Santos Enters into Set of Principles for Land Access in NSW

Santos has entered into a set of principles in NSW that recognizes the company’s long-standing position that it will not undertake drilling activities on private land without the voluntary consent of the landholder.

The Principles of Land Access was signed by Santos, AGL, NSW Farmers, Cotton Australia and the NSW Irrigators Council at NSW Parliament House.

Santos is currently seeking development of the Narrabri Gas Project (NGP) to help unlock the State’s abundant natural gas resources, which could supply up to 50% of NSW’s natural gas requirements from 2017 when the supply is needed most.

Santos’ NSW General Manager, Peter Mitchley, said the company has always respected the views of landholders’ regarding drilling operations on private property. He said that today’s announcement gives confidence to all parties that Santos will only look to progress this project in a manner that is both safe and sustainable, and respectful of landholder rights.

“It has long been Santos’ position that we will not undertake drilling activities on private land without the landholder’s consent and we’ve been very clear about that publicly. This agreement further recognises that position,” Mitchley said.

“Santos has been working hard to put in place agreements that ensure mutually beneficial partnerships with landholders who choose to work with us. In NSW, we already have more than 40 land access agreements. It is important that all members of the community also respect the rights of landowners to work with industry and have us on their land.”

“This is a clear signal from industry that it respects the views of landholders – and we expect that same respect will be shown to those landholders who choose to host our activities,” he said.

Press Release, March 28, 2014; Image: Santos