Woodside's massive North West Shelf gas project extended to 2070
- Woodside obtained federal authorization on May 30, 2025, to continue operating the gas facility near Karratha, Western Australia, until 2070, subject to stringent environmental safeguards.
- This extension follows a seven-year approval process amid concerns about industrial pollution damaging the nearby culturally significant Murujuga rock art site.
- Scientific studies report elevated porosity and degradation of Murujuga's rock varnish linked to acidic industrial emissions, threatening the survival of ancient petroglyphs valued by Traditional Owners.
- Key data show current industrial nitrogen oxide emissions exceed 13,000 tonnes per year, surpassing levels from a defunct power plant once blamed for damage, with rock varnish manganese content halving over 26 years.
- The approval implies continued industrial impact on cultural heritage, prompting legal challenges and calls for emissions removal before World Heritage listing, while Woodside and government emphasize energy security and economic benefits.
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Gas expansion and damage to 50,000-year-old rock art
Australia’s new environment minister Murray Watt approved an extension for the North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project. The gas plant at Karratha, Western Australia, will run until 2070. This expansion – and the pollution it will release – has led to a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites to defer UNESCO’s decision on the world heritage listing of the nearby Murujuga rock art. Two of the recommendations prior…
·Washington, United States
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Leaning Left7Leaning Right8Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Right
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42% Right
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R 42%
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