Decision on $30b Gas Project Near WA Coast Coming Soon

Woodside plans to build two floating production storage and offloading facilities.

In short:

The environment department will decide on the Browse gas project by the end of the year.

Woodside has waited eight years for a decision on the $30 billion project.

What's next?

The department will give its recommendation to Environment Minister Murray Watt.

The minister will get the final advice on the $30 billion proposal next month.

The department's timeline shows a final recommendation report will be given to the minister by mid-2026.

The Browse gas project will produce enough gas to power 800,000 homes.

A decision on the project is coming soon.

Environmentalists oppose the project due to its potential impact on Scott Reef.

The project will operate until 2070 and generate 6.4 to 6.8 million tonnes of CO2 a year.

Woodside changed its proposal to move the project further from Scott Reef.

A carbon capture and storage project has been withdrawn and will be resubmitted under new laws.

Environment Minister Murray Watt allowed the North West Shelf gas plant to run until 2070.

Environment groups oppose the project near Scott Reef, a path for whales.

The department's schedule may be delayed, but a decision is expected soon.

Woodside is confident the project will proceed and has picked contractors for engineering work.

Woodside has been contacted for comment.

Woodside avoids a gas tax that could have stopped the project.

The government announced an east coast gas reserve, which is good news for Woodside.

A Greens-led Senate inquiry report asked the government to reconsider a gas exporter tax.

The government rejected a 25% tax on gas exports due to concerns about trading partners.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the new gas reserve will bring down prices.

The new reserve will ensure Australia is not controlled by international markets.

The reserve does not affect the Browse project, which is already subject to WA's gas reserve policy.

Planning documents show the Browse decision should have been sent for advice last month.

The department has 33 business days to make its recommendation.

The timing of the minister's decision depends on a state-level assessment.

Woodside changed its proposal to move the project further from Scott Reef last year.

Environmentalists still argue the project poses an unacceptable risk to the reef.