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Australian EPA Rejects Woodside’s Browse Basin Gas Drilling Plan Citing Environmental Concerns

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Nicholas Vincent is a passionate environmentalist and freelance writer. He is deeply committed to promoting... Read More

Woodside office building in Perth, Australia

In a significant development, Woodside Energy’s ambitious plan to tap into the Browse basin for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has been met with resistance from Western Australia’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The authority has labeled the multi-billion-dollar project as “unacceptable” due to the potential threats it poses to the marine ecosystem around Scott Reef.

The EPA’s decision emerged from a freedom of information request initiated by WAToday. This came after several scientists warned about the environmental damage the project could cause, particularly to a coral reef ecosystem hosting over 1,500 species. Among the concerns raised were the risks to migrating whale species, threats to endangered turtles’ nesting beaches, and the looming danger of an oil spill in these pristine waters.

Woodside’s proposal includes drilling near the reef and establishing a pipeline stretching 900km to the North West Shelf LNG processing plant in Karratha. The plan, if realized, is expected to produce 11.4 million tonnes of LNG annually.

This project is part of a broader initiative known as the “Burrup Hub vision,” which also encompasses the development of the Scarborough gas field and the expansion of the Pluto LNG facility. These expansions are viewed by analysts as potentially significant contributors to global heating if they proceed.

Despite Support from some state and federal Labor government officials, the EPA’s stance presents a major hurdle. The authority’s preliminary findings could influence future approvals under state and national environmental laws. Although the EPA’s position is not final—Woodside will have an opportunity to respond—the initial recommendation holds considerable weight.

Environmental groups have applauded the EPA’s stance. The Conservation Council of Western Australia and Greenpeace Australia Pacific have both highlighted the detrimental impact the project could have on the environment, urging the government to heed the EPA’s advice.

The federal and state government’s decisions in the coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of the Browse Basin project. They face the challenge of balancing economic and energy considerations with the need to protect vulnerable ecosystems and adhere to environmental standards. The outcome will not only influence local environmental strategies but also set a precedent for how Australia handles large-scale industrial projects in sensitive areas.

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