Woodside’s proposal to extend its North West Shelf gas project through to 2070 has been formally approved by Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt. The decision, announced today, comes with stringent conditions aimed at mitigating environmental impacts, particularly concerning air emissions from the expanded onshore Karratha gas facility.
After nearly seven years of regulatory processes, the approval also signifies the conclusion of efforts to designate the ancient rock art in the area as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Watt noted that his decision was informed by comprehensive scientific evaluations and community feedback. While the resources sector has praised the decision as crucial for energy security, it has sparked outrage among climate activists and Indigenous representatives, who argue that it contradicts established scientific evidence regarding climate change. Campaigner Piper Rollins from the Australian Conservation Foundation expressed significant disappointment, stating that the approval ignores climate realities.
In contrast, Rebecca Tomkinson, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy in Western Australia, regarded the ruling as a vital step for maintaining energy stability. The Traditional Owners of the land are preparing legal challenges against the approval, evidencing the contentious nature of this development.
While Woodside has welcomed the green light, the company is currently reviewing the implications of the accompanying environmental conditions and has ten days to respond. The WA Greens have been critical of the approval process, suggesting it moved at a pace that contrasts sharply with previous governmental actions.
If Woodside advances with its project, it could facilitate drilling in the neighbouring Browse Basin, Australia’s largest untapped gas reserve. This prospect has raised alarms among environmental groups, including the Australian Marine Conservation Society, which warned of potential dangers to the ecologically significant Scott Reef. Chief Executive Paul Gamblin described the decision as “highly regrettable,” asserting that it could lead to serious pollution and industrialisation of a pristine coral ecosystem.
In summary, Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project extension has received conditional federal approval, igniting a complex debate over energy, Indigenous heritage, and environmental impacts.