7am The years of lobbying behind Woodside’s North West Shelf approval
Jun 4, 2025
Greg Bourne, former BP Australasia president and Climate Council councillor, discusses the extensive lobbying that led to the controversial approval of Woodside's North West Shelf project. He warns of billions of tonnes of emissions and the threat to ancient rock art, arguing the economic benefits are minimal. Bourne critiques the decision-making process and highlights the urgent need for climate action and reforms to prevent similar fossil fuel projects in the future. His insights shed light on the intersection of energy policy and environmental responsibility.
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Perth Airport's Mining Atmosphere
- Perth Airport feels dominated by the mining and LNG industry, with many workers wearing high-vis clothing.
- The LNG plants are massive and visually prominent in the landscape near Perth.
Ancient Rock Art Threatened
- Near the Woodside LNG plants are ancient Muradjuga petroglyphs, some 45,000 to 60,000 years old.
- These culturally significant rock carvings now suffer under pollution from industrial activities nearby.
Project Extension vs Net Zero Goals
- Approving the North West Shelf project extension to 2070 conflicts with global net zero climate targets set for 2050.
- Such approval was surprising given the government’s recent election and stated climate priorities.