Overview

• Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has deferred the federal decision on Woodside's North West Shelf gas project extension until May 31, after the upcoming federal election.
• The project, critical to Western Australia's economy, aims to extend operations until 2070 but faces opposition due to its projected 1.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions and potential impact on Murujuga rock art.
• Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to approve the project within 30 days if elected, raising concerns about legal challenges over claims of 'apprehended bias.'
• Environmental groups argue the project jeopardizes global net-zero goals and threatens the 50,000-year-old Murujuga cultural heritage site.
• Woodside Energy and industry stakeholders express frustration over the delay, citing the need for regulatory certainty to support jobs, taxes, and energy supply in the region.