Woodside’s bid to extend the life of its North West Shelf gas project until 2070 has been given the green light.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt today approved the massive development near Indigenous rock art, but with strict conditions.

The decision ends almost seven years of approvals processes and a bid for ancient rock art in the region to be given World Heritage status. 

The WA Greens said the approval was “quicker than what Peter Dutton was doing” but Labor Premier Roger Cook defended the move.

“The science is the science,” he said.

“We can adequately manage the cultural heritage issues in that region.”

If the Woodside project progresses, it paves the way to drill the nearby Browse Basin, Australia’s largest untapped gas field.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society condemned the approval, warning it would open the door to drilling at Scott Reef.

“This unfortunate decision opens the door for extensive pollution from fossil gas extracted from the Browse Basin to be processed at the NWS, placing Scott Reef in direct jeopardy,” stated chief executive Paul Gamblin.

“Scott Reef is a remote and globally vital coral ecosystem that has stayed largely unspoiled. Sanctioning a project that threatens to industrialise its waters is irresponsible, shortsighted, and profoundly alarming.”