Threat to country - Aboriginal reps join in Santos battle

Another 15 people demonstrated their support outside the facility, which is at the centre of a court battle over the legality of its approval.

The protestors claimed to have halted construction at the facility, however Santos’ general manager of energy NSW, Peter Mitchley, said construction activities at Leewood were currently shut down until after the Christmas break.

“Therefore this morning’s protest activities had no impact on Santos’ work,” Mr Mitchley said.

Nathan Leslie said he locked himself to the excavation equipment because it was his responsibility as a Gamilaraay man to “oppose this threat to country”.

“This toxic industry threatens our water, our country and our culture, and Gamiliaraay people say no to Santos’ coal seam gas,” Mr Leslie said.

Paul Spearim, a Gamilaraay man of cultural authority, also locked himself to the equipment.

“Ngiyaningu Maran Yaliwunga Ngarra-li – our ancestors are always watching,” Mr Spearim said.

“We want Santos to get out of our sacred lands and protect our gali (water).”

Mr Mitchley said Santos had a deep respect for the Aboriginal communities in the region and acknowledged their connection to the land.

“The Gomeroi People’s Native Title claim covers the parts of the Pilliga in which we are seeking to work. As part of the native title process the Gomeroi Nation elected registered applicants to represent them – we meet regularly with these elected applicants,” he said.

“We also work closely with the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council on cultural heritage management.

“Our dialogue with both the claimants and the land council is constructive and mutually respectful.”

Mr Mitchley said his company respected the right of people to partake in peaceful, legal and safe protests, but the Leewood facility is a fenced construction site.