Joint media release with Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt

The Liberal National Government welcomes the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) approval of Santos’ Narrabri gas project.

This approval is good news for the local Narrabri community, which will benefit from the job opportunities the project will create. Santos reports that up to 200 ongoing, skilled jobs will be generated during Narrabri’s operation, and around 1,300 jobs during the construction phase.

The project will also generate $3.6 billion in capital investment, much of it to be spent in the local community. 

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that Narrabri will deliver jobs, and more supply to lower gas prices for New South Wales and the east coast market.

“Gas will play an essential role in re-establishing a strong economy,” Minister Taylor said.

“Approval of projects like Narrabri backs both our gas sector and all Australian gas users – creating jobs in New South Wales as we recover from COVID19.

“This is great news for our local manufacturers, who will benefit from additional supply security and reduced transportation costs.”

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said that unlocking new resources was key to Australia’s gas-fired recovery.

“The Commission’s decision confirms that Narrabri gas is in the public interest and will provide new economic and job opportunities, particularly in the regions,” Minister Pitt said.

“We recognise that the responsible development of gas fields is essential for a sustainable gas industry. We will work constructively with Santos and the NSW Government as the project progresses.”

As part of the Commonwealth’s landmark Energy Deal with NSW, NSW is required to bring an additional 70 petajoules of gas into the east coast market. The progress of the Narrabri project will be important to the Energy Deal.

The Narrabri approval also backs the Government’s gas-fired recovery announcement. As part of our comprehensive 13-point plan to ensure Australian gas is working to benefit all Australians, unlocking supply is a crucial element to help drive down prices.

A gas-fired recovery is a key element of our JobMaker plan to deliver more Australian gas where it is needed at an internationally competitive price.

Media contact:

Minister Taylor's office: 02 6277 7120

Minister Pitt's office: 02 6277 7180