Climate and rock art groups challenge Woodside's WA gas project in federal court

Australia's federal court is now hearing a legal challenge against the approval of one of the world's largest gas projects. This case is seen as a crucial test of how the country's environmental laws handle the climate crisis. The decision to approve the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas export project is being opposed by two environmental organisations: the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Friends of Australian Rock Art (Fara).

The environment minister, Murray Watt, gave his approval for the project last year. This decision caused significant anger among conservationists and the Green party. The approval allows Woodside's gas processing plant in Karratha to continue operating until 2070. Critics have labelled the project a 'carbon bomb', estimating it could release around 4 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is roughly equivalent to Australia's total emissions for a decade.

The gas plant is located near the Murujuga Indigenous rock art site, an area containing over a million ancient carvings. Some of these carvings, known as petroglyphs, are believed to be as old as 50,000 years, including what is thought to be the oldest known depiction of a human face. The project's operations and potential pollution are a serious concern for the preservation of this significant cultural heritage.

A significant development in the case is that a UN special rapporteur has been allowed to provide advice to the court regarding Australia's international climate responsibilities. Supporters from Fara and ACF gathered outside the court in Melbourne, highlighting the importance of the case. They are arguing that the minister made an incorrect decision by not fully considering the severe climate change impacts.

The ACF's main argument is that the minister did not adequately assess how the emissions from the gas plant could be a substantial reason for damage to Australia's protected environment. Furthermore, the conservation group contends that the minister lacked sufficient detailed information about the type of gas the plant would process, especially since it would include gas from future projects not yet approved.

Both ACF and Fara are also challenging the economic benefits claimed for the gas plant. Fara, in particular, argues that industrial pollution from the plant is already causing the ancient rock carvings to erode. They believe extending the project will significantly worsen this damage. Although government-funded studies have largely downplayed these concerns, some scientists remain unconvinced about the safety of the site.

In his official statement regarding the approval, Minister Watt acknowledged advice that future pollution from the North West Shelf liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility could lead to the degradation and damage of the area's natural heritage. Fara had also requested details about meetings between the minister and Woodside during the negotiation of the project's conditions, but this request was denied by the court. Fara maintains that the minister did not properly recognise the risks the project poses to the rock art.