What's happened
The Australian government has approved a 40-year extension for Woodside Energy's North West Shelf gas project, raising concerns over the impact on ancient Aboriginal rock art in Murujuga. Environmentalists and Indigenous groups warn that the decision threatens irreplaceable cultural heritage and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions.
What's behind the headline?
Environmental and Cultural Impact
- The extension of the North West Shelf project is expected to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, potentially up to 6 billion tonnes over its lifespan.
- Experts warn that industrial emissions are already damaging the ancient rock art, with findings indicating current pollution levels are five times higher than those from earlier industrial activities.
Political Context
- The Albanese government's approval has been criticized for sidelining Indigenous voices, particularly during Reconciliation Week, raising questions about the consultation process.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt claims the decision includes strict conditions to protect the rock art, yet many argue these measures are insufficient.
Future Implications
- Legal actions are anticipated from Indigenous groups, indicating a potential for prolonged conflict over the project's impact on cultural heritage.
- The decision may set a precedent for future energy projects in Australia, balancing economic interests against environmental and cultural preservation.
What the papers say
According to Adam Morton from The Guardian, the approval of Woodside Energy's extension has raised alarms among experts regarding its environmental impact, particularly on the Murujuga rock art. Morton notes that while the WA government's summary downplayed risks, deeper analysis reveals significant concerns. Meanwhile, SBS reports that Traditional Owners, like Raelene Cooper, are prepared to take legal action against the project, emphasizing the cultural significance of the rock art. The contrasting perspectives highlight a growing divide between economic development and environmental stewardship, with critics like Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe condemning the lack of consultation with First Nations peoples. This ongoing debate underscores the complexities of balancing energy needs with cultural preservation in Australia.
How we got here
The North West Shelf gas project, operational since the 1980s, has faced scrutiny due to its proximity to Murujuga, home to over a million ancient petroglyphs. Recent approvals extend its operation until 2070, despite ongoing concerns about environmental impacts.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for Indigenous rights?
- How will this affect Australia's climate goals?
- What legal actions are being considered?
More on these topics
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Murray Patrick Watt (born 20 January 1973) is an Australian politician who has served as Minister for the Environment and Water in the Albanese government since May 2025. He is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has been a Senator for Queens
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The Burrup Peninsula, previously known as Dampier Island, is a former island of the Dampier Archipelago that is now connected to the mainland via a causeway. The peninsula and islands together are also known as Murujuga.
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Western Australia is a state occupying the western 32.9 percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, and the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north
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Woodside Petroleum Ltd is an Australian petroleum exploration and production company. Woodside is the operator of oil and gas production in Australia and also Australia's largest independent dedicated oil and gas company.