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4mo ago

Australia Approves 40-Year Extension of North West Shelf Gas Project to 2070

Environmental campaigners, including Indigenous custodians, have vowed legal challenges over the extension’s threat to ancient rock art.

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Fat-tail petroglyph
Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper says she'll keep fighting to save her cultural heritage.
Campaigners gathered outside the WA Parliament House on Tuesday May 27, calling for the federal government to reject the North West Shelf.

Overview

  • Environment Minister Murray Watt granted Woodside Energy permission to operate its North West Shelf gas venture until 2070 under federal approval issued on May 28, 2025.
  • The approval comes with strict conditions on heritage protection at Murujuga and tighter air quality controls around the Burrup Peninsula facility.
  • Independent researchers estimate the prolonged project will emit about 4.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2070, raising concerns about Australia’s net zero by 2050 commitments.
  • Indigenous custodians and environmental groups have staged protests and announced court action, citing damage to ancient rock art and cultural heritage.
  • The extension clears the path for Woodside’s planned Browse Basin development and underscores gas’s role in Australia’s energy security and domestic supply strategy.