Australia Fossil Fuel Project License Extension
- The Australian government's preliminary approval of the North West Shelf Project, the nation's largest liquefied natural gas plant, to operate until 2070 has ignited controversy.
- Central to the dispute is Murujuga, the area surrounding the plant.
- Concerns are mounting that air pollution from the North West Shelf Project is already harming these irreplaceable petroglyphs, some dating back 50,000 years.
The Australian government’s recent approval of the north West Shelf Project extension, allowing operations untill 2070, has sparked major controversy. This fossil fuel project, Australia‘s largest liquefied natural gas plant, faces considerable opposition centered on the protection of Murujuga rock carvings and Indigenous rights. These ancient petroglyphs, some dating back 50,000 years, are threatened by industrial air pollution, igniting a debate about cultural preservation versus economic interests. The extension also raises serious climate concerns, with projected annual emissions equivalent to 12 coal plants; scientists are urging rapid fossil fuel phase-out. Legal action from Indigenous custodians is underway. For more insights, News Directory 3 has coverage on this top story. Discover what’s next in this evolving situation.
Australia’s Fossil Fuel Project Sparks Indigenous Rights Debate
Updated June 4, 2025
The Australian government’s preliminary approval of the North West Shelf Project, the nation’s largest liquefied natural gas plant, to operate until 2070 has ignited controversy. Located on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia, the fossil fuel project faces strong opposition from Indigenous activists, and also climate and human rights organizations.
Central to the dispute is Murujuga, the area surrounding the plant. It holds immense cultural significance for Indigenous communities, boasting over 1 million ancient rock carvings, or petroglyphs.The Save Our Songlines campaign describes Murujuga as a sacred site, with the petroglyphs holding the weight of holy scriptures.
Concerns are mounting that air pollution from the North West Shelf Project is already harming these irreplaceable petroglyphs, some dating back 50,000 years. These carvings include what is believed to be the world’s oldest depiction of human faces. UNESCO previously declined Australia’s request to list Murujuga as a World Heritage site, citing worries about industrial emissions damaging the rock art.
Benjamin Smith, a petroglyph expert, warned that continued pollution could lead to the complete loss of the rock art. He accused the state government of misrepresenting evidence linking the Burrup gas plant’s pollution to the damage.
Beyond cultural concerns, extending the project raises alarms about the climate crisis. As one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, Australia faces pressure to reduce emissions. Scientists have urged a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Australia Institute estimates the project’s extension will release 90 million tons of emissions annually, equivalent to the output of 12 Australian coal power stations.
Raelene Cooper, a Mardudhunera woman and Murujuga customary custodian, has launched legal action in federal court, seeking to compel the government to protect the rock art.
What’s next
the legal challenge and continued advocacy efforts by Indigenous groups suggest the fight against the North West Shelf Project is far from over. The courts will now weigh arguments about cultural preservation against economic interests, while the global community watches how Australia balances fossil fuel exports with climate commitments.