Woodside Energy Group Ltd has secured a major regulatory boost for its proposed Browse to North West Shelf development after the Western Australian government declared the project a State Significant Project.
The designation gives Australia’s largest undeveloped offshore gas resource the highest level of priority under Western Australia’s approvals framework, signalling strong government support for accelerating new gas supply.
It follows a successful Federal Government move last week to prevent the disclosure of ministerial diary entries detailing meetings between Woodside and Environment Minister Murray Watt.
Priority status to streamline approvals
State Significant Project status is designed to improve coordination between government agencies and provide a clearer pathway through the approvals process.
The designation does not remove environmental assessment requirements or guarantee the project will proceed, but it is expected to reduce regulatory delays and improve certainty as Woodside seeks approval to develop Browse.
The proposed development would transport gas from the offshore Browse fields to the North West Shelf’s Karratha Gas Plant for processing.
Woodside said Browse could help maintain domestic gas supplies, extend the operating life of the Karratha facility and support thousands of jobs across Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
Major economic contribution forecast
Independent modelling commissioned by Woodside estimated the development could generate around A$141 billion in national economic output over its operating life.
The modelling also forecast approximately A$56 billion in taxes and royalties, strengthening the company’s argument that Browse would deliver significant economic and energy-security benefits.
Browse is regarded as one of Australia’s most strategically important undeveloped gas resources and could provide additional feedstock for the North West Shelf infrastructure as production from existing fields declines.
Gas development remains contentious
The State Government’s decision sets the stage for another high-profile contest over the future of Australia’s gas industry.
Environmental groups have strongly opposed Browse because of its potential greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts, while industry supporters argue new supply is needed to maintain domestic energy security and sustain LNG operations.
The project has become a focal point in the broader debate over how Australia balances emissions-reduction targets with the need for reliable and affordable energy.
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