WA environmental agency rules Woodside Browse LNG project poses unacceptable risks

The preliminary ruling by WA’s Environmental Protection Agency is a blow for developing what Woodside has called Australia’s largest untapped gas resource.

Woodside’s proposed $30bn-plus Browse LNG project poses an “unacceptable” risk, the Western Australian Environmental Protection Agency has preliminarily concluded, a ruling that threatens the viability of developing Australia’s largest untapped gas resource.

The Australian understands the ruling is based on the threat to marine organisms and Scott Reef should Woodside’s proposed development, which includes a 900km pipeline, proceed.

The WA EPA could reverse its preliminary decision, and Woodside has sought additional time and talks with the agency, The Australian understands. An extension until September had been granted by the WA EPA, sources said.

While the preliminary ruling is a blow, Browse has for years struggled to gain momentum amid concerns about its hefty price tag, environmental opposition and difficulties in complying with Australia’s “Safeguard Mechanism” climate change ­ policy.

That pollution crackdown would be problematic for a project with higher carbon dioxide levels than rival developments. A Woodside spokeswoman confirmed the company remained in talks with the EPA.

“Browse is an important resource that could help address the shortfall of domestic gas in Western Australia forecast from the early 2030s and support energy security in Asia,” the spokeswoman said.

“Browse is aligned with the federal government’s Future Gas Strategy that acknowledges the pivotal role of natural gas in Australia to 2050 and beyond, to firm renewables and support the economy as Australia makes the transition to net zero emissions. We continue to work with relevant regulators to progress environmental approvals for Browse.”

Environmentalists including Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter hailed the preliminary ruling.

“These revelations today make clear what we’ve long known to be true – that Woodside’s disastrous Burrup Hub project, including its Browse site, is likely to be a disaster for our precious environment, our reefs and threatened species,” Mr Ritter said.

“It is impossible to drill a massive gas field while also protecting our oceans and our climate. The federal government is considering whether to approve this massive gas project that would risk irreversible harm, all for gas that will mostly be exported overseas and won’t come online until at least 2032.”

The WA EPA has said it intends to publish its final determination next year, and until September McIntosh said it still had an open mind.

“The independent EPA continues to assess the Woodside Energy Browse to North West Shelf development proposal, in the state assessment area. It is not appropriate to comment on any outcome until the assessment and appeals process are complete,” Mr McIntosh said.

“This environmental impact assessment has been lengthy because of the complexity and number of environmental factors across a sensitive project area as well as several amendments and revisions by the proponent.”

Even if the EPA confirms its opposition to Browse, Woodside could still win favour with federal and state governments. The WA Labor government has offered unwavering support to both the gas industry and Woodside, though the federal Labor government appears split.

WA-based federal Resources Minister Madeleine King is a strong supporter of gas, though Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has shown she will not endanger native wildlife in favour of fossil fuel projects.

A rejection would be a hammer blow to Woodside and Browse partners Shell, BP, Mitsubishi, Mitsui and PetroChina, which insist regional energy security depends on increasing LNG supplies.

Climate Council head of policy and advocacy Jennifer Rayner said the WA EPAhad only twice before rejected such a resource project.

“The answer couldn’t be clearer here: the Albanese government needs to say no to this mega-polluting project so our precious places are protected against further harm,” Ms Rayner said.