Woodside Energy has confirmed a UN representative’s request to get involved in three Federal Court challenges against the federal government’s approval of its North West Shelf extension.
Woodside Energy has confirmed a UN representative’s request to get involved in three Federal Court challenges against the federal government’s approval of its North West Shelf extension.
The Australian broke news late on Friday that UN special rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – Astrid Puentes Riano – had applied to join the three legal challenges in an amicus curiae capacity.
The application would allow the Ms Puentes Riano to offer information or expertise in the cases – mounted by Friends of Australian Rock Art and the Australian Conservation Foundation – without being a formal party to the matter.
It is understood to be an Australian first.
Both legal challenges question the lawfulness of the project's federal approval.
In a statement, Woodside acknowledged the request and said it intended to vigorously defend its position.
“There are three separate legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia challenging the federal government's environmental approval of the North West Shelf extension,” they said.
“Woodside is aware that the United Nations special rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment has applied to be joined to these proceedings as amicus curiae or ‘friend of the court’.
“The Australian government's approval followed a comprehensive and extended assessment carried out by both Commonwealth and Western Australian state regulators in accordance with statutory processes.
“Woodside will vigorously defend its position in these proceedings.”
The challenges against Woodside’s approval were launched in October, a month after the approval was formally granted by federal Environment Minister Murray Watt following a lengthy period of consultation.
The approvals allow Woodside to continue production of gas via the Karratha gas plant until 2070 – a decision which was more than seven years in the making.
The ACF is led by Adam Bandt, the former leader of the federal Greens who lost his seat at the 2025 federal election.
