Two Greenpeace activists have been charged following a protest at Woodside Energy’s Scarborough offshore gas project in Western Australia, bringing a new legal development in the ongoing dispute over fossil fuel expansion and environmental protection.

Authorities said the two men, aged 48 and 52, were charged with interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations. The alleged offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Both men were due to appear before Karratha Magistrates Court on 19 October 2026.

The charges follow a protest that began on Saturday morning, 17 October, when Greenpeace activists travelled by boat to the offshore gas platform. The installation is located approximately 200 kilometres off Western Australia’s coast and forms part of Woodside’s multibillion-dollar Scarborough gas project.

Footage released by Greenpeace showed activists climbing the platform and unfurling a large banner reading “Stop Woodside’s Dirty Gas” and “Save Scott Reef”. The demonstration was intended to draw attention to environmental concerns surrounding proposed gas developments, including the planned Browse project near Scott Reef.

According to information released by authorities, four activists travelled to the platform during the operation. Two reportedly established temporary hanging tents on the structure and remained there overnight. Specially trained police subsequently reached the installation by helicopter, and the activists were taken into custody on Sunday.

The protest disrupted work at the Scarborough project. Woodside confirmed that pre-commissioning activities on its floating production unit had been paused following the unauthorised access, in accordance with safety procedures.

Woodside criticised the demonstration, saying the activists’ actions created safety risks for themselves and workers and required a significant response from authorities. The company maintains that the protest interfered with its operations and caused avoidable disruption.

Greenpeace, meanwhile, said its campaign was driven by concerns about the environmental consequences of expanding offshore gas production. The organisation has argued that the proposed Browse development could threaten Scott Reef, an important marine ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife, including endangered pygmy blue whales.

The Browse project has become a major point of contention between environmental campaigners and the energy industry. Supporters of gas development emphasise its potential economic value and contribution to energy supplies, while opponents warn about emissions, marine impacts and the long-term consequences of continued fossil fuel investment.

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King condemned the protest and described the actions as reckless. Environmental campaigners rejected that assessment, arguing that stronger public action was needed to draw attention to the risks associated with new gas projects.

Authorities said the investigation into the offshore incident was continuing. The charges against the two activists remain allegations, and the court process will determine the legal outcome.

The case highlights the continuing conflict between Australia's offshore energy industry and environmental groups seeking to prevent further fossil fuel expansion.