North West Shelf Project Extension

The NWS Project Extension allows existing gas resources to be developed without the need for constructing new processing facilities, provides ongoing employment and social investment in the region and supports the transition to a lower-carbon future.

A$42 billion
The project has paid over A$42 billion in royalties and excise
>6,000 petajoules
The project has contributed over 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas to Western Australia

QUESTION

Will extending the North West Shelf be harmful to Murujuga rock art?

FACT

Woodside takes seriously its responsibility to protect and manage cultural heritage. It takes the necessary steps to manage its impacts, including in response to credible new information.

Murujuga is one of Australia’s most culturally significant landscapes, recognised on the National Heritage List. In July 2025, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The latest findings from the State-led, independently peer-reviewed Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (MRAMP) build on earlier independent research and support the view that responsible operations, backed by science, Traditional Custodian leadership and collaboration, can help protect this unique heritage for future generations.

Woodside has taken proactive steps over many years, including emissions reductions, data sharing and ongoing support for MRAMP, to ensure we manage our impacts responsibly.

Woodside acknowledges that its approach to managing and protecting cultural heritage has improved over time. Cultural heritage impacts were managed differently in the past and those practices neither meet the standards that the company now sets itself nor do they reflect what the community expects today.

Today, Woodside's approach is informed by consultation with Traditional Custodians, industry best practice and expert advice. The company's policy is to avoid future damage or disturbance to cultural heritage and, if avoidance is not possible, to minimise and mitigate the impacts, in close consultation with Indigenous communities and Traditional Custodians.

Additional Facts

QUESTION

Will the North West Shelf Project contribute to the domestic gas supply and help to reduce household energy bills?

FACT

The North West Shelf Project is committed to meeting its domestic gas obligations.

Ongoing operations at the North West Shelf will support continued supply of domestic gas to Western Australia, which can help keep downward pressure on prices.

One of the best ways to drive down cost pressures on a sustained basis in any sector is to make new supply available.

Household energy bills are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including supply and demand dynamics, transportation costs, global influences, renewable energy integration and technological advancements.

Since commencing operations in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has supplied more than 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industry in Western Australia. If used just for household electricity, this amount of gas is enough to power homes in cities like Perth for approximately 175 years.

Woodside has been supplying reliable and affordable gas to Western Australia for more than 40 years and will continue to do so. Find out more here.

QUESTION

Has the North West Shelf Extension been subject to rigorous assessment?

FACT

The North West Shelf (NWS) Project Extension was subject to both State and federal environmental approval processes.

Woodside submitted the initial NWS Project Extension proposal to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for assessment in November 2018.

The EPA’s recommendation for approval with conditions was released in June 2022 and was then subject to the appeals process overseen by the Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC). The project supported the appeals process with various submissions and information provided to the OAC to support its investigation. On 26 November 2024, the appeal was finalised with the release of an appeals committee report and minister’s determination.

The State process completed with the issue of a ministerial statement in December 2024.

In accordance with statutory processes, the Australian Government provided federal approval on 12 September 2025.

QUESTION

Does the North West Shelf Project contribute taxes or royalties?

FACT

The North West Shelf Project has paid more than A$42 billion in royalties and excise since the start of production in 1984 (100% project basis).

Approximately A$18 billion has been delivered to the Western Australian Government.

QUESTION

Why do we need to extend the life of the North West Shelf Project?

FACT

Ongoing operation of the North West Shelf Project can support the continued supply of reliable energy locally and globally.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts that the Western Australian gas market will see an increase in consumption from 2028 and the risk of a supply gap developing from that time.

AEMO’s updated forecasts, reflecting the latest developments in the gas industry, reaffirm the critical role of gas in supplying Western Australia's energy needs, including to support the transition to net zero.

See AEMO's 2024 Western Australian Gas Statement of Opportunities report for more information.

Related facts

See all

North West Shelf Project Extension

QUESTION

FACT

Additional Facts

Related facts

Domestic gas supplied to Western Australia

Taxes paid and benefits to the Australian economy

The role of gas in Australia