A Federal Court hearing into the national gas regulator’s approval of a massive offshore gas project resumes in Darwin with evidence from an expert-fishermen.

August 23, 2022

One of the Tiwi Island’s most experienced fishermen will give evidence when a court hearing into the national gas regulator’s approval of a massive offshore gas project resumes in Darwin.

Tiwi Islander Dennis Tipakalippa is challenging the decision to allow Santos to drill eight wells in the Barossa gas field, 265 kilometres northwest of Darwin.

The Munupi Elder says he was not consulted over the company’s environmental plan and fears the project could damage his people’s sea-Country.

The Federal Court judicial review of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority’s decision started on Monday at a bush court on Melville Island.

The historic hearing – the first of its kind – started with a smoking ceremony to welcome Judge Mordecai Bromberg and a dozen lawyers from Santos, the Environmental Defenders Office and the federal government.

Evidence was given from four Manupi people, who told Judge Bromberg they were connected to the land and sea by songlines and totems, and feared the Santos project could damage the environment, which would in turn impact their way of life and spiritual wellbeing.

“We have for centuries, for so long, survived and lived alongside the sea and the environment, it integral part of our culture,” Tiwi Island Regional Council Mayor Pirrawayingi Puruntatameri told the dirt floor court that had been set up beside a beach under a makeshift marquee for about 50 people.

Evidence was also given in the form of song and dance, with four Manupi men wearing traditional face paint and clothing performing in the middle of the court.

It was followed by a woman and three girls dancing as the community members, who were gathered around the court tent, clapped and sang with them.

Santos, Australia’s second-largest independent gas producer, has previously said it would “vigorously defend” the Barossa project, and that it had all necessary approvals following consultation with stakeholders.

The $US3.6 billion ($A5.2 billion) offshore natural gas development is expected to create up to 600 jobs and will pipe gas 280km to the Darwin LNG facility, with first production expected in 2025.

The company says the project, which it purchased from ConocoPhillips in 2020, is 43 per cent complete and on schedule. The drilling that is the subject of the court case started in July.

The hearing continues in Darwin on Tuesday with James DeSantis, who is a fishing guide and ranger, scheduled to give evidence.