ACF has commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court to challenge Environment Minister Murray Watt’s decision to approve the expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas hub. ACF and its legal team, Environment Justice Australia will argue:– The Minister wrongly considered the economic benefits of the unapproved Browse gas project in his Statement of Reasons ...
Australian Conservation Foundation
Litigating against the Federal Environment Minister!
GOAL
$150,000
Australia > National / Multi-state > Regional
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
- General population
Australian Conservation Foundation
We are the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Australia’s national environment organisation.
Since 1965, we’ve protected the nature we all love – our unique wildlife and our beautiful beaches and bush.
Driven by the power of people, we won World Heritage listing for the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu National Park, and returned precious water to the rivers of the Murray-Darling. We influence governments and businesses to protect the animals, rivers and reefs close to our hearts and hold decision-makers to account without fear or favour. Everything we do is evidence-based and helps nature and people thrive for generations to come. We won’t give up until Australia’s nature is protected and regenerated.
Project Summary
ACF has commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court to challenge Environment Minister Murray Watt’s decision to approve the expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas hub.
ACF and its legal team, Environment Justice Australia will argue:
– The Minister wrongly considered the economic benefits of the unapproved Browse gas project in his Statement of Reasons for approving the NW Shelf extension.
– The approval left out critical details. The Minister gave the green light without knowing the details of the gas project process and what pollution it will cause.
– The Minister failed to consider the physical effects of climate change as an ‘impact’.
Research released by ACF in 2024 shows lifetime emissions from the gas hub would be more than 13 times Australia’s annual
emissions from all sources. That pollution will contribute to destroying nature, culture and communities. Under the terms of the approval, Woodside’s gas hub on the Burrup Peninsula can keep polluting until 2070, unleashing 4 billion tonnes of climate pollution. This is unacceptable.
We are taking on this case because we are Australia’s national environment group, and have the talented and courageous staff, highly motivated and determined community and the resources required to take on the most polluting gas project in the Southern Hemisphere.
We are seeking critical funding to support this nationally significant court case. By funding our legal action, you become part of a growing movement to protect nature, climate and culture through the rule of law.
Project Outcomes
Winning cases or even progressing them through the courts has tangible benefits for nature and climate. When destructive fossil
fuel projects are stopped, it prevents millions of tonnes of carbon pollution, safeguards critical habitats, and preserves water sources
and ecosystems already under pressure. Legal victories also create ripple effects: they raise the bar for future project assessments, deter environmentally harmful proposals, and strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws. Each successful case helps shift the legal and political landscape toward stronger protections for the places and species we love.
Please note that due to the uncertainty of legal proceedings we are not able to provide an accurate cost of this project, however the following is an estimated figure.
While your gift is designated towards this legal battle, if designated funds exceed our case requirements, we may direct your funds towards other urgent initiatives to support nature and climate.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $300,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap | $150,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expenses for court case | $150,000 |
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