For over ten years, the Gomeroi people have opposed gas mining on their land in northern New South Wales, rallying under the banner ‘Gamil means no’ to unite their supporters.

The Gomeroi contested this decision, and in March 2024, the Federal Court found that the National Native Title Tribunal made a mistake in its approval because it neglected to consider climate change, necessitating a reevaluation by the tribunal.

“When you lie there, surrounded by darkness and only the stars above, you grasp the true magnificence of what you are trying to protect, while reflecting on our creation story,” he shared with NITV.

The Narrabri project will extract gas from coal seams between 300 and 1200 metres below ground, produced from up to 850 wells, and includes refining facilities, gas and water processing and associated infrastructure.

“These are Elders who are facing health conditions and they’ve come out and supported the struggle against having the Santos gas project happening in the Narrabri and Pilliga region.”

Ms Tighe said she was proud of Gomeroi Elders and community and those who stood by their side in opposing gas mining.

“So there’s a whole lot that the government didn’t take it into consideration and neither did the people who sat on that (NNTT) panel to make the decision – they just talk about the money in it.”

The NSW Government will now consider the project.