Woodside's North West Shelf Extension Approved Despite Environmental Concerns

Contention Over Woodside's North West Shelf Project

The push for the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf project continues as three significant requests to halt its approval have been declined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The appeals, brought forth by environmental organizations including Greenpeace, the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA), and Environmental Justice Australia (EJA), sought a re-evaluation of the project on ecological grounds but were officially rejected.

With the deadline for an official approval looming on May 31, the Australian Greens’ new leader, Larissa Waters, has criticized this decision, calling it a severe failure on the part of the new Labor government. This marks a crucial moment for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who now faces criticism for rapidly moving towards granting an approval that many believe could exacerbate climate change issues.

Concerns Raised

Waters described this situation as a significant climate test for the Australian government, arguing that the approval of Woodside's project would unleash further harm to the environment without considering the broken state of Australia’s environmental laws. She expressed concerns that Minister Murray Watt's eagerness to approve the extension only favors the coal and gas industry.

The Environmental Justice Australia group had previously urged the former environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, to reassess the original 2019 approval, citing observed impacts on protected wildlife and ecosystems that had emerged since the project’s initial evaluation.

Official Responses

In correspondence with the involved parties, DCCEEW underscored that the re-evaluation requests did not meet necessary criteria, as stipulated by environmental regulations. In a letter dated May 15, just days after taking office, Minister Watt rejected the calls from Greenpeace and CCWA, stating insufficient evidence demonstrating that significant impacts were likely to change.

Geoff Bice from Greenpeace expressed deep disappointment regarding this decision, emphasizing that the North West Shelf extension aims to process gas from sensitive areas, such as the Browse gas field beneath the Scott Reef. Bice argued for a holistic assessment of major gas projects rather than treating each component separately.

The Broader Context

Concerns extend beyond individual projects; polls indicate that a significant majority of Western Australians advocate for stronger nature protections. The CCWA's executive director, Matt Roberts, noted the urgency for climate action, especially given that such issues are top priorities for younger voters according to recent surveys.

In contrast, Woodside argues that timely approval of the North West Shelf extension is critical to maintain the project's economic viability, emphasizing its role in supporting jobs, tax revenue, and energy supply for local businesses.

Labor's Dilemma

The debate over the North West Shelf project highlights the tension between environmental sustainability and economic pressures. Unions and labor groups, such as the Australian Workers Union and Offshore Alliance, are urging the government to resist environmentalist pressures and prioritize job security within the gas sector.

As the Australian government navigates these complex dynamics, the impending approval of the North West Shelf extension will not only impact the environment but also shape the political and economic landscape of the nation.