Woodside seeks to expand gas project in Western Australia

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has signaled that a future Coalition government would quickly approve a major gas project off the coast of Western Australia. This project, led by Woodside Energy, could produce billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases until around 2070. Dutton stated that approving the project would ensure energy security and support jobs in Western Australia. He suggested that environmental assessments for the project could be fast-tracked to finish in just 30 days. Currently, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is reviewing the proposal, with strong pressure from mining and business sectors for a swift decision. The North West Shelf project is Australia’s largest gas-producing venture, supplying gas to both domestic and international markets. Its current approval is set to expire in 2030. The proposed extension would allow operations to continue until 2070, including new drilling and a 900km underwater gas pipeline. Critics are worried that extending the project could worsen climate change. The emissions from the extension are estimated at 4.3 billion tonnes, with some analyses suggesting even higher figures. This increase comes as global greenhouse gas emissions are already rising, undermining efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Woodside plans to use carbon-capture and storage technology and purchase carbon offsets to reduce emissions. However, there are doubts about the effectiveness of these methods, raising concerns about their actual impact on climate change. The project poses risks not only to the climate but also to marine life and Indigenous heritage. Increased drilling could harm the Scott Reef, which is critical for various marine species, including endangered turtles. It also threatens the Murujuga rock art, which contains significant cultural heritage for Indigenous Australians. The Albanese government has struggled to enforce strong environmental laws, leading to concerns about the impact of expanding the gas industry on both natural ecosystems and cultural sites. Many believe that prioritizing short-term economic gains could jeopardize the environment and public health for future generations.