Neighbours condemn Australia's decision to keep giant gas plant

Australia on May 28 approved a 40-year extension to a major liquefied gas plant, brushing off protests from Pacific island neighbours fearful it will inflame climate damage.

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approved an extension to keep it running until 2070.

In a statement, Mr Watt said he approved the extension "subject to strict conditions" designed to limit the impact of emissions.

Neighbouring Pacific islands, already seeing their coastlines eaten away by rising seas, had urged Australia to shut down the plant.

"Pacific leaders have made it clear — there is no future for our nations if fossil fuel expansion continues," said Tuvalu Climate Change Minister Maina Talia.