Newly appointed Environment Minister Murray Watt has granted preliminary approval for Woodside to extend the operation of the significant North West Shelf gas project until 2070, despite a lengthy approval process and prior delays. This decision, made with strict conditions to mitigate air emissions affecting the ancient Murujuga rock art, comes amidst strong opposition from environmental groups and some Indigenous representatives. Furthermore, a draft UNESCO decision citing damaging emissions impacted a bid for the Murujuga site to gain World Heritage status. The Prime Minister has previously indicated the necessity of gas for stabilizing the energy grid alongside renewable expansion.