Woodside’s North West Shelf gas processing plant looks set for an extension, after Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt released a preliminary decision on the project.
The Federal Government has been considering a proposal to continue the use and extend the operating life of the Karratha gas plant beyond the expiry of its current approval in 2030.
The North West Shelf project is one of the largest LNG projects in the world and the extension was approved by the Western Australian Government in December 2024. It has supplied more than 6000PJ of domestic gas to Western Australia over the last 40 years, and since 1989, has exported more than 6500 LNG cargoes to international customers.
Watt has today announced his proposed decision to approve the development following the consideration of rigorous scientific and other advice, including submissions from a wide cross-section of the community.
Final approval will be subject to strict conditions, particularly relating to the impact of air emissions levels from the operation of an expanded on-shore Karratha gas plant.
Watt said in making his proposed decision, he was required to consider the potential impacts of extending the life of the plant on the national heritage values of nearby ancient rock art and economic and social matters concerning the proposed development.
“Based on the evidence before me and the Department’s recommendations, my proposed decision is subject to strict conditions,” he said.
“My responsibility is to consider the acceptability of the project’s impact on protected matters.
Watt said in this case, 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.
“I have ensured that adequate protection for the rock art is central to my proposed decision.”
Watt has provided Woodside with an opportunity to comment within 10 business days, and will consider the gas giant’s comments before a final decision is made.
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