Gomeroi traditional owners are asserting their legal right to challenge the expansion of Santos's Narrabri gas project. This comes after criticism from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who expressed support for the project at a National Energy Forum. Malinauskas labeled opponents as "eco-purists" and stated, "My government also strongly supports the urgent development of Narrabri — despite the efforts of the Lock the Gate NIMBYs and the Greens, who have been determined to block this vital development."

Polly Cutmore, a Gomeroi and Anaiwan woman, has been opposing the gas proposal since 2016. She described Malinauskas's comments as "disgraceful," questioning his authority to speak on matters concerning Gomeroi land. "When did he become the spokesperson for Santos?" she asked. Uncle Raymond 'Bubbly' Weatherall, another Gomeroi traditional owner, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that Malinauskas likely has never visited Gomeroi country to appreciate its significance.

The Narrabri gas field expansion is a multi-billion-dollar initiative proposed for north-west New South Wales. It is situated on land governed by a native title agreement with the Gomeroi people. If approved, the project would develop a new coal seam gas field over 95,000 hectares, involving the drilling of 850 wells and clearing 1,000 hectares of land, including parts of the Pilliga Forest, which holds spiritual significance for the Gomeroi.

Weatherall highlighted the cultural importance of the Pilliga, stating, "That was a place of ceremony with regards to men's initiation, but it's also the centre of our nation. You want it to be there for our kids and grandkids to appreciate it the same way we did."

Since the project's announcement, there has been significant opposition from environmental groups and local communities. The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has received nearly 23,000 submissions against the proposal. The Gomeroi people have consistently opposed the expansion for over a decade. Cutmore raised concerns about Santos's credibility, referencing a methane leak from a Santos LNG storage tank in Darwin that went undetected for years. "[Santos] have a big leak up in Darwin, so how can we trust them?" she said.

Cutmore also expressed worries about the potential impact on the Great Artesian Basin, a crucial freshwater resource. "Everything that lives in that ecosystem relies on that water, but it's our medicine too," she noted. "If they destroy Narrabri, I'm fearful of what's going to happen next."

Malinauskas's office clarified that his remarks were aimed at organizations opposing the development. They stated, "The South Australian premier has a strong, consistent, and enduring respect for the rights of traditional owners." He emphasized the need for additional gas supply to help Australia decarbonize its electricity network and heavy industry.

Critics, including the Australia Institute, argue that domestic gas needs can be met without exporting it overseas. The issue of climate change remains a significant concern for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Cutmore remarked, "The farmers and the non-Aboriginal community, they don't want gas. This is the one thing that brings us together — climate change and how it's going to affect our future generations."

The dispute over the Narrabri gas plan is one of the longest-standing conflicts between a native title group and a corporation seeking to utilize their land. Santos initially offered compensation to the Gomeroi for the use of their traditional lands, a figure that remains confidential. Cutmore recalled the moment when 162 members of her community rejected the offer, stating, "I get very emotional because to have 162 of my mob say, 'No, we don't want that or your money, we want to protect country,' was a proud moment for me and my people."

The Gomeroi rejected the agreement and compensation offer, leading to a long legal battle that continues today. They have launched another appeal this year, with a hearing scheduled for November 25. As they await a decision, traditional owners remain committed to protecting their land and culture. Weatherall stated, "It's our obligation to the people who went before us, to stand up for our country regardless of the circumstances." Cutmore added, "We're not protesting; this is our country, our sacred sites, our children's future. We belong to this country and we're not going anywhere."