Just when it seemed the fossil fuel wars in the Hunter couldn't get steamier, along comes Santos with hot plans to frack the rich gas fields beneath the Pilliga Forest around Narrabri and pump its bounty through the Hunter to Newcastle.

In its half-yearly report, Santos, a top-tier Australian oil and gas producer, claims planning and environmental approvals for the Narrabri gas project are in place, although court appeals are pending. One by the Gomeroi People, the Indigenous custodians of the affected country, will be heard by the Federal Court in November 2025, says Santos.

Santos adds that it is continuing to press for approvals for its Hunter gas pipeline, the link between Narrabri and an existing Sydney to Newcastle gas pipeline. It's a complex process involving, says Santos, land a

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