ABC News Daily Woodside’s massive gas extension explained
Jun 8, 2025
Jo Lauder, a climate reporter with ABC News, dives into Woodside's controversial gas facility extension in Western Australia, now running until 2070. She discusses the tension between Indigenous heritage preservation and the government's push for gas extraction. Lauder also highlights the economic implications for Australian taxpayers as the country transitions from coal to gas. With environmental concerns mounting, she critiques the emissions accounting loopholes that allow fossil fuel projects to flourish. It’s a deep look into Australia's energy future.
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Woodside Gas Project Extended 40 Years
- Woodside's Northwest Shelf gas project in WA got a 40-year extension till 2070 under Labor government approval.
- This decision surprised many given Australia's net zero ambitions by 2050 and the plant's climate impact concerns.
Cultural Heritage Threatened by Emissions
- The gas plant area is home to about 1 million petroglyphs, some 50,000 years old, significant cultural heritage.
- Industrial emissions threaten the rock art's preservation, possibly destroying it within 100 years.
Gas's Role in Energy Transition Debated
- LNG is seen by the government as a key energy source in the transition to renewables, especially for WA's heavy industry.
- However, the International Energy Agency says no new or expanded fossil fuel projects are needed to meet net zero targets.