Latest news with #Mardathoonera
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Woodside win boosts gas industry but roadblocks remain
The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Legal challenges await gas industry after Woodside win
The approval of a massive gas project extension has emboldened the industry, but traditional owners and environmental advocates are vowing to maintain their rage. Woodside was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating a gas processing plant in Karratha as part of its North West Shelf project until the 2070s. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new environment minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation in Australia had evolved to recognise the role of gas in smoothing out the energy transition. "The renewables rollout is not going as fast as had initially been anticipated, and we need to make sure that we're tackling those cost-of-living pressures that were such an important issue at the most recent election," she told reporters. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down." Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. "But the truth is, the industry is waiting to see if actions follow words," Mr Kavonic told Sky News. "Overall, the investment landscape in Australia is still seen as quite challenging, particularly compared to alternatives that investors can invest in, places like Texas and Louisiana in the United States." Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Legal challenges could still jeopardise the project, which Woodside says contributes more than 2000 direct jobs and has paid more than $40 billion in taxes over the past four decades. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. It came just hours after the United Nations said industrial development at Karratha threatened nearby Aboriginal rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. Ms O'Neill said Woodside had worked closely with traditional custodians for more than 40 years. "Whilst we haven't always gotten it right, we have very strong working relationships now, and we support the World Heritage listing, and we believe industry and heritage can coexist," she said. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The existing gas fields that feed the plant will run out in the 2030s, so Woodside is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin, which could provide Karratha with decades more gas through an undersea pipeline. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. "So we will continue to work with the states, the EPA and the Commonwealth department of environment on those Browse approvals," she said. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50 year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. "ACF and many others will continue to vigorously oppose the expansion of the gas industry, including the exploitation of the Browse climate bomb gas field at Scott Reef," she said. The approval of a massive gas project extension has emboldened the industry, but traditional owners and environmental advocates are vowing to maintain their rage. Woodside was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating a gas processing plant in Karratha as part of its North West Shelf project until the 2070s. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new environment minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation in Australia had evolved to recognise the role of gas in smoothing out the energy transition. "The renewables rollout is not going as fast as had initially been anticipated, and we need to make sure that we're tackling those cost-of-living pressures that were such an important issue at the most recent election," she told reporters. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down." Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. "But the truth is, the industry is waiting to see if actions follow words," Mr Kavonic told Sky News. "Overall, the investment landscape in Australia is still seen as quite challenging, particularly compared to alternatives that investors can invest in, places like Texas and Louisiana in the United States." Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Legal challenges could still jeopardise the project, which Woodside says contributes more than 2000 direct jobs and has paid more than $40 billion in taxes over the past four decades. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. It came just hours after the United Nations said industrial development at Karratha threatened nearby Aboriginal rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. Ms O'Neill said Woodside had worked closely with traditional custodians for more than 40 years. "Whilst we haven't always gotten it right, we have very strong working relationships now, and we support the World Heritage listing, and we believe industry and heritage can coexist," she said. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The existing gas fields that feed the plant will run out in the 2030s, so Woodside is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin, which could provide Karratha with decades more gas through an undersea pipeline. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. "So we will continue to work with the states, the EPA and the Commonwealth department of environment on those Browse approvals," she said. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50 year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. "ACF and many others will continue to vigorously oppose the expansion of the gas industry, including the exploitation of the Browse climate bomb gas field at Scott Reef," she said. The approval of a massive gas project extension has emboldened the industry, but traditional owners and environmental advocates are vowing to maintain their rage. Woodside was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating a gas processing plant in Karratha as part of its North West Shelf project until the 2070s. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new environment minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation in Australia had evolved to recognise the role of gas in smoothing out the energy transition. "The renewables rollout is not going as fast as had initially been anticipated, and we need to make sure that we're tackling those cost-of-living pressures that were such an important issue at the most recent election," she told reporters. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down." Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. "But the truth is, the industry is waiting to see if actions follow words," Mr Kavonic told Sky News. "Overall, the investment landscape in Australia is still seen as quite challenging, particularly compared to alternatives that investors can invest in, places like Texas and Louisiana in the United States." Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Legal challenges could still jeopardise the project, which Woodside says contributes more than 2000 direct jobs and has paid more than $40 billion in taxes over the past four decades. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. It came just hours after the United Nations said industrial development at Karratha threatened nearby Aboriginal rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. Ms O'Neill said Woodside had worked closely with traditional custodians for more than 40 years. "Whilst we haven't always gotten it right, we have very strong working relationships now, and we support the World Heritage listing, and we believe industry and heritage can coexist," she said. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The existing gas fields that feed the plant will run out in the 2030s, so Woodside is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin, which could provide Karratha with decades more gas through an undersea pipeline. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. "So we will continue to work with the states, the EPA and the Commonwealth department of environment on those Browse approvals," she said. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50 year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. "ACF and many others will continue to vigorously oppose the expansion of the gas industry, including the exploitation of the Browse climate bomb gas field at Scott Reef," she said. The approval of a massive gas project extension has emboldened the industry, but traditional owners and environmental advocates are vowing to maintain their rage. Woodside was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating a gas processing plant in Karratha as part of its North West Shelf project until the 2070s. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new environment minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation in Australia had evolved to recognise the role of gas in smoothing out the energy transition. "The renewables rollout is not going as fast as had initially been anticipated, and we need to make sure that we're tackling those cost-of-living pressures that were such an important issue at the most recent election," she told reporters. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down." Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. "But the truth is, the industry is waiting to see if actions follow words," Mr Kavonic told Sky News. "Overall, the investment landscape in Australia is still seen as quite challenging, particularly compared to alternatives that investors can invest in, places like Texas and Louisiana in the United States." Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Legal challenges could still jeopardise the project, which Woodside says contributes more than 2000 direct jobs and has paid more than $40 billion in taxes over the past four decades. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. It came just hours after the United Nations said industrial development at Karratha threatened nearby Aboriginal rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. Ms O'Neill said Woodside had worked closely with traditional custodians for more than 40 years. "Whilst we haven't always gotten it right, we have very strong working relationships now, and we support the World Heritage listing, and we believe industry and heritage can coexist," she said. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The existing gas fields that feed the plant will run out in the 2030s, so Woodside is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin, which could provide Karratha with decades more gas through an undersea pipeline. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. "So we will continue to work with the states, the EPA and the Commonwealth department of environment on those Browse approvals," she said. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50 year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. "ACF and many others will continue to vigorously oppose the expansion of the gas industry, including the exploitation of the Browse climate bomb gas field at Scott Reef," she said.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Legal challenges await gas industry after Woodside win
The approval of a massive gas project extension has emboldened the industry, but traditional owners and environmental advocates are vowing to maintain their rage. Woodside was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating a gas processing plant in Karratha as part of its North West Shelf project until the 2070s. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new environment minister and Queensland senator Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation in Australia had evolved to recognise the role of gas in smoothing out the energy transition. "The renewables rollout is not going as fast as had initially been anticipated, and we need to make sure that we're tackling those cost-of-living pressures that were such an important issue at the most recent election," she told reporters. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down." Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. "But the truth is, the industry is waiting to see if actions follow words," Mr Kavonic told Sky News. "Overall, the investment landscape in Australia is still seen as quite challenging, particularly compared to alternatives that investors can invest in, places like Texas and Louisiana in the United States." Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Legal challenges could still jeopardise the project, which Woodside says contributes more than 2000 direct jobs and has paid more than $40 billion in taxes over the past four decades. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. It came just hours after the United Nations said industrial development at Karratha threatened nearby Aboriginal rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. Ms O'Neill said Woodside had worked closely with traditional custodians for more than 40 years. "Whilst we haven't always gotten it right, we have very strong working relationships now, and we support the World Heritage listing, and we believe industry and heritage can coexist," she said. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The existing gas fields that feed the plant will run out in the 2030s, so Woodside is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin, which could provide Karratha with decades more gas through an undersea pipeline. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. "So we will continue to work with the states, the EPA and the Commonwealth department of environment on those Browse approvals," she said. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50 year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. "ACF and many others will continue to vigorously oppose the expansion of the gas industry, including the exploitation of the Browse climate bomb gas field at Scott Reef," she said.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'See you in court': anger over huge gas plant extension
Environmental groups and traditional custodians have condemned a federal government decision to allow a controversial gas project to keep operating for decades. New federal environment minister Murray Watt on Wednesday approved fossil fuel giant Woodside's proposal to extend its North West Shelf project on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia. The approval, which allows Woodside to extend the project's life from 2030 to 2070, is subject to strict conditions on the impact of air emission levels from the expanded onshore gas plant at Karratha. The Burrup Peninsula in WA's northwest, known as Murujuga to traditional owners, contains the world's largest and oldest collection of petroglyphs. Experts have raised concern about the impact of industrial pollution on preserving the rock art. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched Federal Court action last week to compel Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from industrial development. "See you in court," she said in response to Wednesday's decision. "I'm not on my own, I'm bringing warriors from this ngurra (country) with me." Woodside has 10 business days to respond to the proposed decision and Senator Watt said he would consider the response before a final decision was made. The impact of air emissions on the Murujuga rock art that forms part of the Dampier Archipelago was considered as part of the assessment process, he said. "I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision," he said. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said Senator Watt's decision "could ignite a climate bomb" and destroy sacred sites. She said the minister hadn't consulted traditional custodians and had ignored Ms Cooper's heritage protection application, lodged three years ago. "Choosing Reconciliation Week to push through this decision, while sidelining First Peoples, is not just disrespectful - it's disgraceful," she said. Woodside chief operating officer Liz Westcott said the proposed approval would provide certainty for the project, and secure thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company was reviewing the proposed conditions relating to cultural heritage management and air quality and "we recognise the significance of these matters". "We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination," Ms Westcott said. The decision came after the release of a report indicating the United Nations is set to reject Australia's bid to add the Murujuga rock art to the World Heritage list. Its integrity was "vulnerable due to industrial emissions, considered the majorly adversely affecting factor for the petroglyphs", the International Council on Monuments and Sites said in its report to UNESCO. An agenda for UNESCO's meeting in July shows the draft decision is set to be deferred and the nomination sent back to the Australian government to address the risks to World Heritage values, including "the total removal of degrading acidic emissions currently impacting upon the petroglyphs". Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the report "clearly identified" the North West Shelf gas hub as the primary risk to the rock art. "UNESCO is essentially saying to the Albanese government: you can't have your cake and eat it. You are going to have to choose between World Heritage or Woodside's toxic gas extension," she said. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said the minister "has just approved the trashing of our environment". "The first act of this new government is to trash climate credibility with this huge pollution bomb," Senator Hanson-Young said. Greenpeace Australia chief executive David Ritter said Senator Watt's "terrible decision" brought Woodside's destructive gas drills one step closer to Scott Reef, a marine ecosystem home to threatened species like pygmy blue whales and green sea turtles. Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell said the government had missed an opportunity to lead the world and start Australia's journey to real zero emissions. "The government has opted, once again, to put big gas ahead of Australians," he said. "For a government re-elected to take meaningful action on climate change, expanding the nation's biggest fossil fuel project is a dreadful way to kick off its second term." Environmental groups and traditional custodians have condemned a federal government decision to allow a controversial gas project to keep operating for decades. New federal environment minister Murray Watt on Wednesday approved fossil fuel giant Woodside's proposal to extend its North West Shelf project on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia. The approval, which allows Woodside to extend the project's life from 2030 to 2070, is subject to strict conditions on the impact of air emission levels from the expanded onshore gas plant at Karratha. The Burrup Peninsula in WA's northwest, known as Murujuga to traditional owners, contains the world's largest and oldest collection of petroglyphs. Experts have raised concern about the impact of industrial pollution on preserving the rock art. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched Federal Court action last week to compel Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from industrial development. "See you in court," she said in response to Wednesday's decision. "I'm not on my own, I'm bringing warriors from this ngurra (country) with me." Woodside has 10 business days to respond to the proposed decision and Senator Watt said he would consider the response before a final decision was made. The impact of air emissions on the Murujuga rock art that forms part of the Dampier Archipelago was considered as part of the assessment process, he said. "I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision," he said. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said Senator Watt's decision "could ignite a climate bomb" and destroy sacred sites. She said the minister hadn't consulted traditional custodians and had ignored Ms Cooper's heritage protection application, lodged three years ago. "Choosing Reconciliation Week to push through this decision, while sidelining First Peoples, is not just disrespectful - it's disgraceful," she said. Woodside chief operating officer Liz Westcott said the proposed approval would provide certainty for the project, and secure thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company was reviewing the proposed conditions relating to cultural heritage management and air quality and "we recognise the significance of these matters". "We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination," Ms Westcott said. The decision came after the release of a report indicating the United Nations is set to reject Australia's bid to add the Murujuga rock art to the World Heritage list. Its integrity was "vulnerable due to industrial emissions, considered the majorly adversely affecting factor for the petroglyphs", the International Council on Monuments and Sites said in its report to UNESCO. An agenda for UNESCO's meeting in July shows the draft decision is set to be deferred and the nomination sent back to the Australian government to address the risks to World Heritage values, including "the total removal of degrading acidic emissions currently impacting upon the petroglyphs". Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the report "clearly identified" the North West Shelf gas hub as the primary risk to the rock art. "UNESCO is essentially saying to the Albanese government: you can't have your cake and eat it. You are going to have to choose between World Heritage or Woodside's toxic gas extension," she said. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said the minister "has just approved the trashing of our environment". "The first act of this new government is to trash climate credibility with this huge pollution bomb," Senator Hanson-Young said. Greenpeace Australia chief executive David Ritter said Senator Watt's "terrible decision" brought Woodside's destructive gas drills one step closer to Scott Reef, a marine ecosystem home to threatened species like pygmy blue whales and green sea turtles. Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell said the government had missed an opportunity to lead the world and start Australia's journey to real zero emissions. "The government has opted, once again, to put big gas ahead of Australians," he said. "For a government re-elected to take meaningful action on climate change, expanding the nation's biggest fossil fuel project is a dreadful way to kick off its second term." Environmental groups and traditional custodians have condemned a federal government decision to allow a controversial gas project to keep operating for decades. New federal environment minister Murray Watt on Wednesday approved fossil fuel giant Woodside's proposal to extend its North West Shelf project on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia. The approval, which allows Woodside to extend the project's life from 2030 to 2070, is subject to strict conditions on the impact of air emission levels from the expanded onshore gas plant at Karratha. The Burrup Peninsula in WA's northwest, known as Murujuga to traditional owners, contains the world's largest and oldest collection of petroglyphs. Experts have raised concern about the impact of industrial pollution on preserving the rock art. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched Federal Court action last week to compel Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from industrial development. "See you in court," she said in response to Wednesday's decision. "I'm not on my own, I'm bringing warriors from this ngurra (country) with me." Woodside has 10 business days to respond to the proposed decision and Senator Watt said he would consider the response before a final decision was made. The impact of air emissions on the Murujuga rock art that forms part of the Dampier Archipelago was considered as part of the assessment process, he said. "I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision," he said. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said Senator Watt's decision "could ignite a climate bomb" and destroy sacred sites. She said the minister hadn't consulted traditional custodians and had ignored Ms Cooper's heritage protection application, lodged three years ago. "Choosing Reconciliation Week to push through this decision, while sidelining First Peoples, is not just disrespectful - it's disgraceful," she said. Woodside chief operating officer Liz Westcott said the proposed approval would provide certainty for the project, and secure thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company was reviewing the proposed conditions relating to cultural heritage management and air quality and "we recognise the significance of these matters". "We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination," Ms Westcott said. The decision came after the release of a report indicating the United Nations is set to reject Australia's bid to add the Murujuga rock art to the World Heritage list. Its integrity was "vulnerable due to industrial emissions, considered the majorly adversely affecting factor for the petroglyphs", the International Council on Monuments and Sites said in its report to UNESCO. An agenda for UNESCO's meeting in July shows the draft decision is set to be deferred and the nomination sent back to the Australian government to address the risks to World Heritage values, including "the total removal of degrading acidic emissions currently impacting upon the petroglyphs". Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the report "clearly identified" the North West Shelf gas hub as the primary risk to the rock art. "UNESCO is essentially saying to the Albanese government: you can't have your cake and eat it. You are going to have to choose between World Heritage or Woodside's toxic gas extension," she said. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said the minister "has just approved the trashing of our environment". "The first act of this new government is to trash climate credibility with this huge pollution bomb," Senator Hanson-Young said. Greenpeace Australia chief executive David Ritter said Senator Watt's "terrible decision" brought Woodside's destructive gas drills one step closer to Scott Reef, a marine ecosystem home to threatened species like pygmy blue whales and green sea turtles. Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell said the government had missed an opportunity to lead the world and start Australia's journey to real zero emissions. "The government has opted, once again, to put big gas ahead of Australians," he said. "For a government re-elected to take meaningful action on climate change, expanding the nation's biggest fossil fuel project is a dreadful way to kick off its second term." Environmental groups and traditional custodians have condemned a federal government decision to allow a controversial gas project to keep operating for decades. New federal environment minister Murray Watt on Wednesday approved fossil fuel giant Woodside's proposal to extend its North West Shelf project on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia. The approval, which allows Woodside to extend the project's life from 2030 to 2070, is subject to strict conditions on the impact of air emission levels from the expanded onshore gas plant at Karratha. The Burrup Peninsula in WA's northwest, known as Murujuga to traditional owners, contains the world's largest and oldest collection of petroglyphs. Experts have raised concern about the impact of industrial pollution on preserving the rock art. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched Federal Court action last week to compel Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from industrial development. "See you in court," she said in response to Wednesday's decision. "I'm not on my own, I'm bringing warriors from this ngurra (country) with me." Woodside has 10 business days to respond to the proposed decision and Senator Watt said he would consider the response before a final decision was made. The impact of air emissions on the Murujuga rock art that forms part of the Dampier Archipelago was considered as part of the assessment process, he said. "I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision," he said. Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said Senator Watt's decision "could ignite a climate bomb" and destroy sacred sites. She said the minister hadn't consulted traditional custodians and had ignored Ms Cooper's heritage protection application, lodged three years ago. "Choosing Reconciliation Week to push through this decision, while sidelining First Peoples, is not just disrespectful - it's disgraceful," she said. Woodside chief operating officer Liz Westcott said the proposed approval would provide certainty for the project, and secure thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The company was reviewing the proposed conditions relating to cultural heritage management and air quality and "we recognise the significance of these matters". "We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination," Ms Westcott said. The decision came after the release of a report indicating the United Nations is set to reject Australia's bid to add the Murujuga rock art to the World Heritage list. Its integrity was "vulnerable due to industrial emissions, considered the majorly adversely affecting factor for the petroglyphs", the International Council on Monuments and Sites said in its report to UNESCO. An agenda for UNESCO's meeting in July shows the draft decision is set to be deferred and the nomination sent back to the Australian government to address the risks to World Heritage values, including "the total removal of degrading acidic emissions currently impacting upon the petroglyphs". Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the report "clearly identified" the North West Shelf gas hub as the primary risk to the rock art. "UNESCO is essentially saying to the Albanese government: you can't have your cake and eat it. You are going to have to choose between World Heritage or Woodside's toxic gas extension," she said. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said the minister "has just approved the trashing of our environment". "The first act of this new government is to trash climate credibility with this huge pollution bomb," Senator Hanson-Young said. Greenpeace Australia chief executive David Ritter said Senator Watt's "terrible decision" brought Woodside's destructive gas drills one step closer to Scott Reef, a marine ecosystem home to threatened species like pygmy blue whales and green sea turtles. Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell said the government had missed an opportunity to lead the world and start Australia's journey to real zero emissions. "The government has opted, once again, to put big gas ahead of Australians," he said. "For a government re-elected to take meaningful action on climate change, expanding the nation's biggest fossil fuel project is a dreadful way to kick off its second term."
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
New challenge to Woodside's North West Shelf extension
A traditional owner has launched legal action to compel Environment Minister Murray Watt to act on her bid to protect sacred rock art, creating a potential hurdle to his decision process on the proposed extension of a massive gas project. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper wants Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from the impacts of industrial developments at Woodside's Burrup Hub, which includes North West Shelf. Senator Watt has been in Perth for talks with WA's Labor government, along with industry, conservation and Indigenous groups, about Woodside's extension plans. The project is on and offshore from the Burrup peninsula in northwest WA, known as Murujuga, which is nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing because it is home to the world's largest collection of Aboriginal rock art. Woodside's proposal to extend the life of the project from 2030 to 2070 has been under assessment for six years, and Senator Watt has said he will approve or reject it by May 31. Ms Cooper said the federal government had ignored her application for three years and she was "sick of waiting" for it to do its job, prompting her application to the Federal Court. "Now I understand the new minister is preparing to approve Woodside's North West Shelf extension, which will be a death sentence for the oldest and largest rock art site on earth," she said. If the minister approved the extension before addressing her application, it would be "a deeply cynical act" showing "utter disrespect for indigenous culture and heritage". Senator Watt has rejected last-minute objections to the extension from Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of WA, which said the minister had declined to meet them. They had "grave concerns" that this cleared the way for a final decision, "despite the fact that he is just 10 days into his new job, and the project will have long lasting negative impacts for generations to come", CCAA executive director Matt Roberts said. "We strongly urge Minister Watt not to put the cart before the horse by approving the most polluting fossil fuel plant in the southern hemisphere and opening a pathway for drilling and carbon dumping operations at Scott Reef," he said. "Six billion tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of this extended project will have a devastating impact on climate well beyond the WA border." Research released by the Australia Institute on Friday showed that emissions from the planned extension would be equivalent to 33 years of Australia's entire emissions. It was one of the biggest proposed fossil fuel developments in the world and it would make climate change worse, research director Rod Campbell said. "Vast amounts of gas are exported … by a handful of predominantly foreign-owned corporations that get most of the gas for free and pay no resources tax on the gas they export," he said. "We would never consider allowing dozens of new coal power stations, yet Woodside's gas export expansion plans would have even more emissions." A traditional owner has launched legal action to compel Environment Minister Murray Watt to act on her bid to protect sacred rock art, creating a potential hurdle to his decision process on the proposed extension of a massive gas project. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper wants Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from the impacts of industrial developments at Woodside's Burrup Hub, which includes North West Shelf. Senator Watt has been in Perth for talks with WA's Labor government, along with industry, conservation and Indigenous groups, about Woodside's extension plans. The project is on and offshore from the Burrup peninsula in northwest WA, known as Murujuga, which is nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing because it is home to the world's largest collection of Aboriginal rock art. Woodside's proposal to extend the life of the project from 2030 to 2070 has been under assessment for six years, and Senator Watt has said he will approve or reject it by May 31. Ms Cooper said the federal government had ignored her application for three years and she was "sick of waiting" for it to do its job, prompting her application to the Federal Court. "Now I understand the new minister is preparing to approve Woodside's North West Shelf extension, which will be a death sentence for the oldest and largest rock art site on earth," she said. If the minister approved the extension before addressing her application, it would be "a deeply cynical act" showing "utter disrespect for indigenous culture and heritage". Senator Watt has rejected last-minute objections to the extension from Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of WA, which said the minister had declined to meet them. They had "grave concerns" that this cleared the way for a final decision, "despite the fact that he is just 10 days into his new job, and the project will have long lasting negative impacts for generations to come", CCAA executive director Matt Roberts said. "We strongly urge Minister Watt not to put the cart before the horse by approving the most polluting fossil fuel plant in the southern hemisphere and opening a pathway for drilling and carbon dumping operations at Scott Reef," he said. "Six billion tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of this extended project will have a devastating impact on climate well beyond the WA border." Research released by the Australia Institute on Friday showed that emissions from the planned extension would be equivalent to 33 years of Australia's entire emissions. It was one of the biggest proposed fossil fuel developments in the world and it would make climate change worse, research director Rod Campbell said. "Vast amounts of gas are exported … by a handful of predominantly foreign-owned corporations that get most of the gas for free and pay no resources tax on the gas they export," he said. "We would never consider allowing dozens of new coal power stations, yet Woodside's gas export expansion plans would have even more emissions." A traditional owner has launched legal action to compel Environment Minister Murray Watt to act on her bid to protect sacred rock art, creating a potential hurdle to his decision process on the proposed extension of a massive gas project. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper wants Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from the impacts of industrial developments at Woodside's Burrup Hub, which includes North West Shelf. Senator Watt has been in Perth for talks with WA's Labor government, along with industry, conservation and Indigenous groups, about Woodside's extension plans. The project is on and offshore from the Burrup peninsula in northwest WA, known as Murujuga, which is nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing because it is home to the world's largest collection of Aboriginal rock art. Woodside's proposal to extend the life of the project from 2030 to 2070 has been under assessment for six years, and Senator Watt has said he will approve or reject it by May 31. Ms Cooper said the federal government had ignored her application for three years and she was "sick of waiting" for it to do its job, prompting her application to the Federal Court. "Now I understand the new minister is preparing to approve Woodside's North West Shelf extension, which will be a death sentence for the oldest and largest rock art site on earth," she said. If the minister approved the extension before addressing her application, it would be "a deeply cynical act" showing "utter disrespect for indigenous culture and heritage". Senator Watt has rejected last-minute objections to the extension from Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of WA, which said the minister had declined to meet them. They had "grave concerns" that this cleared the way for a final decision, "despite the fact that he is just 10 days into his new job, and the project will have long lasting negative impacts for generations to come", CCAA executive director Matt Roberts said. "We strongly urge Minister Watt not to put the cart before the horse by approving the most polluting fossil fuel plant in the southern hemisphere and opening a pathway for drilling and carbon dumping operations at Scott Reef," he said. "Six billion tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of this extended project will have a devastating impact on climate well beyond the WA border." Research released by the Australia Institute on Friday showed that emissions from the planned extension would be equivalent to 33 years of Australia's entire emissions. It was one of the biggest proposed fossil fuel developments in the world and it would make climate change worse, research director Rod Campbell said. "Vast amounts of gas are exported … by a handful of predominantly foreign-owned corporations that get most of the gas for free and pay no resources tax on the gas they export," he said. "We would never consider allowing dozens of new coal power stations, yet Woodside's gas export expansion plans would have even more emissions." A traditional owner has launched legal action to compel Environment Minister Murray Watt to act on her bid to protect sacred rock art, creating a potential hurdle to his decision process on the proposed extension of a massive gas project. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper wants Senator Watt to make a determination on her application to protect Murujuga rock art from the impacts of industrial developments at Woodside's Burrup Hub, which includes North West Shelf. Senator Watt has been in Perth for talks with WA's Labor government, along with industry, conservation and Indigenous groups, about Woodside's extension plans. The project is on and offshore from the Burrup peninsula in northwest WA, known as Murujuga, which is nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing because it is home to the world's largest collection of Aboriginal rock art. Woodside's proposal to extend the life of the project from 2030 to 2070 has been under assessment for six years, and Senator Watt has said he will approve or reject it by May 31. Ms Cooper said the federal government had ignored her application for three years and she was "sick of waiting" for it to do its job, prompting her application to the Federal Court. "Now I understand the new minister is preparing to approve Woodside's North West Shelf extension, which will be a death sentence for the oldest and largest rock art site on earth," she said. If the minister approved the extension before addressing her application, it would be "a deeply cynical act" showing "utter disrespect for indigenous culture and heritage". Senator Watt has rejected last-minute objections to the extension from Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of WA, which said the minister had declined to meet them. They had "grave concerns" that this cleared the way for a final decision, "despite the fact that he is just 10 days into his new job, and the project will have long lasting negative impacts for generations to come", CCAA executive director Matt Roberts said. "We strongly urge Minister Watt not to put the cart before the horse by approving the most polluting fossil fuel plant in the southern hemisphere and opening a pathway for drilling and carbon dumping operations at Scott Reef," he said. "Six billion tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of this extended project will have a devastating impact on climate well beyond the WA border." Research released by the Australia Institute on Friday showed that emissions from the planned extension would be equivalent to 33 years of Australia's entire emissions. It was one of the biggest proposed fossil fuel developments in the world and it would make climate change worse, research director Rod Campbell said. "Vast amounts of gas are exported … by a handful of predominantly foreign-owned corporations that get most of the gas for free and pay no resources tax on the gas they export," he said. "We would never consider allowing dozens of new coal power stations, yet Woodside's gas export expansion plans would have even more emissions."
