Environment Minister Murray Watt has confirmed he expects to deliver a final ruling on the North West Shelf gas project before the end of May.
Speaking with ABC Radio, Senator Watt acknowledged the lengthy approval process and said a resolution was now due. “That’s certainly my intention. I recognise that this project has been going through an approval process for quite some time and I think all parties want to see a resolution,” he said.
The development has faced staunch opposition from environmental organisations and the Greens. The decision had previously been delayed under former minister Tanya Plibersek.
Watt noted the divisiveness of the proposal and the nature of his ministerial role: “Of course, there’s really strong views on either side of this debate, and I can guarantee you that whatever decision I make, there’ll be some people who’ll be unhappy. That’s the nature of the work that I’ll be doing in this portfolio.”
He added: “But it is my intention to stick to the current deadline of May 31. I have had some preliminary briefings from my department about this last week. I’ll be expecting some more formal briefings in the next few days, so that I’ve got plenty of time to work through them and make that decision.”
Separately, the minister said he would soon meet with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook to discuss the state’s proposed cultural heritage reforms, describing Cook as “no shrinking violet”.