Gomeroi people in Coonabarabran and Narrabri are being supported by the state’s peak trade union body Unions NSW to hold protest actions in and around the Pilliga Forest on Saturday August 12.
The peaceful community protest will include Gomeroi, local community members and unionists who are all calling for an end to the Santos Pilliga-Narrabri Coal Seam Gas project, which would see 850 CSG wells drilled in the Pilliga without Gomeroi consent.
The protests will coincide with a Federal Court hearing, set to begin on August 9, considering a Gomeroi appeal against a decision of the Native Title Tribunal (NTT) in December 2022. The NTT granted Santos four ‘Future Acts Determination Applications’, allowing the CSG project to proceed despite the fact the project will destroy Gomeroi rights and Santos have no agreement with Gomeroi people.
The protests also come as catastrophic weather rocks the northern hemisphere, a result of escalating climate change. Protestors are demanding urgent public investment in renewable energy and other sustainable industries to facilitate a transition away from gas.
Suellyn Tighe is a Gomeroi woman from Coonabarabran, who has been organising activities on August 12 and will host a trade union delegation traveling to join the protests from surrounding towns and across the state. Ms Tighe explained why Gomeroi are fighting so hard to protect the Pilliga.
“The Gomeroi people and the Biliga Forest continue to archive our stories and culture in oral histories and the uniqueness of the landscapes and ecological systems. We, just as our ancestors did, are born, live and return to Earth Mother. Our DNA from tens of thousands of years is in the very land which Santos seeks to destroy. As Gomeroi people, we are guided by our Ancestors and Elders. With this in mind, we hold our traditions sacred. We also recognise the important roles which the Biliga provides in the Great Artesian and Murray Darling Basins.
“We have clearly said no to Santos’ gas-field through the Native Title process and are fighting the development on the ground. As the state and federal governments promote the Voice in this referendum year, we need them to listen to the clear voice of Gomeroi and stop Santos destroying our Country.”
Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Vanessa Seagrove is traveling to Coonabarabran to lead the union delegation.
“Last year, Unions NSW affiliates resolved to stand alongside the Gomeroi People in their fight to protect the Pilliga Forest and organised a delegation to show solidarity. We have learned first hand from Gomeroi people about the destructive impacts on climate, water, eco systems, cultural heritage and practices that would result from 850 coal seam gas wells being imposed on their Country,” Ms Seagrove said.
“The actions on August 12 are about stepping up our support. It is outrageous that Santos is exploiting weaknesses in the Native Title system to impose this project without Gomeroi consent. We are calling on the NSW and Commonwealth governments to intervene here, stop this project and ensure Gomeroi rights are respected.”
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), representing more than 76,000 members, is also supporting the Gomeroi people in their fight against the Narrabri Gas Project.
Traveling to the Pilliga, NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said members were dismayed the National Native Title Tribunal had determined the project proceed, in contradiction to the wishes of the Gomeroi.
“Climate change is the biggest health challenge of this century. We see the impact on personal health, the health of our communities, and the health of our lands and water. As health professionals, we have a responsibility to inform the community about the health effects already being felt. We will continue to use our voices to advocate for action on climate change – this means no new fossil fuel extraction should occur. We stand with the Gomeroi and support them in this fight.”
Karra Kinchela, Gomeroi woman and campaigner for Lock the Gate in Narrabri, welcomed the union movement’s support for the cause.
“We welcome support from the union movement and thank them for standing in solidarity with Gomeroi people. We call upon Santos to do the same, leave fossil gas in the ground where it belongs and recognise that the future will be powered by renewable energy and not by their gas. And it’s already happening here with our Council planning a renewable energy hub right in the heart of Narrabri,” Ms Kinchela said.