The Australian Federal Court has ruled in favour of Santos in the case of Munkara v Santos NA Barossa Pty Ltd — dismissing the application and discharging the injunction that prevented pipelay activities south of the kilometre 86 (KP86) point along the Barossa Gas Export Pipeline.

As per the ruling and in accordance with the project’s Environmental Plan, Santos will continue its pipelaying activity for the Barossa Gas Project.

Organisations such as the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) and the Australian Energy Producers have issued statements of support for this decision.

AREEA Chief Executive Officer Steve Knott AM stated: “Having such important projects held up in environmental and land access lawfare is not in the interests of our nation’s future energy stability or LNG export earnings, the benefits of which the whole community enjoys.”

Knott said the decision will be celebrated by many small and medium businesses involved in its construction and several hundred workers set to benefit from the job opportunities.

“This assurance is vital for the long-term future of an industry on the precipice of a new wave of investment, with committed projects set to tip $80 billion into Australia’s engineering, construction and related industries by 2028,” said Knott.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch also released a statement which echoed similar sentiments.

“This brings to an end a period of significant uncertainty, substantial delays and costs incurred for the project as a result of a broken offshore environmental regulatory system.

“Comprehensive and effective consultation with Traditional Owners has been an important part of the work of our sector for decades and we are committed to it.

“However, vague and ambiguous regulations cannot be allowed to continue holding up important energy projects, postponing new supply that is needed to deliver energy security, emissions reduction and substantial economic returns for Australians.”