Australia Extends North West Shelf Gas Project

The Australian government has approved Woodside Energy's extension of the North West Shelf gas project until 2070, after nearly seven years of reviews and appeals. Environment Minister Murray Watt announced the decision, which places strict environmental conditions on air emissions and requires protections for the ancient Murujuga rock art. The approval allows continued use of existing infrastructure, but the decision is not yet finalized and will be further reviewed after Woodside responds to the conditions within 10 days. Business groups and the resources industry have welcomed the move for supporting jobs and energy security, while climate advocates, Indigenous leaders, and scientists have criticized its environmental and cultural risks. Critics warn that the extension could result in significant greenhouse gas emissions and threaten cultural heritage. The project remains contentious, highlighting tensions between economic priorities and sustainability.