Australia set to approve North West Shelf extension

Australia’s Federal Environment and Water Minister, Murray Watt, signalled his intention this week to approve the extension of Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf gas processing facility, subject to stringent environmental conditions.

The federal government has been evaluating a proposal to prolong the operational life of the Karratha gas plant beyond its current authorisation, which expires in 2030. The North West Shelf project, located in Western Australia, is among the largest LNG ventures globally and plays a pivotal role in both domestic energy supply and international exports.

Since commencing operations, the project has delivered over 6,000 PJ of domestic gas to Western Australia and has exported in excess of 6,500 LNG cargoes to overseas markets since 1989. The Western Australian government granted state-level approval for the extension last December.

Watt said his proposed decision followed comprehensive scientific assessment and public consultation, including feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. The final federal approval, however, will be contingent on strict conditions, particularly concerning air emissions from the expanded onshore facility.

“In reaching my proposed decision, I was required to consider the project’s potential impact on national heritage values, especially those associated with the ancient rock art near the plant, alongside the broader economic and social implications,” Watt said.

The Murujuga rock art, located within the Dampier Archipelago and regarded as one of the world’s oldest and most significant collections of petroglyphs, formed a central consideration in the environmental assessment.

“I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision,” Watt said. “Based on the evidence before me and the department’s recommendations, my proposed decision is subject to strict conditions.”

Watt has invited Woodside to respond within 10 business days, after which he will consider the company’s submissions before issuing a final determination.