Woodside Energy's gas drilling project off Western Australia's north-west coast has been labelled “unacceptable”.

WA’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has found Woodside’s multibillion-dollar plan poses threats to marine life and the surrounding environment.

The EPA's findings, which were disclosed through a freedom of information request by WAToday, highlight serious environmental concerns raised by scientists. 

The Browse liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, situated approximately 300 kilometres from the Kimberley coast, poses risks to Scott Reef, a coral ecosystem hosting over 1,500 unique species. 

These concerns include potential dangers to migrating whale species, the disruption of a beach where endangered turtles nest, and the catastrophic possibility of an oil spill in the pristine waters.

Woodside's proposal is part of Australia's largest untapped conventional gas field, involving drilling wells within 3 kilometres of the reef and transporting the gas 900 kilometres to the North West Shelf LNG processing plant in Karratha. 

This project is expected to produce 11.4 million tonnes of LNG annually and is a key component of Woodside's broader ‘Burrup Hub vision’, which also includes the Scarborough gas field and the expansion of the Pluto LNG facility.

While the EPA's position is not final, it sends a strong message. 

The EPA has only recommended against two out of 100 oil and gas projects since the mid-1980s. 

However, support for the project remains strong within the government. 

Premier Roger Cook has acknowledged the complexity of the Browse development but emphasised its importance to Western Australia's gas supply and its potential role in helping Asian partners decarbonise their economies. 

Environmental groups including Greenpeace Australia Pacific have urged the federal government to take definitive action. 

As the debate intensifies, Woodside maintains that the Browse project is essential for addressing an anticipated domestic gas shortfall in Western Australia by the early 2030s and for supporting energy security in Asia. 

The company continues to engage with regulators to secure the necessary environmental approvals.