Almost exactly one year since the case was launched, our judicial review over Woodside’s huge Scarborough gas project is heading to court in Perth.

 The project is located on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga). An area rich with unique wildlife and cultural history, it is currently on the tentative World-Heritage list.

On behalf of the Conservation Council of WA we’ll be arguing changes to approvals for a Burrup Hub gas facility were made unlawfully, without a full assessment of their impacts on our climate.

These changes mean the facility is now approved to process unlimited quantities of gas overall, helping unlock a major basin off the coast of Western Australia which would send Australia’s emissions skyrocketing.

We will argue the WA state government unlawfully approved these changes without a full assessment, leaving Australians in the dark about potentially devastating impacts on our climate, communities, coral reefs, and native species.

Tim Macknay, Managing Lawyer at the EDO, said: “Australians deserve clarity and transparency for the developments that their governments approve. 

“Approvals and subsequent changes to those approvals should not simply be rubber stamped – especially where those decisions could have a massive impact on the lives of everyday Australians in the not-too distant future. 

“Our client (CCWA) will argue that the Minister’s delegate made an error by not applying a high enough test in deciding whether these changes might have environmental effects which required further assessment. 

“In short, this case is simply about ensuring that projects are properly assessed for their environmental impacts and that government ministers and statutory bodies follow correct process.” 

The case, which is before his Honour Justice Jeremy Allanson, is scheduled for the 20, 21 and 22 of December. A decision is expected next year. 

Across Australia, communities like this are on the front line, defending their homes and our future against the impacts of climate change. 

You can help them by donating to our Environmental Defence Fund.

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Legal Briefing: Independent Review of WA Environmental Approvals Processes and Procedures 

1 day ago — In late October 2023, the Western Australian Government commissioned Dr Paul Vogel and Mr David McFerran to undertake a “short, sharp review” of environmental approvals processes and procedures in WA. The Government’s response to the recommendations of the Review was published on 12 December 2023. The substantive report of the review has not been made available to the public. 

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