Final decision on North West Shelf extension will come as early as Friday from Minister Murray Watt

The Albanese Government will make a final decision on the future of a resources giant’s massive North West Shelf gas project as soon as Friday.

Environment Minister Murray Watt The Federal minister has given notice to Murujuga traditional owner Raelene Cooper of the imminent decision over the Woodside proposal, in line with a court order relating to a challenge she has made around protecting Indigenous rock art in the area.

Senator Watt gave conditional approval in May to extend the life of the gas processing plant out to 2070.

The company and the Government have been in negotiations over multiple aspects of those conditions in the months since, in a process that was more protracted than anticipated.

“As required by the Federal Court, I notified the applicant that I intend to make a final decision on the North West Shelf Project Extension on or after 12 September,” Senator Watt said on Wednesday.

“This is the next step in the process under the EPBC Act, following my proposed decision to approve the project with strict conditions in May.”

Woodside would not comment.

Ms Cooper said it was clear her legal actions had contributed to the delay in the North West Shelf decision.

“The Minister has still not paid us the respect of coming to Murujuga to meet with the custodians of this place and see the incredible Murujuga rock art and the destruction it faces with his own eyes,” she said.