Further delays to extend the life of the North West Shelf project off WA’s coast have been pinned on the looming federal election, with Woodside labelling the move “extremely disappointing”.
Further delays to extending the life of the North West Shelf gas project off the Western Australian coast have been pinned on the looming federal election, with Woodside labelling the move “extremely disappointing”.
The major 50-year extension to the gas project's life beyond 2030 has been pushed out several times after it was first put to the federal regulators more than six years ago, and received state level approval just last year.
After the previous delay, a federal-level decision was due by March 31, but the timeline has now blown out to May 31. That date falls after the last possible day for the federal election to be held, being May 17.
Woodside Energy is one of the joint venture partners in the North West Shelf Project. A company spokesperson described the further delay to the mammoth gas venture extension as "extremely disappointing".
“We look forward to certainty for ongoing operations, which can support thousands of direct and indirect jobs, billions of dollars in taxes and royalties and secure gas supply to WA,” a Woodside spokesperson said.
WA Senator Michaelia Cash took a stronger tone with her disappointment over the delays, labelling it an “absolute disgrace and act of cynical political manipulation”.
“To quietly push it out until May 31, on budget day, beggars belief and is emblematic of this dishonest government,” Senator Cash said.
“Western Australians deserve to know the future of this vital project before the federal election.
“Anthony Albanese has prioritised getting Greens' preferences at the upcoming election over approving a project vital for WA jobs, our energy supply and our economy.
“It is very clear that if Mr Albanese is re-elected, he will not approve this project because he will be in debt to the Australian Greens for their electoral support.”
Further, Senator Cash said opposition leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition would prioritise WA’s future over gaining Greens’ preferences.
She reiterated that a Dutton Coalition government would make a decision on the North West Shelf extension within 30 days of government.
It comes against concerns a minority Labor government, should it return to power, could face mounting pressure from the Greens and independents to delay or reject the extension, making it a sensitive political project ahead of the election.
A spokesperson for Environmental Minister Tanya Plibersek said the responsible department had advised it required more time.
“All projects follow the process as set out by the law put in place by John Howard’s government,” the spokesperson said.
A "gutless betrayal" of WA's economic future is how Nationals WA leader Shane Love described the delay.
He also criticised the state government for what he said was a failure to advocate or put meaningful pressure on the federal government to act.
“This is an unacceptable and deliberate hindrance to development, economic prosperity, and job creation in WA all at the hands of the federal Labor government,” Mr Love said.
“The Albanese government is bowing to pressure from the Greens in an attempt to shore up votes ahead of the next federal election, rather than backing a project that is vital to WA’s economy and energy security.”
