Woodside Energy and its North West Shelf Joint Venture partners have welcomed the federal government’s proposed environmental approval for the North West Shelf Project Extension, a move expected to secure the future of one of Australia’s most significant energy assets.
The project, which has been a cornerstone of Western Australia’s energy supply for four decades, is set to continue operations following what Woodside describes as “rigorous assessments and appeals.”
Liz Westcott, Woodside Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia, said the decision would provide critical certainty for the project and the thousands of jobs it supports.
“This proposed approval will secure the ongoing operation of the North West Shelf and the thousands of direct and indirect jobs that it supports,” said Westcott.
“This nationally significant infrastructure has supplied reliable and affordable energy to Western Australia for 40 years and international customers for 35 years and will be able to continue its contribution to energy security.
“Since starting operations in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has paid over $40 billion in royalties and taxes, and supported regional development opportunities in the Pilbara.”
The proposed federal conditions attached to the approval focus on issues such as cultural heritage management and air quality.
Woodside said it is currently reviewing these conditions to fully understand their application, acknowledging their importance.
The company’s official statement reads: “We recognise the significance of these matters and are reviewing the proposed conditions to understand their application.
“We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination.
“We believe long-term co-existence between cultural heritage and industry is possible when guided by credible science, Traditional Custodian leadership, and genuine collaboration.”
Environmental management and emissions reduction remain at the forefront of the project’s commitments.
As part of the state government approval granted in December 2024, the North West Shelf Project agreed to a range of measures, including significant reductions in air emissions and ongoing management of greenhouse gases.
Consultation with Traditional Owners is a key component of the new conditions, particularly in meeting air quality objectives and standards set by the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program.
The North West Shelf Project has supplied more than 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industries across Western Australia.
According to Woodside, this is enough energy to power a city the size of Perth for approximately 175 years if used solely for household electricity.
Over its four-decade history, the project has contributed more than $40 billion in royalties and excise, created thousands of jobs, and invested over $300 million in social and community infrastructure in Karratha and the broader Pilbara region.
The federal government’s final decision is expected following the review of the proposed conditions and any remaining appeals.
