Day, Julie is always the first to lend a hand in the community - and she encourages others to do the same.
"Start small and find something you care about. You don't need a lot of time - just a willingness to get involved," she said.
"Once you start, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!"
Santos is proud to support our local community groups and sporting clubs as part of our commitment to leaving a positive legacy.
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