WOODSIDE CEO Meg O’Neil has acknowledged clearing the final hurdle of its Scarborough Offshore Facility, giving the controversial LNG project the go-ahead.
The Federal Court’s decision confirming the validity of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority’s acceptance of the Scarborough Offshore Facility and Trunkline (Operations) Environment Plan (Scarborough Operations EP) was the final Commonwealth environmental approval required for Woodside to connect, commission and operate the Scarborough floating production unit.
In a Woodside media release Ms O’Neill highlighted the project’s progress and impact.
“This outcome reinforces confidence in progressing the Scarborough Energy Project, which is generating thousands of jobs during the construction phase and creating significant supply chain opportunities. The project is expected to contribute more than $50 billion in direct and indirect taxes to Australia’s economy,” Ms O’Neil said.
“Scarborough is expected to be one of the lowest carbon intensity sources of LNG delivered into north Asian markets, providing reliable energy to the region while also supporting local energy security through critical domestic gas supply.”
The Scarborough Energy Project, 375 kilometres off WA’s Pilbara coast, is one of Australia’s most significant LNG developments.
It comprises the Scarborough gas field, construction of Pluto Train 2, modifications to the existing Pluto Train 1 and the Integrated Remote Operations Centre. It is set to produce up to 8 million tonnes of LNG per year and contribute up to 225 terajoules per day of domestic gas supply into the Western Australian market.
Construction began in 2022, and in 2023, Perdaman signed a 20-year offtake agreement for its urea plant, WA’s first major downstream gas development in 20 years.
Environmental scrutiny intensified from 2024, with criticism over impacts to Scott Reef and marine biodiversity.
Public backlash included more than 17,700 submissions during EPA consultation on Browse amendments which the EPA accepted, hasn’t quieted groups like Doctors for the Environment Australia which challenged the approval, citing climate and health risks, but the court dismissed their case.
While the regulatory path is clear, public scrutiny and environmental advocacy will likely continue.
As of 30 June 2025, the project was already 86% complete (excluding Pluto Train 1 modifications), and Woodside is targeting first LNG cargo in the second half of 2026.