WA Premier Roger Cook declares North West Shelf gas ‘crucial’ and urges no more delays

Roger Cook has declared “gas is crucial” to WA’s future and urged the Albanese Government not to delay a controversial decision on the North West Shelf a third time, after it was pushed back until after the Federal election.

A second extension to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s deadline, until May 31, was confirmed on Budget day, sparking anger from the Opposition that accused Labor of “cynical political manipulation”.

The State Government approved Woodside’s proposal for a 50-year project extension in mid-December, after a six-year process.

“We look forward to the Federal process concluding promptly after the Federal election,” the Premier said on Wednesday.

“Gas is critical to meeting the energy needs of Western Australia, which has both the strongest economy in the nation and the fastest growing population in the nation.

“Gas is crucial to supporting renewables in our clean energy transition, which includes exiting coal ahead of any other Australian State.”

Nationals Leader Shane Love called the latest delay a “gutless betrayal” of WA’s economic future.

The West Australian understands Ms Plibersek is waiting for a brief from her department.

Her office wouldn’t offer further explanation on Wednesday, when asked why it was delayed.

“The Department has advised they require more time,” a spokeswoman said.

“All projects follow the process as set out by the law put in place by John Howard’s Government.”

Treasurer Rita Saffioti wouldn’t be drawn on the timing of the announcement ahead of a Federal election that could be announced this weekend, with polls tipping a minority Government that would force Labor to negotiate with the Greens.

“Other people can make that commentary,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

“We want a decision as soon as possible to to support investment certainty in Western Australia.”

Woodside called the delay “extremely disappointing” and industry groups warned it could damage the State’s reputation.

“Protracted assessment timelines and successive delays to major project decisions are damaging to both Australia’s energy security and our credibility as an investment destination,” Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson said.

“Rigorous environmental assessments are important, but so is providing business with certainty and the confidence to invest.”

Woodside wants environmental approval to run the LNG export plant at Karratha until 2070, but waited six years for the State Government to give the green light.

Traditional owners are backing the latest delay and said on Wednesday that a final decision should not be rushed.

“The North West Shelf extension is one of the biggest cultural heritage decisions in Australia,” Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper said.

“Murujuga is such a special place and it is really unbelievable to me that Woodside are allowed to destroy it. Murujuga is my country and it holds my songlines, the rock art is sacred.”

The late handover of a State Government report into Indigenous rock art was blamed for the previous delay, but Australian Energy Producers questioned the need for another extension.

“There is simply no justification for further regulatory delays,” chief executive Samantha McCulloch said.

“This is another disappointing example of the open ended and uncertain approval processes that are driving away investment and damaging Australia’s reputation as a stable, predictable country to do business.”