Woodside Energy is proceeding immediately to start seismic testing for its $16.5 billion Scarborough gas project in Western Australia after securing key environmental approvals for controversial seismic and drilling work.

The approvals granted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority on Friday come two months after the authority’s earlier approval for the seismic work was thrown out by the Federal Court after a challenge from a traditional owner who said the activity would damage her cultural heritage.