It marks the greatest giveaway of Australian resources ever and will undermine the nation’s energy security, while driving up energy prices.
Environment Minister Murray Watt has not provided details of the conditions on Woodside to protect the ancient, priceless Murujuga rock art or how much Woodside succeeded in watering down those conditions during 12 weeks of secret negotiations. However, it is clear that acid gas emissions from the project will continue corroding Murujuga until 2070.
Massive emissions
The approval will add around 90 million tonnes of emissions to the atmosphere annually, equivalent to building 12 new coal power stations.
Undermine energy security
The extension allows Woodside to export enough gas to supply Western Australia for around 90 years, despite WA facing looming gas shortagesĀ and price increases. AnalysisĀ here.