Woodside Energy controversies

Burrup Peninsula heritage and consent dispute

Traditional Owners and heritage advocates continued to dispute whether consent had been obtained for the original North West Shelf construction and its proposed extension, while criticizing impacts on Murujuga rock art and Woodside’s commitments concerning Indigenous rights.

Northern Endeavour decommissioning controversy

Woodside continued to face criticism over the 2016 sale of the Northern Endeavour to a company that later collapsed, leaving the Australian Government exposed to decommissioning responsibilities.

Environmental groups oppose Woodside's Scarborough project

Public backlash

In November 2021, a coalition of environmental organisations opposed Woodside Petroleum's decision to proceed with the Scarborough LNG project. The groups stated that they would step up pressure on the company's investors and financiers, amid a legal challenge seeking to halt the project. The opposition was reported in connection with the project's advancement.

Decommissioning and artificial-reef proposal criticism

Woodside faced criticism over a proposal to leave equipment and plastic associated with the Echo-Yodel field on the seabed under an artificial-reef rationale, as well as disputes over public support for decommissioning-related work.

Lobbying over Western Australian climate guidelines

Woodside led lobbying against proposed Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority climate-protection guidelines. The effort was condemned by corporate-accountability campaigners.

Vincent oil spill disclosure controversy

A 10,500-litre oil spill offshore Western Australia continued for approximately two months before becoming publicly known, prompting criticism of Woodside’s monitoring and disclosure practices.

Underpayment allegations involving offshore workers

Authorities investigated claims that foreign workers on North West Shelf rigs had been paid very low rates. Allegations were later heard in the Federal Court of Western Australia.

Mauritania contract and corruption allegations

Mauritanian authorities criticized amendments to an oil contract associated with Woodside’s Chinguetti project, alleging that they were outside normal legal procedures and disadvantageous to the country. The Australian Federal Police investigated allegations of bribery and corruption.