One of Australia’s largest gas projects extended until 2070
Stricter emissions targets imposed on Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf project ahead of Australia’s 2035 climate plan.
Australia has granted a 40-year extension to its North West Shelf gas project, allowing operations until 2070. The decision, announced days before the federal government’s 2035 emissions targets, imposes dozens of new environmental conditions on operator Woodside Energy.
Under the tougher terms, Woodside must cut specific gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. The project includes the Karratha processing and export facility near the 60,000-year-old Murujuga rock art in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said the 48 conditions will prevent unacceptable harm to the heritage site, limit air emissions and require legal agreements with Indigenous communities along with a robust monitoring system.
Additional legal safeguards under a “partial declaration” will protect the sacred landscape, said Peter Hicks, chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
Climate groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, called the extension a “carbon bomb” that undermines global climate efforts. Greens leader Larissa Waters labelled it “a betrayal” of the planet’s future.
Despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pledge for stronger climate action since 2022, his government faces criticism for supporting coal and gas expansions amid rising natural disasters.
The extension allows continued fossil fuel production under stricter emissions and heritage protections, sparking debate over Australia’s climate commitments.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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