The Pluto discovery, made less than a year ago, is expected to produce between five and seven million tonnes of liquified natural gas a year for 15 years.

Woodside received backing from both the state and federal governments to fast-track the development and already has a buyer for the LNG - Tokyo Gas, which has taken 5% equity in the project.Woodside holds the remainder.

The site selected for the processing plant must receive environmental approval from the state government before construction can begin.