Australia’s Approval of Woodside’s North West Shelf Gas Extension is a Betrayal of the Pacific

[SUVA, 29 May 2025] — The Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) strongly condemns the Australian Government’s approval of the extension of the Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project—Australia’s largest gas development—granting it permission to operate until 2070. The decision comes just weeks after the Albanese Government was re-elected on promises of real climate action, and ahead of a pending decision on Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 alongside Pacific nations.

The life extension of the North West Shelf project is expected to generate more than 4.3 billion tonnes of carbon emissions—more than the combined annual emissions of all Pacific Island countries for over 200 years. If the North West Shelf were a country, it would rank as the 61st most polluting globally, emitting more than New Zealand.

Rufino Varea, Director of PICAN, said:

“This decision is a political betrayal. Pacific nations are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. While our communities are working to build a fossil fuel-free Pacific, Australia continues to double down on the very industries that threaten our future.

The Albanese Government was re-elected with strong support from Pacific diaspora communities in Australia who mobilised around the promise of real climate action. To turn around and approve a project of this scale just two weeks later shows how far removed that promise is from policy reality.

With a decision on COP31 still pending, we invite Pacific governments to critically reflect on Australia’s bid and demand safeguards. We cannot hand over permission for the Pacific to be used as a climate shield by a government actively worsening the climate crisis. If Australia wants to stand with the Pacific, it must walk the talk.”

Richard Gokrun, Executive Director, Tuvalu Climate Action Network, says:

“This decision is a slap in the face. We share our stories and struggles, we build relationships based on solidarity—and then we are met with silence as Australia sides with gas giants instead of the Pacific.”

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, says:

“Australia’s approval of the extension of the North West Shelf climate destroying project is a clear abandonment of the Pacific. While rising seas swallow our shores and climate impacts grow more severe, the Australian government chooses to expand the very industries driving this crisis. This is not climate leadership — it is complicity, packaged as economic pragmatism. As COP31 approaches, how can the world place its trust in a host that licenses destruction while claiming to chart a path toward a sustainable future? The Pacific has long called for courage, not convenience — for action rooted in respect, justice, and truth. We will not be silent while our future is traded for fossil fuel profits.”

Eparama Qerewaqa, Coordinator of the Alliance for Future Generations Fiji, says:

“This is policy failure at best and moral failure at worst. Australia cannot claim regional solidarity on one hand and expand gas on the other. The North West Shelf extension is a death sentence for the futures we are fighting for. COP31 must reflect real partnership, and that begins with rejecting fossil fuel expansion, not enabling it.”

PICAN calls on Pacific governments to stand firm in demanding climate action that reflects the scale of the crisis and centres frontline realities, not fossil fuel interests.

ENDS

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About PICAN

PICAN is a regional alliance of 190+ non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, social movements and not-for-profit organisations from the Pacific Islands region working on various aspects of climate change, disaster risk and response and sustainable development.

Media Contact:

Dylan Kava, Strategic Engagement and Communications Lead, PICAN

dylan.kava@pican.org | +679 9061989 [WhatsApp/Signal] (Manila / GMT+8)