Woodside Petroleum Limited
(ASX:WPL) has scored state government environmental approval for its controversial Browse liquefied natural gas (LNG) development in Western Australia.
The oil and gas producer plans to construct a $30 billion gas processing facility in the state’s Kimberley region with its joint venture partners, with a final investment decision expected next year.
WA’s state environment minister says he is satisfied the strictest environmental approvals process has been followed to ensure all issues have been addressed.
Conditions of the approval include the protection of marine life, the involvement of traditional owners and native title claimants and the requirement for environmental management consultation.
Green groups have not welcomed the assessment with The Wilderness Society slamming the process as a sham.
Woodside now plans to seek Federal Government approval to construct and operate the LNG processing facilities within the precinct.
Woodside Petroleum reported a net profit of $800 million in the first half of the 2012 financial year.
