An indigenous group in Australia has filed an emergency application seeking to impede the construction of a pipeline associated with Santos Ltd's substantial $3.6-billion Barossa gas project off the country's northern coast. The group of six indigenous elders from the Tiwi Islands has appealed to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, highlighting the imminent risk of desecration to their heritage posed by the pipeline's construction.

While the Australian government is currently reviewing the emergency application, Santos has maintained that an independent expert's assessment found no specific underwater cultural heritage sites along the planned pipeline route. According to a Santos spokesperson, the construction of the Barossa pipeline does not pose any risk of desecrating underwater cultural heritage, and the concerns raised by the Tiwi elders do not represent the views of the entire Tiwi Islands community, which comprises approximately 2,700 residents.

Contrarily, the elders have emphasized the significant potential for damage to ancient burial grounds, Aboriginal art, and other sacred ancestral sites, expressing profound concerns about the potential impact on their spirituality, health, homes, and overall well-being.

The group claims that despite being made aware of these concerns, Santos is proceeding with its pipeline construction plans. However, should the Australian government grant urgent protection to the area, Santos may be compelled to halt its operations.

This latest development poses another obstacle for the Barossa gas project, following an earlier directive from the offshore regulator in January, which mandated that Santos conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental risks to underwater indigenous cultural heritage before commencing any pipeline-related activities. Although the order did not explicitly prohibit the commencement of work, the regulator underscored the importance of adequately identifying, evaluating, and managing any potential risks associated with the project.