Public consultation reopened over Woodside's Browse gas plan in wake of modificationsCBy Cason HoTopic:Mining Environmental Issues1h ago1 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 9:24pmWoodside has altered its Browse plans to no longer overlap parts of the heritage-listed Scott Reef. (Supplied: Alex Westover/Greenpeace)In short:WA's Environmental Protection Agency is reopening public consultation on Woodside's Browse joint venture after the company made significant changes to its proposal.The EPA says it is unusual for it to take such a step but the considerable amount of information that have come with the amendments means it is warranted. What's next?The public comment period is expected to be open for about four weeks.abc.net.au/news/woodside-amends-contentious-gas-extension-plans-wa/105284060Link copiedShareShare articleWestern Australia's environmental watchdog has taken the unusual step of reopening public consultation to Woodside's $30 billion Browse joint venture project.Browse is Australia's largest untapped conventional gas resource, which Woodside is hoping to develop.The energy giant has made an application to WA's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to make significant changes to its proposal.The changes include reducing the size of the development to no longer overlap parts of the heritage-listed Scott Reef.Scott Reef is home to hundreds of species of fish and thousands of invertebrates. (Supplied: Wendy Scott/Greenpeace)The site has been a point of concern for environmental groups, which have argued the project would threaten endangered species and have potentially catastrophic consequences for the reef's diverse marine life.'Not usual process'In a statement, EPA chair Darren Walsh said the considerable amount of information that had come with Woodside's proposed amendments warranted more public consultation."Public consultation on a proposed amendment is not usual process for the EPA, but we believe that in this case the circumstances warrant it," Mr Walsh said."We think a four-week public review of this latest proposed amendment is appropriate for such a complex assessment of multiple environmental factors across a very sensitive project area."A green sea turtle near Sandy Islet in the Scott Reef area. (Supplied: Alex Westover/Greenpeace)Woodside has also proposed relocating its drilling units to avoid green turtle habitats, and adopting new technology to minimise the risk of a catastrophic well blowout.'Fundamental risk' remainsConservation Council WA campaigns director Mia Peppers said while the changes may seem like a "win" for climate and environmental groups, the fundamental risk of the project was unchanged."For us when you look at the detail, it looks to us like tinkering around the edges of a project that fundamentally poses unacceptable threats to nature," she told ABC Radio Perth."Kind of like a property developer asking for a 20-storey high rise and then dropping it down to something that's more palatable, like eight storeys."Ms Peppers said the area of Woodside's proposed Browse development was an "absolute haven of wildlife"."It's just rich, dense with biodiversity, but it's also existed and formed in isolation from a lot of other systems so it's got unique populations, particularly with green sea turtles, the dusky sea snake," she said.Scott Reef might be one of the last strongholds of the dusky sea snake. (Supplied: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development/Gabby Mitsopoulos)Woodside shrugged off backlash from its investors at its annual general meeting last week, after shareholders hit the company with a protest vote accusing the board of falling short on environmental action.The company's sustainability chair Ann Pickard saw a 20 per cent vote against her reappointment, which is the second-worst vote against a Woodside director on record, according to the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility.Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill has consistently argued gas is a "natural partner for renewables" in the world's transition to cleaner energy.Woodside Energy CEO Meg O'Neill argues gas is a natural partner for renewables. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)Amendments demonstrate 'commitment'In a statement, a Woodside spokesperson said the company's proposed amendments demonstrated its commitment to "industry best practice environmental measures"."This work has informed the amendments to the proposal, which demonstrate our commitment to further avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts from the proposed development," the spokesperson said.The Browse project relies on the approval of the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf project. (ABC Pilbara: Charlie Mclean)"The Browse Project is important to Western Australia and the Asia Pacific to help meet growing energy demand, while supporting the decarbonisation of economies."Woodside's requested amendments come after the EPA reportedly sent a letter to the company in February 2024 with a preliminary view the company's proposal was "unacceptable".Labor's decision on future of gas comes with risksPhoto shows Protesters with a giant puppet representing WA Premier Roger Cook, dressed as a cook with 'Roger the cook' on his apron.Labor is facing pressure from all sides as the deadline for a decision on the extension of Woodside Energy's North West Shelf looms. The Browse project relies on the approval of the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf project, which was repeatedly delayed by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek ahead of the federal election.Under the current deadline, Murray Watt, who has been appointed as the new federal environment minister in Anthony Albanese's new cabinet, will need to make a decision about the extension by May 31.Labor had huge triumphs at both state and federal elections this year — with both levels of government arguing gas plays an important role in the transition to net zero.LoadingPosted 1h ago1 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 9:24pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesChild safety staff looking for missing 14yo did 'safety' check with child sex abuserTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows Saachi at the beach.Liberal leadership race goes down to the wire as Nats weigh net zeroTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows Sussan Ley, David Littleproud, Angus Taylor, Peter Dutton QT 20221027_041653670_iOSAlbanese shifts Plibersek from environment in favour of 'can-do' WattMAnalysis by Michelle GrattanPhoto shows anthony albanese points towards reporters outside parliament house in canberraWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPhoto shows A man walks past two terrace housesPM's new ministry to be sworn in, Chalmers admits frontbench dumping 'messy'LIVEPhoto shows A close-up of Jim Chalmers in front of a black background. 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