Environment Minister Murray Watt will reveal the conditions for gas giant Woodside’s 40-year expansion as early as Friday as Pacific leaders meeting in Honiara call on Australia to dramatically cut its emissions to ensure their survival.

In May, Watt gave preliminary approval to Woodside Energy’s bid – comprising a vast network of offshore oil and gas infrastructure and the onshore gas-processing hub in Karratha – until 2070.

The announcement was cheered by the gas industry as recognition that the fuel will be needed for years to underpin Australia’s shift to renewables and the energy security of export partners in Asia.

But it was fiercely opposed by environmental groups. The Climate Council said the decision would lock in more than 4 billion tonnes of climate pollution – equivalent

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