Environment Minister defends Woodside Energy extension approval
- Environment Minister Murray Watt defended approving an extension for the North West Shelf Project through 2070.
- Conservation groups challenged the approval in Federal Court, alleging potential bias and environmental risks.
- Woodside Energy shares remained tied to broader market conditions as legal proceedings drew to a close.
The Federal Environment Minister has defended his decision to extend the North West Shelf joint venture, operated by Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS), until 2070.
The decision faces a Federal Court challenge from environmental activist groups alleging perceived bias during approval negotiations.
"There’s really no basis to suggest that my client capitulated to Woodside," said Department Counsel Stephen Lloyd SC.
The department rejected claims from Woodside that its air emissions had no impact on nearby ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs.
Government representatives maintained that officials kept an open mind while negotiating conditions that exceeded Western Australia's state environmental requirements.
Following the announcement, the Woodside Energy share price was unchanged at $32.42.
The North West Shelf project remains one of Australia's largest liquefied natural gas facilities operating in the Pilbara region.
Legal proceedings concluded following final closing submissions in the Federal Court on Friday afternoon.
