PERTH/SYDNEY, Thursday 12 December 2024 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has condemned today’s decision by the WA government to greenlight Woodside’s North West Shelf (NWS) Project Extension, which would see gas processed until 2070.
The NWS extension is a key stage of Woodside’s Burrup Hub gas mega project that would churn out 6.1 billion tonnes of climate pollution over its lifecycle — equivalent to 13 times Australia’s total annual emissions.
The ageing NWS gas processing facility is one of Australia’s most polluting fossil fuel projects. A record 776 appeals were lodged against the NWS extension plans over the last two years, citing the unacceptable risks posed to climate, nature and cultural heritage.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek must now decide whether to approve the project, which Greenpeace says is simply too risky to proceed.
“By waving through one of the most climate-wrecking and polluting fossil fuel projects in the country, despite a record number of appeals, Minister Whitby has revealed how broken WA’s environmental laws are,” said David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“This decision demonstrates that it seems to be beyond the scope of WA’s processes to consider properly. Tanya Plibersek has to now take responsibility for this decision at a Federal level.
“The approval for the North West Shelf extension flies in the face of the clear scientific evidence about the incompatibility of new fossil fuels with a safer climate, and the possibly catastrophic environmental consequences of Woodside’s Burrup Hub.
“This is a kick in the guts for every West Australian who wants a decent future for our kids. It is a slap in the face to every West Australian who loves our beautiful oceans.
“Our world is on a knife edge. The future of everything we care about is at stake in decisions like this one. We need our decision-makers to put the safety of people, and the health of the natural world, ahead of the profits of massive polluting corporations like Woodside.
“We now call on Environment Minister Plibersek to do the right thing and rule out the Burrup Hub,” said Mr Ritter.
As part of its Burrup Hub project, oil and gas corporation Woodside plans to drill up to 50 gas wells at pristine Scott Reef, home to many endangered species, including the pygmy blue whale and recently-listed dusky sea snake.
“Today’s irresponsible decision to endorse more polluting fossil fuels during a climate crisis threatens communities across Australia who are already suffering from worsening climate-fuelled disasters and extreme weather,” said Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“The WA government has caved to fossil fuel exporters — it cannot be relied upon to make decisions of this importance when it comes to protecting our nature and climate. Federal Environment Minister Plibersek must now step up and say no to Woodside’s disastrous gas project.”
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Recent footage and images of the North West Shelf plant in operation here (credit: Save Our Songlines) and images of Scott Reef and general Browse images here
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