The future of Woodside Energy’s major gas facility in Western Australia may face delays, as Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt confirms the company has more time to respond to his provisional approval of the North West Shelf extension.
Last month, Mr Watt gave in-principle support for Woodside to continue operating its onshore gas processing plant near Karratha for another 40 years. However, the company is still reviewing the stringent conditions attached, which are designed to protect culturally significant Aboriginal rock art in Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula.
Speaking on ABC Radio, Mr Watt said the official 10-day response period ends tomorrow, but it’s not unusual for companies to take longer.
“We haven’t had a final response yet,” he said.
“While the 10-day comment period expires [tomorrow], proponents often take a bit more time. I can’t say exactly when Woodside will respond, but once I receive their input, I’ll consider it before making a final decision.”
Legal Challenge from Traditional Owner
A final ruling may also be delayed due to legal action by Traditional Owner Raelene Cooper, who is seeking to force the minister to rule on a cultural heritage assessment before approving the project.
Ms Cooper filed a Federal Court case in 2022, arguing that continued industrial activity — including the North West Shelf extension — poses a direct threat to sacred cultural sites.
“If the minister makes a final decision before considering my application, it would effectively approve the very harm I’ve been trying to prevent,” she said last week.
Ms Cooper, a former member of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, said Mr Watt agreed to give her three business days’ notice before finalising his decision, allowing time for a potential injunction.
What Is the North West Shelf?
The North West Shelf is Australia’s largest oil and gas precinct, located off WA’s north-west coast. Gas is extracted offshore by Woodside and sent to the Karratha Gas Plant for processing.
In 2018, Woodside applied to extend the life of the plant beyond 2030, launching a prolonged approval process. The proposal has since been backed by both state and federal governments.
Preparing for Expansion
The approved extension to 2070 would enable Woodside to process gas from new sources, particularly the undeveloped Browse gas fields north of Broome. This could allow Woodside to avoid building new processing infrastructure.
Browse is considered a massive reserve, potentially enough to meet all of Australia’s domestic gas needs for nearly two decades. However, plans to drill in Browse remain under environmental review after nearly seven years.
Mounting Opposition
While the extension promises ongoing employment and economic benefits for WA, it has sparked strong opposition from environmentalists and Traditional Owners.
Green groups argue the expansion threatens marine biodiversity near the Scott Reef and could severely impact endangered species such as whales and turtles. Critics also say the project undermines WA’s climate goals and poses a risk to ancient Aboriginal rock art near the gas facility.
Traditional Owners have flagged possible legal challenges to both the North West Shelf and Browse developments.
Woodside and supporters argue that gas remains a vital transitional energy source and a key export for countries phasing out coal.
