Woodside, page-5038

The Albanese government appears poised to approve Woodside Energy's controversial North West Shelf (NWS) gas project extension, despite significant environmental and climate concerns. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the situation:

Key Developments

1. Imminent Federal Approval
   The federal government is expected to make a final decision by May 31, 2025, after twice delaying the decision until after state and federal elections. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the project, stating that gas is necessary as a backup during the transition to renewable energy and that "net zero is different from no emissions" 1411.

2. Project Scope
   The NWS extension seeks to prolong operations at the Karratha Gas Plant until 2070, transforming it into a third-party gas processing facility. It is not an expansion but an extension of existing operations, which have supplied 14% of Western Australia's domestic gas and exported LNG globally since 1989 28.

3. Environmental and Climate Concerns

   • The project could emit 6 billion tonnes of CO₂ over its lifetime, undermining Australia's climate goals 7.

   • Opponents argue it threatens Indigenous rock art on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga), a site nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status 57.

   • The Browse Basin gas fields, which would feed the NWS facility, risk damaging Scott Reef's marine ecosystem, home to endangered species like green turtles and pygmy blue whales 67.

4. Political and Industry Backing

   • The WA Labor government has already approved the project, emphasizing its economic benefits, including $614 million in annual royalties and thousands of jobs 28.

   • Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt rejected last-minute objections from Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of WA, clearing the path for approval 34.

5. Criticism from Environmental Groups

   • The Greens and climate activists accuse Labor of fast-tracking a "carbon bomb" that contradicts its net-zero commitments 37.

   • The Climate Council warns the project would become the most polluting fossil fuel project approved under Albanese, emitting 88 million tonnes annually 47.

Next Steps

A federal decision is expected by May 31, with potential legal challenges from Traditional Owners and environmental groups if approved 57. The outcome will test Labor's balancing act between energy security and climate action.

For further details, refer to the full AFR report or Woodside's project page.